John Danaher: The Path to Mastery in Jiu Jitsu, Grappling, Judo, and MMA | Lex Fridman Podcast
John Danaher is a coach, scholar, and educator of jiu jitsu, submission grappling, judo, MMA, and the martial arts. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
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EPISODE LINKS:
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PODCAST INFO:
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OUTLINE:
0:00 - Introduction
1:24 - Fear of death
11:40 - The path to greatness
17:19 - Judo
21:29 - Seoi nage judo throw
33:43 - Fundamentals of jiu jitsu
39:56 - Developing new techniques
47:45 - Value of training with lower belts
57:45 - Escaping bad positions
1:04:40 - Submissions
1:08:52 - Reinventing yourself in 5 years
1:25:00 - Drilling
1:43:31 - Leglock system
2:03:06 - How hard is it to break a leg?
2:07:14 - Greatest jiu jitsu player ever
2:12:04 - Roger Gracie
2:16:47 - Gordon Ryan
2:21:38 - Georges St-Pierre
2:30:48 - Superintelligent Robot vs Cyborg Gordon Ryan
3:06:29 - Advice to white belts
3:09:46 - What does it take to get a black belt
3:10:30 - Best martial art for street fighting
3:17:45 - Tie chokes
3:22:05 - Austin
3:26:45 - Meaning of life
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Here are the timestamps. Please check out our sponsors to support this podcast. 0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions: - Onnit: lexfridman.com/onnit - SimpliSafe: simplisafe.com/lex and use code LEX to get a free security camera - Indeed: indeed.com/lex to get $75 credit - Linode: linode.com/lex to get $100 free credit 1:24 - Fear of death 11:40 - The path to greatness 17:19 - Judo 21:29 - Seoi nage judo throw 33:43 - Fundamentals of jiu jitsu 39:56 - Developing new techniques 47:45 - Value of training with lower belts 57:45 - Escaping bad positions 1:04:40 - Submissions 1:08:52 - Reinventing yourself in 5 years 1:25:00 - Drilling 1:43:31 - Leglock system 2:03:06 - How hard is it to break a leg? 2:07:14 - Greatest jiu jitsu player ever 2:12:04 - Roger Gracie 2:16:47 - Gordon Ryan 2:21:38 - Georges St-Pierre 2:30:48 - Superintelligent Robot vs Cyborg Gordon Ryan 3:06:29 - Advice to white belts 3:09:46 - What does it take to get a black belt 3:10:30 - Best martial art for street fighting 3:17:45 - Tie chokes 3:22:05 - Austin 3:26:45 - Meaning of life
Thank you for everything you do Sir! I need serious help with my life right now and your videos help me a lot.
Time stamps are AWESOME. Thanks Lex.
1:05:38 🥲💪💪💪💪
Brilliant Lex, thank you to you and John for this.
Can’t wait to listen to this!
“Techniques are born the same way we are, weak and in need of nutrition.”
Fuck, same
Wtf! 1 min after I read
The dude is Confucius reincarnate
@@stefandili2650 Mind if I borrow this to help describe this man's brilliance?
@@drspicy9789 be my guest
I've never clicked on a video so fast. One of the greatest minds in Martial Arts to ever live...
was this literally your first initial thought before even thinking about a post😂 bc if so, so many other people did the same thing
If I may correct it: "One of the greatest minds to ever live..."
@@tylerwalker6836 hahah, I only realized it was a comment trend after I posted. It was my genuine first reaction when I saw it in my feed 😅
And John danaher to
@Colin McLeod I'd love to meet you on the mats. The torture that you would endoure would haunt you. Now, go back to your cave troll. The sunglight isn't good for you
Danahers ability to educate you on something you thought you’d never be interested in, and then use that information to display why he’s deciding to choose his answer is truly remarkable.
your ability to fanboy over everyone is also truly remarkable
@@SilvrSeven wonderful. Thanks
@@SilvrSeven durrrrrr i karam i smart i no idolize durrrrrr
@@unclewangg someone gets it
Its what confidence looks and sounds like
Lex: Hey John, how are you? John: Well this can be broken down into two parts. The anatomy and physiology of my actual being here or my current emotional state, which I can try to express but might be incorrect due to subconscious mental barriers I have gained due to unknown childhood trauma. So let’s go step by step. Lex: ‘gun in mouth’
😂
I was with you til gun in mouth, Lex would be all ears
Best comment😂
Underrated comment 😂🙌🏽
Don't forget "ostensibly"
I expected them to just communicate telepathically and use subtitles
LMFAOOOOOOO
🤣😂😂😂🤣💀💀💀 fooking dying
lol that's hilarious!
dude you’ve overtaken JRE as the most interesting, in-depth podcast in existence. the level of guests lately is just unreal. You’re killing it! Keep it up, Lex!!!
