The Ageless Warrior Lab

David Meyer

Dave Meyer | Host, Ageless Warrior Lab podcast | President & Co-founder of Food System Innovations and Humane American Animal Foundation  Join BJJ coral belt, Gang of Eight and Dirty Dozen member Dave Meyer as we draw wisdom from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and the martial arts and explore how it applies to your life, success in business, and your long-term health. Dave Meyer is a pioneering American Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) practitioner, and accomplished non-profit founder and Philanthropist. He is an eleven-time world champion in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and is the current world champion in his age/weight division in the no-gi format. Dave co-founded and served as CEO of Adopt-a-Pet.com for two decades, turning it into the world's largest nonprofit homeless pet adoption website and helping save millions of animals, before its acquisition by Mars Inc. Today, Dave leads Humane America Animal Foundation and Food System Innovations, working on farm animal welfare and a healthy and sustainable food system. He frequently advises U.S. lawmakers on these issues, and has raised and deployed over $160 million in philanthropic capital as part of his work in the nonprofit space. In his athletic career, Dave has risen to the highest ranks of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He earned his black belt from Rigan Machado in 1996 and ranked among the first Americans ("the Dirty Dozen") to do so. He was the first American to medal at the black belt level at the BJJ World Championships in Brazil in 1998. Dave is one of just several Americans to achieve the rank of coral belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a group now referred to as the “Gang of Eight”. He continues to compete at the world championship level, winning world championship titles in his age division. As a martial artist and instructor, he taught at UCLA, Steven Seagal's Tenshin Dojo, and developed a globally used grappling curriculum with John Will, including customized material for Chuck Norris's UFAF association. He has written several books on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, including "Training for Competition: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Submission Grappling". Meyer also played a critical role in post-Katrina animal rescue, co-authored books pet care, and co-founded a Haiti orphanage for children with HIV, exemplifying a lifetime of impactful leadership in both martial arts and philanthropy. Dave resides in the San Francisco Bay Area, and continues to coach BJJ athletes and compete at the world championship level. He is the President & Co-Founder of Humane America Animal Foundation and Food System Innovations, of which the Ageless Warrior Lab is a project.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Real Street Self Defense | What Many Martial Arts Don't Prepare You For | Ep.30

    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: the physical environment you're in, weapons (theirs or yours), multiple attackers, bystanders, what you're wearing, and your physical state when violence finds you. I walk through what I call the "circle of training"—seven essential areas you must develop if you want real self-defense capability: physical attributes (strength, speed, toughness), punching and elbow work, kicking and knee strikes, takedowns and throws, ground fighting, weapons defense, and scenario training under adrenal stress. Then I explain how to modify your current training to prepare for reality. From why your BJJ might get you trouble on concrete, to how a chair becomes a weapon, to why training in jeans and shoes changes everything—these are hard-won lessons most martial arts schools won't teach you. I also get specific: why you need to practice grappling with strikes allowed, how to train knife defense that actually works (hint: wooden knives don't cut it), and why breaking the social contract with the first strike might save your life. This episode is twice as long as usual because there's too much at stake to leave anything out. Whether you train in martial arts or not, if you want to protect yourself and your family, understanding these principles could be the difference between going home safe and becoming a statistic. If you found this valuable, please like, share, and subscribe. Drop a comment on YouTube with your thoughts—I read and respond to every one. Krissa Hjartar Instagram: @krissa.jiujitsu YouTube: @krissajiujitsu Art: www.krissa.art Rogue Black Belt Books https://www.goodreads.com/series/82393-rogue-black-belt Dog Brothers https://dogbrothers.com/ Dan Inosanto https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Inosanto Dan Inosanto Knife vs. Gun https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BNkOTTRW9o Cesar Gracie https://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/cesar-gracie Rigan Machado https://www.theacademybeverlyhills.com/instructors/rigan-machado/  Model Mugging https://modelmugging.org/ John Will https://www.redcatacademy.com.au/john_will.html Jeff Thompson book https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/651654.Watch_My_Back Special thanks to Jamie MacMillan for his assistance with photos Music “Disambiguation” by Robel Borja https://open.spotify.com/artist/7j0DUZ79z4edeLkU2H1UoJ?si=eISl0YfaQ-yLThljs48j5A Get in touch! This episode was directed and presented by Dave Meyer, editor & coproducer by Ryan Turner, producer & marketing Robbie Lockie, music kindly provided by Robel Borja.

