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. 2d ago

    Rorion Gracie: The Man Who Brought BJJ to America and Started the UFC | EP 46

    In this in‑depth interview with Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu grandmaster Professor Rorion Gracie, eldest son of Hélio Gracie and co‑creator of the UFC, we explore the origins of Gracie Jiu‑Jitsu, the creation of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and why BJJ is such an effective self‑defense system. Rorion shares how he brought Jiu‑Jitsu to America, the philosophy behind the Gracie Academy and Gracie University, and what separates sport BJJ from real‑world self‑defense. We also dive into the Gracie Diet, how BJJ can transform your life, and what makes a truly great instructor and student on and off the mats. If you’re interested in martial arts history, Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu fundamentals, or the evolution of UFC and modern MMA, this conversation is a must‑watch. Contacts for interviewee: RorionGracie.com GracieMuseum.com  Books: Gracie Jiu-Jitsu https://www.amazon.com/GRACIE-JIU-JITSU-Revised-Helio-Gracie/dp/0975941135/ The Gracie Diet https://www.amazon.com/Gracie-Diet-Revised-Rorion/dp/0975941100 Some clips used for commentary. Original sources linked below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-X_LpYdUAo4&t=32s Topic Links: Gracie University https://www.gracieuniversity.com/ Gracie/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultimate_Fighting_Championship Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Action (videotape) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-X_LpYdUAo4&t=1090s Royce Gracie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royce_Gracie Hélio Gracie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%A9lio_Gracie Carlos Gracie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Gracie Rigan Machado https://www.theacademybeverlyhills.com/instructors/rigan-machado/ John Milius https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Milius Cesar Gracie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cesar_Gracie_Jiu-Jitsu John Will https://www.redcatacademy.com.au/john_will.html Gracie Diet https://gracieone.com/the-gracie-diet-the-complete-guide-to-understanding-and-applying-it-in-your-daily-life/ 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.

    55 min
  2. Jun 7

    Big John McCarthy: The Man Who Decides When Fights Are Over | EP 45

    Big John McCarthy is one of the most influential figures in MMA history — not as a fighter, but as the man who helped write the rules that shaped the sport. In this episode, we sit down with the legendary MMA referee, BJJ black belt, and founder of the COMMAND referee training program to talk about what it really takes to protect fighters inside the cage. Big John breaks down why fighters are wired to hide their pain, how referees decide when to stop a fight, and why getting a fighter out at the right moment can save their career — and their life. We also go deep into the early days of the UFC, the creation of the Unified Rules of MMA, and what most fans fundamentally misunderstand about the referee's role. Plus, Big John reflects on his recent return to refereeing Netflix's first-ever live MMA event featuring Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano — and what it felt like to be back in the cage. Topics covered: How referees read fighters who are hiding damageThe hardest calls Big John has made in his careerThe birth of the Unified Rules and how they saved MMAEarly UFC chaos and how the sport evolvedNetflix's first live MMA event — Ronda vs. GinaThe COMMAND officiating program and the future of refereeing Contacts for John McCarthy Instagram & X - @JohnMcCarthyMMA COMMAND MMA Referee Training MMAreferee.com  Podcast: McCarthy Mondays with Josh Thomson on the Weighing In Podcast https://www.youtube.com/@WeighingIn/featured Topic Links: Felicia Oh https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felicia_Oh PFC – Executive security training company with Chad Lyman https://pfctraining.com/chad-lyman/ Joao Baretto  https://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/joao-alberto-barreto Helio Vigio https://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/helio-vigio Gerard Gordeau vs. Teila Tuli in UFC 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prcWJgfeuJg Pat Smith vs. Scott Morris https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IABbQrQXlVk&t=7s Tank Abbott vs Oleg Taktarov – Fishhooking https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LufiBRFE2Iw CAMO (California Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Organization) https://camomma.org/ ISKA https://www.iskaworldhq.com/ Unified Rules of MMA https://www.ufc.com/unified-rules-mixed-martial-arts Zuffa https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zuffa Tito Ortiz vs Evan Tanner UFC 30 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s110EQz0Ohg California State Athletic Commission https://www.dca.ca.gov/csac/ ARP (Association of Ringside Physicians) https://ringsidearp.org/ Big John giving pre-fight fighter instructions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HGpSp8aS30 Nick Diaz vs. Paul Daley – Strikeforce San Diego https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_vrF7N7Cu8&t=307s Anderson Silva vs. Rich Franklin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDLz0THYPAs Rose Namajunas vs. Joanna Jędrzejczyk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIO4WKIHP0 Georges St-Pierre vs. Michael Bisping https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOREpJ7ANPA Brian Johnson vs. Reza Naseri https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxtXLGR2h7Y&t=61s 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 56m
  3. May 26