Absolutely
I don't know about overtaken. Joe has a bigger platform which allows him to access to guests lex cant connect with. Personally I like jre for getting to know the guest in a chill, joking type conversation but when it comes to getting the most out of a guest. My top pick would have to be the tim ferris podcast.
Joe became crap when he went to Spotify, he holds his tongue back on certain subjects and only has a certain kind of guest, great for 'alpha brained styled' kind of people. Good job getting muted joe
@@Perpurple yeah. Joe hasnt had diaz, callen, eddie bravo on in a while tbh
And hes on youtube!😂👍🏻
The way he says, “every session is a therapy session.” And then the smirk and sip of the coffee. This man is awesome
Its soo true lol
Great quote from John Danaher near the end, speaking about the unique plight of human beings - "It was hard to win the battle for survival but it's ten times harder to win the battle for meaning."
Good quote, but,alot of people who have no clue about how to survive, think they have an important meaning
And it's actually thinking you have meaning which is more important than someone else's is the root of alot of suffering/war. I.e."my God is the real one,not yours" "my job is more important than yours" etc
Crazy how,a great life,in history books,has nothing to do with how happy the person was
Humans “why are you here, aliens?” Aliens “we want to speak with John Danaher” GSP “OOOoOoOoO I knew it”
Damn lol
😂🤣😂
Comment of the year
This is gold
So under rated. I hear gsp’s broken English ooooOooOoHhhHh in my head so clearly it’s almost dejavu.
This man is a legend. People in the martial arts world will be talking about him for hundreds of years
For what all his students are maxed out on steroids
Equal conditions in competition tho
That's a bit if an everstatement, isn't it?
@@JR-wj9bh he trained the unanimous GOAT 👑
There needs to a move named after him
The way this guy talks is such a pleasure to listen to
Soothing
Who of all four
@@langtryvlogme there’s only 2 guys in the podcast.. clearly he’s talking about John. What video are u watching lmao
@@benlaurent3102 hahahaha I thought I was replying to the one with this guy and gsp and the jiujitsu guy sorry haha
@@langtryvlogme that makes a lot more sense lmaooo u good bruh
The most amazing part of this interview, is the ability for the listener to interchange “Jiu jitsu” with “life”, as the subject of conversation, and still find tremendous relevance and insight. Another reason I love martial arts training.
I don't fight. I don't want to win a fighting competition. I don't have any interest in the history of martial arts. I do find this absolutely eye opening, spellbinding and full of wisdom you can apply to virtually any endeavour in life. Bravo.
Hence The Book of Five Rings. Also looks like you got a bot here. I will report it.
No, it's Danaher. Not Bravo.
Beat me too it
@@therealspyguy lol
But life is a competition for all forms of life
Lex has been killing it with the guests recently. Train by day, Lex Fridman podcast by night... All day.
Yes the guests are obviously a huge component in a captivating podcast. Lex is right there with Joe in terms of interesting guests however Lex has a way to go in the way he engages said guests. Joe is phenomenal in this regard.
JRE is over for me, it's Lex all dae! Keep your Spotify I'm joining just for that podcast. I find my music elsewhere.
😂
Tututuutyutuutuu
Facts
As a judoka it was awesome to listen to a discussion between guys who really understand the sport.
Thanks for the feedback.....for more information +1-3-2-0-2-7-0-6-1-1-8 W /H/A/T/S/A/P/P./M•E••💯
@@user-pt9me1lx2w No.
Are you icelandic sir? Your name looks icelandic. I love iceland!!!!!
@@MegaBabygal1 Yes I am, good eye 😊
Started Jiu Jitsu a year ago at 40 years old and have almost given up a few times. This interview may be one of the most insightful interviews ever. Absolutely outstanding to both of you. You really took advantage of the opportunity and asked phenomenal questions. This lit the fire for me again. I’m all in now. Well done gents! 🤘🏽
Don't stop! How's it going now?
Are you still going?
Starting now at 35 🫡💪
Take peds it helps tremendously
@@gc-hn4ky can attest
Finally someone ask real questions. Fucking hate it when people have John Danaher caliber of people on their show and asks him about rashguards and what he thinks about the next polaris professional 69, when you have great mind like him, you must ask him deep questions and let him talk for nearly 4 hours, much respect for Lex!
Why can't you do both?
“Like minds “ 2 legit genius’s
THIS.
Lex *asks first question*. John-“let’s actually do two questions”
When you invite danaher on your podcast it becomes danahers podcast.
He split and doubled down.
damn the asterisks didn’t work
@@UncleTezzy I think there needed to be space between the second asterisk and the period.
A philosopher that doesn’t believe in God? Man is a pessimist
This is not only one of my favorite Lex Fridman podcasts but also one my favorite podcasts ever! This was a seriously important podcast.