    1h 8m

  2. 3 DAYS AGO

    BJJ BONUS: Caio Terra on Technique, Champions & Training Smart | Ep. 29

    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 black belt in 2006 and has since built the Caio Terra Academy in San Jose, California, and the Caio Terra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association (CTA), producing numerous world champions and helping students worldwide through Caio Online. We discuss what separates understanding from mimicking in jiu-jitsu and why the students who struggle most at first often become the best, the evolution of BJJ training culture from the brutal 1990s to today's more technical approach, and Caio's unique teaching philosophy that encourages every student to develop their own distinct style rather than copying a template. Caio shares why he was initially the "worst student" his teacher ever had, how he learned to translate techniques to his own body rather than just replicate movements, and why counter-attacking based on what your opponent gives you is more effective than forcing positions. We also dive into the challenges of adapting your game as you age and lose physical attributes you once relied on, the price of training too hard and the injuries that come from years of elite competition, and why technique will always matter more than strength or cardio. Caio opens up about his car accident and ongoing shoulder issues, the regret of not doing more joint rehab earlier in his career, and how the lessons learned on the mat—problem-solving, adaptation, and resilience—translate directly to navigating life's challenges off the mat. Whether you're a BJJ practitioner looking to develop your own game, a coach seeking insights on how to build champions without creating clones, or someone interested in how world-class athletes balance competitive success with long-term health and teaching, this conversation delivers hard-earned wisdom, honest reflections on the cost of greatness, and inspiration to train smarter while staying true to your own path. Caio Terra Academy https://bjjsanjose.com/ Caio Terra Online https://caioterra.com/ Ricardo Vieira https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricardo_Vieira Rodrigo 'Comprido' Medeiros https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodrigo_Medeiros Roger Gracie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Gracie David Mitchell https://www.instagram.com/dmitch442 Woolf Barnato, Black Sheep BJJ https://www.blacksheepjiujitsu.com/ Alexandre "Xande" Ribeiro https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandre_Ribeiro Bruno Malfacine https://www.brunomalfacine.com/academy/ Music: “Disambiguation” by Robel Borja https://open.spotify.com/artist/7j0DUZ79z4edeLkU2H1 Get in touch! This episode was directed and presented by Dave Meyer, editor & coproducer by Ryan Turner, producer & marketing Robbie Lockie, music kindly provided by Robel Borja.

    56 min

  3. 6 DAYS AGO

    BJJ Bonus: How to Minimize Injuries - EP 28

    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 avoiding all damage—if you're gonna drive your Cadillac down the highway of life, you're gonna take some dings. But there's a massive difference between expected wear and preventable damage that ends careers. I walk through the three types of injuries every martial artist faces: tweaks you can train through, injuries that take you off the mat temporarily, and the ones that end your training permanently. Then I share my five-rule system for staying safe: choosing the right instructor and school culture, selecting training partners wisely, creating a safe physical environment, bringing the right attitude to every roll, and maintaining your body as a high-performance machine. From managing space on the mat to understanding why leg attacks increase injury risk, from the "tap early, tap often" philosophy to why cold showers matter more than you think—these are battle-tested principles that have kept me training when others had to quit. I also get into the specifics: why training near walls is safer, how to warm up joints (not just stretch muscles), and why leaving your ego at the door might be the most important injury prevention tool you have. Whether you're in martial arts, CrossFit, or any physical pursuit, understanding injury prevention is the difference between a lifetime practice and a short-lived hobby. If this helps you stay in the game longer, please like, share, and subscribe. Drop a comment with your own injury prevention strategies—I'd love to hear what's worked for you. Rigan Machado https://www.theacademybeverlyhills.com/instructors/rigan-machado/ Coral belt https://bjjfanatics.com/blogs/news/coral-belt-bjj?srsltid=AfmBOoqyqtCPanHwuoQtjRXUMB4HSyFBCRGmh3kfv0Ee60irimLYoI6k El Niño Training Center https://elninomma.com/ Gil Melendez https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert_Melendez IBJJF Rules https://ibjjf.com/books-videos Tabata https://www.verywellfit.com/tabata-training-definition-1230982 Music: “Disambiguation” by Robel Borja https://open.spotify.com/artist/7j0DUZ79z4edeLkU2H1UoJ?si=eISl0YfaQ-yLThljs48j5A Get in touch! This episode was directed and presented by Dave Meyer, editor & coproducer by Ryan Turner, producer & marketing Robbie Lockie, music kindly provided by Robel Borja.