    GSP: Overcome Fear and Become an MMA Champion | EP44

    GSP reveals he hated fighting — so why did he become the greatest MMA fighter of all time? In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Georges St-Pierre breaks down the mindset, preparation, and mental tools that built a legend. 🥊 What we cover: Why GSP hated fight night but kept competing anywayHow bullying and a difficult childhood became his greatest fuelThe truth about confidence: "It's not the absence of fear — it's knowing you have what you need to succeed"How to "make the butterflies fly in formation" and perform under extreme stressHis 4-layer preparation pyramid: physical, technical, tactical, and mentalVisualization strategy: best-case, realistic, and worst-case scenario planningThe small, unglamorous daily habits that separate champions from everyone elseTraining for longevity — mobility, stability, and staying athletic for lifeWhether you're a fighter, an entrepreneur, or anyone who struggles with self-doubt — this episode is a masterclass in mental performance and turning adversity into fuel. Contacts for interviewee: Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@GSPPodcastOfficial Website: https://www.gspofficial.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgesstpierre/ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gsppodcastofficial/ GSP Foundation https://www.gspofficial.com/gsp-foundation GSP Training tools The Path: https://thepathbygsp.com/ RushFit: https://www.rushfit.com/ MMA Academy: https://mmaacademy.gspofficial.com/ "The Way of the Fight" book: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-way-of-the-fight-georges-st-pierre/1114516179 Alcoholics Anonymous https://www.aa.org/ Marcelo Garcia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcelo_Garcia_(grappler) Khamzat Chimaev https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khamzat_Chimaev Sean Strickland https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Strickland Hurricane Katrina https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Katrina Dan Millman https://peacefulwarrior.com/ "Way of the Peaceful Warrior" — book by Dan Millman https://peacefulwarrior.com/way-of-the-peaceful-warrior/ Tough Love Fitness https://www.tufflove.org/ Aleo Foundation https://fondationaleo.ca/en/ Jeremy Corbell https://www.youtube.com/JeremyCorbell 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.

    37 min
  4. May 14

    Martial Arts, War Zones & Telling a Legend's Story | Peter Maguire EP 43

    IIn this episode, I sit down with Peter Maguire — historian, war crimes investigator, Rickson Gracie black belt, and the co-author of two books with Rickson Gracie: the New York Times bestselling Breathe: A Life in Flow* and the follow-up Comfort in Darkness: The Invisible Power of Jiu Jitsu*. Thank you for listening and I hope you enjoy my interview with Peter Maguire. Links to Find Peter Maguire: Peter Maguire Website - http://www.faintingrobin.org/founder.html Peter Maguire Substack (Sour Milk) - https://petermaguire.substack.com Fainting Robin Foundation - http://www.faintingrobin.org Books: Breathe: A Life in Flow (Rickson Gracie & Peter Maguire) - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063018985 Comfort in Darkness (Rickson Gracie & Peter Maguire) - https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/200233523-comfort-in-darkness Thai Stick: Surfers, Scammers, and the Untold Story of the Marijuana Trade - https://www.amazon.com/Thai-Stick-Surfers-Scammers-Marijuana/dp/0231161352 Facing Death in Cambodia - https://www.amazon.com/Facing-Death-Cambodia-Peter-Maguire/dp/0231120524 Law and War: International Law and American History - https://www.amazon.com/Law-War-International-American-History/dp/0231120516 Thai Stick Documentary - https://petermaguire.substack.com/p/thai-stick Topic Links:  Rickson Gracie Official Website - https://www.ricksongracie.com Jean Jacques Machado BJJ Academy - https://www.jjmachado.com Gene LeBell - Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_LeBell Gene LeBell vs. Milo Savage (First Televised MMA Fight, 1963) - https://mmahistory.org/cool_timeline/lebell-vs-savage/ Nuremberg Trials - https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/the-nuremberg-trials Khmer Rouge - Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khmer_Rouge Cambodian Genocide - Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambodian_genocide Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 Prison) - https://tuolsleng.gov.kh/en/ Mayaguez Incident - Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayaguez_incident Pat Tillman - Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_Tillman 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 36m
  5. May 1

