The Ageless Warrior Lab

Burton Richardson is a Black Belt Hall of Fame martial artist with over four decades of training. He's an instructor under Dan Inosanto in Jeet Kune Do and Filipino Kali, trained in Zulu stick fighting in South Africa, an original Dog Brothers member, and has coached top MMA fighters. We discuss his evolution from teaching everything to focusing only on pressure-tested techniques. Burton shar...

In this episode, I sit down with Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry, son of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry and CEO of Roddenberry Entertainment. Rod is an executive producer on many current Star Trek iterations and founder of the Roddenberry Foundation, which supports causes advancing humanity. We discuss Rod's formative years training Jiujitsu under my good friend Sensei Steve Copping in...

In this episode, I sit down with Cesar Gracie, one of the most influential figures in bringing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the United States. Cesar is the grandson of Carlos Gracie, founder of the Gracie system, and built the legendary Gracie Fighter Team in Northern California, coaching UFC stars including Nick Diaz, Nate Diaz, Gilbert Melendez, Jake Shields, Dave Terrell, and BJ Penn. We discuss how...

What really works in what's called "the street"? After decades of martial arts training, I can tell you this: most people who think they're prepared for a real fight may be mistaken. In this episode, I break down the truth about street fighting versus sport training. This isn't about forms or point sparring—it's about the six critical variables that can shape a fight:...

In this episode, I sit down with Professor Caio Terra, a BJJ black belt and one of the most accomplished competitors and coaches in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu history. Caio is a multiple-time world champion who competed at rooster weight—the smallest division—yet regularly defeated opponents in the absolute (open weight) division, sometimes facing competitors literally twice his size. He received his bla...

After 30+ years as a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, I recently received my coral belt (7th degree). People keep asking me the same question: How have I stayed in the sport this long without getting sidelined? The answer isn't luck—it's strategy. In this episode, I break down the exact framework I've used to train for decades while minimizing injury. This isn't about avoidin...

In this episode, I sit down with David Mitchell, a BJJ black belt and one of the most dangerous submission artists in Masters competition today. David is ranked #1 in the world for Master 2 No-Gi by IBJJF, has won around 85% of his matches with a 90% submission rate, and recently released his instructional "Ankle Locks Don't Work, and Other Lies" with BJJ Fanatics. Beyond the mats,...

In this episode, I sit down with Professor John Will, one of Australia's most legendary martial artists and the person who brought Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the continent. John is now a coral belt in BJJ, was the first Australian to earn a black belt in the art, and has over 45 years of teaching experience with everyone from beginners to elite military units, including the Australian Defense For...

Frank Shamrock joins Dave Meyer for a deep, honest conversation about martial arts, MMA, mindset, and the life experiences that shaped one of the most well-rounded fighters of his era. Frank shares his path from a difficult childhood and time in the system to discovering martial arts, training in Japan, and ultimately becoming a UFC champion. This episode goes beyond fight stories, Frank breaks do...

In this episode, I sit down with Coach Krissa Hjartar, a 5-time Icelandic National Judo Champion, IBJJF No-Gi World Champion, and American National Champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Krissa shares her incredible journey from training in a small Icelandic town to competing at the highest levels of grappling. We discuss her expertise in leg locks and takedowns, the unique challenges and advantages wom...

Many years ago, I sat across from a martial arts "master" who claimed his punch could burst someone's aorta. That moment taught me everything I needed to know about unchecked ego, and it's a lesson that extends far beyond the dojo. In this episode, I share 35+ years of martial arts wisdom about ego: what it is, why it's dangerous, when it's useful, and most importantl...

Many people don't fail because they're mentally weak, they fail because they're mentally rigid. In this episode, I explore one of the most powerful skills I've learned from decades of martial arts training: the power of adapting. Whether you're in a BJJ match, running a business, or facing life's unexpected challenges, your ability to adapt determines your success. Ke...