    38 min

  4. 3 FEB

    BJJ BONUS: Turning Chaos into Taps While Managing a Corporate Career - David Mitchell | Ep. 27

    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, David spent a decade at Google in finance and learning development before launching his own venture, MMA Fight Advisor, which uses data analytics to provide sports betting insights for UFC fights. We discuss what makes teaching such a powerful tool for improving your own jujitsu, the differences between gi and no-gi training and why both matter, and David's philosophy of thriving in chaos by finding "hidden harmonies" in scrambles. David shares his approach to building a complete BJJ game, why you should never wait for the "perfect time" to compete, and how learning to learn might be more valuable than any specific technique. We also dive into the challenges of balancing elite-level competition with a demanding career and family life, navigating autoimmune disease and health issues while still performing at the highest level, and why jumping into the deep end—whether in jujitsu or business—accelerates skill acquisition. David opens up about his "few-shot learning" approach, the importance of leading with empathy as an instructor, and how the skills developed through martial arts—problem-solving, resilience, and incremental progress—translate directly to success in business, relationships, and personal growth. Whether you're a BJJ practitioner looking to sharpen your submission game, a competitor seeking insights on performance under pressure, or someone interested in how high achievers balance multiple demanding pursuits, this conversation delivers actionable wisdom, honest insights about overcoming obstacles, and inspiration to keep showing up even when conditions aren't perfect. Find Dave Mitchell on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmitch442/?hl=en Keep up to date with David and his wife, Lauren, through their link tree: https://linktr.ee/TeamChaosJiuJitsu MMA Fight Advisor YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MMAFightAdvisor MMA Fight Advisor on Instagram: nstagram.com/mmafightadvisor/ Team Chaos Jiu Jitsu YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TeamChaosJiuJitsu Team Chaos Jiu Jitsu on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@teamchaosjiujitsu Team Chaos Jiu Jitsu on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TeamChaosJiuJitsu Ankle Locks Don't Work (And Other Lies): https://bjjfanatics.com/products/ankle-locks-dont-work-and-other-lies-by-david-mitchell?srsltid=AfmBOorC7BBBoDc9LkkwKszcxou5z3iIb8oZScj5khGc8qaI-jpv1js1 Music: “Disambiguation” by Robel Borja https://open.spotify.com/artist/7j0DUZ79z4edeLkU2H1UoJ?si=eISl0YfaQ-yLThljs48j5A Get in touch! This episode was directed and presented by Dave Meyer, editor & coproducer by Ryan Turner, producer & marketing Robbie Lockie, music kindly provided by Robel Borja.

    1h 13m

  5. 29 JAN

    Professor John Will: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Evolution, Real Self-Defense, and Building Safety Nets | EP. 26