    Robert Drysdale: Hard Training Builds Real Fighters | EP 42

    Host Dave Meyer sits down with Professor Robert Drysdale — IBJJF Black Belt Heavyweight World Champion (2005), ADCC Absolute Champion (2007), undefeated MMA fighter (7-0), and author of multiple books on the history of BJJ. They cover the decline of self-defense training, the warrior ethos of Carlson Gracie, competition vs. memorized moves, and how to keep training well into your 60s and beyond. For all Robert Drysdale Books and Merchandise https://zenithjiujitsushop.com/collections/all Zenith Jiu Jitsu by Robert Drysdale, Las Vegas Academy https://drysdalejiujitsu.com/ Robert Drysdale's TEDx Talk https://www.ted.com/talks/robert_drysdale_what_is_the_point_of_winning Topic Links: Roberto Pedreira https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/6997001.Roberto_Pedreira Dr. Jose Tufy Cairus https://wwwifc.academia.edu/JoseTufyCairus Elton Silva https://www.amazon.com/Long-Before-MMA-forerunners-1845-1934/dp/B0C6W1HCQM Gracie Jiu Jitsu book https://www.amazon.com/GRACIE-JIU-JITSU-Revised-Helio-Gracie/dp/0975941135 Jack Seki https://budoshin.com/about-bjj/budoshin-lineage/jack-seki/ Mikey Musumeci https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikey_Musumeci John Will https://www.redcatacademy.com.au/john_will.html Rigan Machado https://www.theacademybeverlyhills.com/instructors/rigan-machado/ Willy Cahill https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willy_Cahill Neil Adams https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Adams_(judoka) Carlos Gracie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Gracie Helio Gracie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%A9lio_Gracie Carlson Gracie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlson_Gracie Carlos Gracie Jr. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Gracie_Jr Rolls Gracie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolls_Gracie Rickson Gracie Books https://www.amazon.com/Books-Rickson-Gracie/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ARickson%2BGracie Alberto Crane podcast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ic93Ro9QLs0 Islam Makhachev https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_Makhachev Khabib Nurmagomedov https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khabib_Nurmagomedov Ze Carioca (Brazilian Disney character) https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Z%C3%A9_Carioca Rico Rodriguez https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricco_Rodriguez Tito Ortiz https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tito_Ortiz Jean Jacques Machado https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Jacques_Machado Frank Trigg https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Trigg Eric Ries https://leanstartup.co/about/team/eric-ries/ Incorruptible book by Eric Ries https://www.incorruptible.co/ Adopt-a-Pet.com https://www.adoptapet.com/ Matt Hughes https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Hughes_(fighter) Landmark Forum https://www.landmarkworldwide.com/ Chris Haueter https://www.combatbase.com/ 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 33m
  6. Apr 23

    How I Used Strategy To Achieve Big Goals | Ep 41

    In this episode, I break down what strategy really is—and how it can help you go after goals that look like a long shot from where you are right now. Back in the year 2000, I decided I wanted to stop millions of dogs and cats from being killed in animal shelters. I had no job, no money, and no obvious way to do it… so if you were betting on me, it would have been reasonable to bet against me. The only real advantage I had was that I understood a bit about strategy, largely because of my lifelong practice of jujitsu. In this video, I use that story as a through line to talk about strategy and how you can use it for your own life. I ask you to think about a personal or professional goal that really matters to you—something that feels hard, unlikely, and not at all obvious you can achieve. The kind of goal where most people, if they had to place a bet, would probably bet you won’t pull it off. You’ll learn: How to pick a goal that’s big enough to excite you, even if it feels unrealistic.How Tim Ferriss’ “dreamline” (have / be / do) helps you get specific about what you want.The difference between a strategy and just a plan. If you care about doing something that actually matters—whether in your career, your training, or your life—this episode will help you think more clearly about strategy and your long‑shot goals. Show Links: Adopt-a-Pet.com https://www.adoptapet.com/ The Four Hour Work Week (book) https://a.co/d/0cqAnf0H 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.