🥋 In this episode, Dave Meyer sits down with Professor Bob Bass—the SECOND non-Brazilian to ever receive a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (1995) making him one of the BJJ Dirty Dozen, and one of the first non-Brazilians to be awarded the prestigious Coral Belt (7th degree black belt) (2024), making him one of the elite “BJJ Gang of Eight”. Bob shares stories from the earliest days of BJJ in Am...

Are you thinking about entering your first competition? Or struggling with competition anxiety? In this episode, we dive deep into the psychology of competition, why you should compete, how to prepare mentally and physically, and why winning shouldn't be your primary goal. Drawing from decades of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition experience, this episode covers: ✅ The TRUE reasons to compete (...

In this BJJ Bonus episode, I sit down with Melissa Will—one of the true pioneers of women's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. With nearly 36 years on the mats, Melissa has been training longer than any other non-Brazilian woman in the world. Melissa shares her incredible journey from being a 2nd-degree karate black belt to discovering BJJ at a seminar taught by John Will (who would later become her husban...

Are you living on autopilot? Most people never take real time alone to examine their lives—until a crisis forces them to. But what if you could proactively gain clarity, purpose, and direction without waiting for disaster to strike? In this episode, I reveal my "Mission Days" practice—a powerful personal retreat I've used for years to build a major nonprofit, land significant busine...

Join us for an in-depth interview with Rick Williams—one of the original “Dirty Dozen” American black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, retired police officer, and executive protection specialist for NBA legends like Kobe Bryant. In this episode, Rick shares powerful stories from his decades-long career, including: • How Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu saved lives on the police force • Behind-the-scenes insights...

In this inspiring episode, Dave Meyer—author, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, entrepreneur, and philanthropist—shares his powerful journey from martial arts champion to animal rescue hero. Dave recounts the extraordinary story of leading a daring animal rescue mission with Dr. Pia Salk and Jane Garrison during the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, saving over 100 dogs and cats. Dave breaks down th...

Join host David Meyer as he sits down with Chris Haueter, one of the legendary "Dirty Dozen"—the first non-Brazilian black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). In this in-depth conversation, Chris shares his unique journey from a Southern California beach kid and punk rock enthusiast to a pioneering martial artist and influential BJJ instructor. Discover the untold stories behind the spre...

Join us for an inspiring and wide-ranging conversation with Arvind Gupta—Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, venture capitalist, biotech pioneer, and lifelong learner. Hosted by Dave Meyer, this episode dives deep into the parallels between martial arts and entrepreneurship, the mindset required to build world-changing companies, and the personal stories that shaped Arvind’s journey from athlete to in...

In this episode, we dive deep into the reality that time is our most precious, and limited, resource. Drawing from personal stories, life-changing realizations, and practical advice, you’ll learn why you may have less time than you think, how to make every moment count, and how to avoid the trap of mediocrity. Discover exercises to help you refocus your life, find your purpose, and start living wi...

Join host Dave Meyer as he sits down with Sensei Mike Valentine, co-founder of Practical Martial Arts in Northern California. In this deep-dive conversation, Mike shares his unique approach to martial arts—one that goes far beyond punching and kicking. Discover how martial arts can build resilience, character, and real-world strength in kids, teens, and adults alike. Mike draws on decades of exper...

Unlock the secrets to lifelong strength and fitness with BJJ Black Belt Dave Meyer in this episode of the Ageless Warrior Lab! At 63, Dave shares his personal exercise protocol, proven strategies for building functional strength, and the six pillars of "homework" that keep him in top shape—decades after most slow down.  Whether you’re a martial artist, athlete, or just want to stay fit a...

Join host Dave Meyer for an inspiring and wide-ranging conversation with Jeremy Corbell—martial artist, artist, documentary filmmaker, and one of the leading voices in UFO/UAP journalism today. In this episode of the Ageless Warrior Lab, Jeremy shares his journey from a scrappy, out-of-control kid to a disciplined martial artist, successful artist, and now a prominent investigative journalist unco...

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of anxiety—what it is, how it manifests, and most importantly, how to overcome it. Drawing from personal experiences in high-stakes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions, neuroscience insights, and practical tools, you'll learn how to manage both situational and generalized anxiety. Discover the difference between fear and anxiety, why even elite athlet...