    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 Forces, US Marine Corps, and FBI. We discuss what makes a truly great martial arts school, the evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from a simple fighting system to a global sport, and why what gets you in the door isn't what keeps you there for decades. John shares his powerful "5% improvement" philosophy for making progress in martial arts and life, the critical importance of building safety nets before taking risks, and why learning how to learn might be more valuable than any technique. We also dive into practical self-defense concepts, including "the fence" for situational awareness and conflict prevention, the Four D's of street attacks, and why most self-defense classes miss the mark. John opens up about fear, anxiety, mental toughness, and how the skills developed on the mat—problem-solving, incremental progress, and resilience—translate directly to success in business, relationships, and personal growth. Whether you're a BJJ practitioner, martial artist from another discipline, or someone interested in personal development through physical training, this conversation delivers actionable wisdom, honest insights about the realities of combat training, and inspiration to keep showing up for the long game. Links: Contact for John Will: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.b.will.7 Previous John Will Episode: https://youtu.be/ZxPifNLKTUo?si=fzFuPAmz_H7KhSTg Redcat Academy https://www.redcatacademy.com.au/ Jeff Thompson's book “Watch My Back” https://a.co/d/aWTTcp7 BJJ Essential Tactics: Volume 1 of the Dirty Dozen BJJ Curriculum (BJJ - A Dirty Dozen Curriculum)  https://a.co/d/5bqB4ki BJJ - Level Up Your Game: Volume 2 of the Dirty Dozen BJJ Curriculum (BJJ - A Dirty Dozen Curriculum)  https://a.co/d/00Ca5wn  Sifu Douglas Wong https://www.whitelotuskungfu.com/about-masterwong.html White Lotus King Fu https://www.whitelotuskungfu.com/ Robert Strong, Comedy Magician https://www.strongentertainment.com/ Marcello Garcia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcelo_Garcia_(grappler) Music “Disambiguation” by Robel Borja https://open.spotify.com/artist/7j0DUZ79z4edeLkU2H1UoJ?si=eISl0YfaQ-yLThljs48j5A Get in touch! This episode was directed and presented by Dave Meyer, editor & coproducer by Ryan Turner, producer & marketing Robbie Lockie, music kindly provided by Robel Borja.

    1h 8m

  6. 21 JAN

    Frank Shamrock: From Prison to UFC Champion, The Mindset That Built a Legend | Ep. 25

    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 down how biomechanics, discipline, curiosity, and personal responsibility helped him evolve as a fighter and as a human. He also opens up about mental health, the emotional aftermath of winning, and the hard lessons that came from losses. Plus, Frank explains how he now applies martial arts principles to leadership and executive coaching, including work with major organizations. If you’re into MMA history, UFC legends, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, self-defense, performance psychology, leadership training, and personal transformation, this interview is packed with insights. Topics covered: Frank Shamrock’s origin story: childhood, crime, prison, and turning his life aroundEarly MMA and training in Japan (Pancrase era)Why “beginner’s mind” matters in martial arts and businessBiomechanics, systems, and learning how to learnMental health, trauma, and why a big win felt depressingConfidence, discipline, honesty, and performing under pressureHow martial arts principles translate to leadership and team performanceShow Notes Links: Website: https://frankshamrock.com/ Documentary: https://frankshamrock.com/doc Uncaged by Frank Shamrock: https://frankshamrock.com/books/uncaged-my-life-as-a-champion-mma-fighter-zgpgx Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankshamrock/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@frankshamrock X: https://x.com/frankshamrock?lang=en Get in touch! This episode was directed and presented by Dave Meyer, editor & coproducer by Ryan Turner, producer & marketing Robbie Lockie, music kindly provided by Robel Borja.

    1h 16m

  7. 17 JAN

    BJJ BONUS: Krissa Hjartar: Mastering Leg Attacks, Training with Men & Building Confidence | Ep. 24

    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 women face in martial arts, training with elite coaches like Josh Clopton, Dan Marks, Gil Melendez and John Danaher, and the importance of strength training for longevity in the sport. Krissa also opens up about balancing her athletic side with her artistic pursuits and offers invaluable advice for anyone looking to improve their grappling game. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned practitioner, man or woman, this conversation is packed with technical insights, competition wisdom, and inspiration to keep showing up on the mat. Get in touch! This episode was directed and presented by Dave Meyer, editor & coproducer by Ryan Turner, producer & marketing Robbie Lockie, music kindly provided by Robel Borja.