    39 min
  7. Apr 7

    Martial arts, Aliveness and Modern Police Jiu Jitsu Training: Adam Treanor | EP 40

    Adam Treanor is one of the most passionate and knowledgeable voices at the intersection of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and law enforcement. Adam is 25-year veteran of Southern California law enforcement, serving as both a police officer and deputy sheriff. In this conversation, Adam and I get into the training gap that has cost lives and dollars, why a BJJ blue belt may be the most important credential a police officer can earn, and how departments like Orange County Sheriff are finally making it happen. Contacts for interviewee: Orange County Sheriff Regional Training Academy (Tustin) https://sac.edu/division/hst/cja/academy_building Topic Links: Renato Magno https://www.streetsportsbjj.com/renato-magno Magda Institute / Cass Magda https://mijkd.com/school/who-is-cass-magda/ Dan Inosanto https://inosanto.com/ Steve Copping https://hwchronicle.com/5628/news/former-ju-jitsu-coach-had-a%C2%80%C2%98profound-impacta%C2%80%C2%99-on-past-students/ Eric Paulson https://erikpaulson.com/ Chris Haueter https://www.combatbase.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqEyBrWtVrgl-VQ4vWIOpBu63RV1O_5Lg5jQFKtRM2EmpZAZm6T Yori Nakamura https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yorinaga_Nakamura Machado Brothers https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machado_family Gracie family https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gracie_family Bob Wall https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Wall Marietta PD (Georgia) — 18-month BJJ study https://www.santamonica.gov/media/CMO/PSROC/MARIETTA_PD_BJJ_DATA.pdf Kosen Judo https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosen_judo Geoff Thompson https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geoff_Thompson_(writer) Lee Morrison https://urbancombatives.com/the-founder/ Fabio Santos https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F%C3%A1bio_Santos_(grappler) Marc Denny — Dog Brothers https://dogbrothers.com/guro-marc-crafty-dog-denny/ Robert Drysdale https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Drysdale Justin Flores (J-Flo) https://jfloacademy.com/ Kenny Bond https://www.streetsportssimivalley.com/sssvbjjcoaches 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 40m
  8. Apr 1

    Eric Ries: Building Companies That Promote Prosperity With a Purpose | EP 39

    Eric Ries created the Lean Startup Method — principles that mirror martial arts: don't overcommit, test first, adapt. We discuss why success breeds failure, how "financial gravity" corrupts organizations, why companies like Costco resist it, and how his new book Incorruptible offers a blueprint for institutions that last. Social Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/eries/ https://x.com/ericries https://www.instagram.com/ericriesactual/ Newsletter: https://news.theleanstartup.com/ Podcast https://www.youtube.com/@theericriesshow https://www.ericriesshow.com/ New Book Incorruptible: Why Good Companies Go Bad…and How Great Companies Stay Great Amazon listing  Website: incorruptible.co Mention of Dave and Adopt-a-Pet.com in Lean Startup work https://www.startuplessonslearned.com/2018/06/a-non-profit-lean-startup-story-of.html The Lean Startup (book) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10127019-the-lean-startup The Leader's Guide (book) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29974755-the-leader-s-guide The Startup Way (book) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34267304-the-startup-way LTSE (Long-Term Stock Exchange) https://ltse.com/ IMVU https://secure.imvu.com/welcome/login/ The Lean Startup Company https://theleanstartup.com/ Adoptapet.com https://Adoptapet.com Abbie Moore https://www.petage.com/docupet-pet-registration-platform-welcomes-abbie-moore-as-chief-product-officer/ Cory Doctorow / "Enshittification" book https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/222376640-enshittification Tim O'Reilly  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_O%27Reilly Seth Goldman, Honest Tea https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seth_Goldman_(businessman) Tony's Chocolonely https://us.tonyschocolonely.com/ Mr. Beast https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MrBeast The Marshmallow Experiment https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanford_marshmallow_experiment 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 38m
5
out of 5
14 Ratings

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.

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