Well this has officially taught me almost every life lesson I'll be caring with the rest of my life. Thank you John you truly are an inspiration.
This is the best Mother's Day surprise I could have ever hoped for.
10 minutes in and all i can think of is that John needs to be put in a time capsule. much love Lex
Rashguard included
@@sebastianzevallos473 and Fanny pack
If I could spend an hour with anyone John is probably my pick..He seems like the kind of guy that makes you better just by being around him, as long as you are willing to pay attention
I think I'd fall asleep
Hearing John speak is so fascinating he's so articulate yet very polite and curious. He always asks questions to the person he's talking to and genuinely is interested and you can tell Lex deeply enjoys this conversation. This was a very informative and motivational episode absolutely love it!
You’re riding him hard
Lex: "How are you?" John: "what exactly do you mean by how are you?"
😂
“First let’s break down what we mean by how.”
🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂
The Jordan Peterson of MMA!
@@justingillette8287 no
This easily became my favorite podcast ever
@@nftliama3528 no
@@nftliama3528 fake
If our politicians spoke like this I wouldn’t even mind paying taxes.
Sadly, 99,9 % of people in the world would never be able to work with a master like John. A Master who would really bring out their true potential and coach tehm. That relates to any field of life no matter if you want to be a surgeon or mma fighter. Thanks God there is the Internet, so we can at least have those podcasts with guy like him. Thank you Lex, thank you John
You need Firas zahabi on to complete the gsp trinity
Yes please!!
What about Freddie roach?!
Would love Firas. He’s so insightful and loved him on Rogan
That moment neo meets the architect and sets up a microphone. fuck yes
underrated comment
This was such an enjoyable podcast. I could not believe the 3.5hours flew by listening to it. Props to Lex and Danaher for being able to carry on such an incredible conversation on so many seemingly different topics with such interest, sincerity, and enthusiasm.
Please tell me you atleast sped it up. Lol.
I’ve watched the podcast 3 times through already. One of my favorite discussions ever
Ah this is amazing. John Danaher is quite arguably the world's greatest genius of all martial arts, not just jiujitsu. He knows everything about all the arts, all the techniques, and all martial arts events. Confirmed by Gordon Ryan
Lolll you had me at the first half
As a man who has alot of anxiety at night about death. The way John explains it at the beginning has given me a new perspective of looking at it.
Interesting That John Believes in something with his whole heart and soul. That would imply an afterlife. Being accountable to God is much more scary than oblivion.
@@Karlsator if there was a god why do so many people suffer.
John never died, CT fletcher died a bunch of times and he says there’s something after
@@adz1011 because of people, god gave us the freedom and we choose to hurt each other
@@RichardCookerly saying god doesn’t exist is stupid
Based on John’s choice to wear probably the most fancy/formal attire he owns, I think it’s safe to say that Lex has now officially been confirmed as Rogan’s successor on KZhead.
I am watching this in my room, at 3 am and I couldn't be more grateful Thank you for this life-changing content, much much love from Ciudad de México to Lex and to coach Danaher, it is always a delightful experience to hear you speak
You owe the cartel money. Pay or pay with your life. You have 1 day to come up with over 9000$ u.s
"He disagrees with you...but he's dead now. Heh heh." I laughed so hard over this. Lex is hilarious. 😂
@@themodernlnvestor7561 thank you lex I make big cash now! I am richest man yes
So much of Danahers ideas and philosophies can be applied to so many facets of life in general. An absolutely riveting character...brimming with resonance.
🙄
@@tjgadner8896 🤡
@@maipenraionyourthai1943 “an absolutely riveting character… brimming with resonance” who do you think you are bro mark Twain
Local idiot thinks a general expression is indicative of English lit.
This is probably one of the absolute best and valuable podcasts I’ve listened to. Everyone can apply many of these values/teaching spoken here. This is just pure GOLD.
The moment Lex asks the question about a super intelligent robot vs cyborg Gorden Ryan. The twinkle in John's eyes and how enthusiastically he responded to the question was fantastic to see, and very interesting to listen to.
I've been down the Danaher rabbit hole all week this is the perfect collaboration!
Even as a listener with zero martial arts experience and virtually no past interest in combat sports until I began listening to Rogan and your podcast, my most favorite episodes have been with GSP and this one. The depth of knowledge explored, the tremendous command of language, and the captivating personalities of these two guests is top notch. Thank you for these gems.
This is my favorite podcast/interview with Danaher you do a great job directing your guest and allowing them to respond with out interrupting them more than necessary like most do. Keep up the great work Lex👍
I love how his ideas are not specific just to Jiu Jitsu, but sports as a whole and life in general. Incredibly fascinating person to listen to.