    47 min

  8. 13 JAN

    The Ego Trap: What 35 Years of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Taught Me About Success | Ep. 23

    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 importantly, how to tame it. From getting destroyed by a secret Brazilian national champion to taking private lessons from a brown belt as a black belt, these stories reveal how ego can either drive excellence or block growth entirely. What You'll Learn: The difference between healthy ambition and toxic ego • Why ego stops you from learning and improving How to recognize when your ego is blinding you The 7-step framework for taming your ego Real stories from BJJ that illustrate ego's impact Bruce Lee's "lengthen your line" philosophy Why Jonas Salk refused to patent the polio vaccineWhether you're in martial arts, business, or just trying to grow as a person, understanding ego is critical. It can drive you to achieve greatness or trap you in delusion. The key is learning to use it as a tool, not let it define you. Links for Show notes: Bruce Lees “one inch punch” https://youtu.be/kXwOU5HzTZQ?si=iZ2Rdp6ZLqhXCre2 Way of the Peaceful Warrior book https://www.peacefulwarrior.com/way-of-the-peaceful-warrior/ “Their pain, our pleasure: stereotype content and schadenfreude” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4472308/ Professor Wally Jay https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wally_Jay Small Circle Ju Jitsu https://smallcirclejujitsu.com/ Eddie Bravo https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Bravo 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu https://www.10thplanetjj.com/ Carlos Machado https://machadomethod.com/ Dr. Jonas Salk https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonas_Salk Landmark Forum https://www.landmarkworldwide.com/the-landmark-forum The Four Agreements book https://www.miguelruiz.com/the-four-agreements/ Zen in the Martial Arts book https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/424340.Zen_in_the_Martial_Arts Music: “Disambiguation” by Robel Borja https://open.spotify.com/artist/7j0DUZ79z4edeLkU2H1UoJ?si=eISl0YfaQ-yLThljs48j5A Get in touch! This episode was directed and presented by Dave Meyer, editor & coproducer by Ryan Turner, producer & marketing Robbie Lockie, music kindly provided by Robel Borja.

    43 min
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About

Dave Meyer | Host, Ageless Warrior Lab podcast | President & Co-founder of Food System Innovations and Humane American Animal Foundation  Join BJJ coral belt, Gang of Eight and Dirty Dozen member Dave Meyer as we draw wisdom from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and the martial arts and explore how it applies to your life, success in business, and your long-term health. Dave Meyer is a pioneering American Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) practitioner, and accomplished non-profit founder and Philanthropist. He is an eleven-time world champion in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and is the current world champion in his age/weight division in the no-gi format. Dave co-founded and served as CEO of Adopt-a-Pet.com for two decades, turning it into the world's largest nonprofit homeless pet adoption website and helping save millions of animals, before its acquisition by Mars Inc. Today, Dave leads Humane America Animal Foundation and Food System Innovations, working on farm animal welfare and a healthy and sustainable food system. He frequently advises U.S. lawmakers on these issues, and has raised and deployed over $160 million in philanthropic capital as part of his work in the nonprofit space. In his athletic career, Dave has risen to the highest ranks of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He earned his black belt from Rigan Machado in 1996 and ranked among the first Americans ("the Dirty Dozen") to do so. He was the first American to medal at the black belt level at the BJJ World Championships in Brazil in 1998. Dave is one of just several Americans to achieve the rank of coral belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a group now referred to as the “Gang of Eight”. He continues to compete at the world championship level, winning world championship titles in his age division. As a martial artist and instructor, he taught at UCLA, Steven Seagal's Tenshin Dojo, and developed a globally used grappling curriculum with John Will, including customized material for Chuck Norris's UFAF association. He has written several books on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, including "Training for Competition: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Submission Grappling". Meyer also played a critical role in post-Katrina animal rescue, co-authored books pet care, and co-founded a Haiti orphanage for children with HIV, exemplifying a lifetime of impactful leadership in both martial arts and philanthropy. Dave resides in the San Francisco Bay Area, and continues to coach BJJ athletes and compete at the world championship level. He is the President & Co-Founder of Humane America Animal Foundation and Food System Innovations, of which the Ageless Warrior Lab is a project.

Information

  • Creator
    David Meyer
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Ageless Warrior Lab | A Dave Meyer Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Ageless Warrior Lab

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