“Building that confidence (that you can’t lose) is the key to championship performance. The single most effective way to do it is to take away the innate fear that we all have of bad outcomes; it makes us risk averse. When you believe you can’t lose then you’ll take risks because there are no downsides to your actions.”
@Juan Direction At 2:26:33 John answer what GSP what afraid of.
As Mike Tyson says, confidence breeds success, and success breeds confidence.
Thank you Lex, for taking me to school every week.
I never thought a jiu-jitsu coach will give me the answers I have been looking for in hundreds of books
This is the greatest podcast episode which I have ever listened to. Huge thanks to Lex and John!
Danaher’s tongue-in-cheek “I am notoriously cold and unemotional” comment was hilarious.
This might be my favorite lex podcast yet. He was able to extract so much from Danaher in this one... I enjoy Danaher even more when he's being interviewed by someone with a similar level of intelligence. They were able to push eachother in different directions with pretty much every topic. I really hope lex gets him back on some day!
I have seen interesting interviews with Danaher, this is by far the most interesting I have ever seen.
I've never really heard of this guy, but what comes out of his mouth is absolutely captivating. He's extremely wise and thoughtful and articulate. Amazing guest, thank you both.
I've never been so engaged in a conversation, every word is so well placed and utilized. Thank you gentlemen for sharing your thoughts of this life changing martial art
The way he answered the meaning to life was really insightful
@Lex Frídman oh wow thanks so much Lex! Will definitely invest
@Lex Frídman nice, let me file a first class action lawsuit against mr. lance dallas cornelius real quick for identity fraud on the internet
He just plagiarised the Platonist philosopher, Alain Badiou, who called that thesis: Live for Idea.
@@errgo2713hey I mean great minds build off each other, the language we use the words we speak they where all the invention of someone else. Someone thought one day the word I should refer to the self. Knowledge people accumulate often does not originate from one's mind.
The philosophical martial arts master. Danaher is like a modern Zhuangzi.
@@teelorp8306 I dont watch other podcasts. Only Lex. Zhuangzi is pretty well known...
@@teelorp8306 troll 📢
It's nice to see Lex having more of a conversation in this one, for which I think Danaher can be thanked for pressing him. I know everybody has their own style, and as great as they are, sometimes these podcasts feel a bit like a formal interview.
From someone outside of the martial arts world, this is probably one of my favorite podcasts. Lex you are an EXCELLENT interviewer.
I’m 30 mins in and this is becoming my favorite podcast of all time with the amount of knowledge and perspective
Why can’t I stop watching this guy speak ? ASMR vibes
Because hes the smartest man in combat sports
Power of proper speaking.
Danaher yes, lex is so monotone its....I only listen when its people I like cause of his voice. It bores me but hes brilliant
@@Sx-xy2zi every goddamn comment section has some audiophile bitching. It's fine.
@@EKleKtiKSound I like Lex, too. However, his voice is not only monotone, but he needs too much time to articulate his questions.
I've listened to probably 30-40 Lex podcasts and most of them are really good. But this one tops them all by a long long margin. Mr Danaher's ability to take complex problems, break them apart and give meaningful deep answers is just astonishing. Thank you!
This is a beautiful conversation, I must've listened to this 5 times now. I don't practice any martial art but show a vested interest and admire those that learn the skills to become a successful practitioner of any martial art. Thanks again Lex.
Best John Danaher interview that exist. Thank you so much Lex for this great interview. We could write a book out of this interview.
I don''t know if my brain is ready for this conversation but i feel that way with 90% of lex's podcasts
I'm a step ahead of you... I'm confident my brain isn't ready for this conversation. So there.
neither is Lex half the time, yet I can only be thankful
I'm so happy this podcast exists. Quickly becoming my favorite. Got the GOATs GSP and John Danaher. Firas Zahabi next!
Thank you! I have not yet even listened to the whole show yet, but I've started looking differently at my training and it's fascinating! Interesting and very practical whilst also on a "higher level ". Amazing! Thank you!
That was quite easily one of the best podcasts ever. And John was barely even scratching the surface of what seems to be deeply considered thoughts. Wow.
Gordon is more tense in his training sessions than he is in competitions because most of his teammates are better than the people he competes against. - That is so insane 😂
Craig Jones is probably the second best grappler in the world and they invited him to join their team because of that
@@fishstickparty I think it was the other way around actually
This is like listening to an audiobook before bed. It’s beautiful. I learn for about 20-30 minutes and then I fall sound asleep. They have calming voices.
These two men are geniuses. I think they explore ideas together well too. Love from NZ JD - you're the man x
John Danaher might be a modern day Miyamoto Musashi. A philosopher who fights. It's rare I get excited by a guest on a podcast.
Danaher seems like he has truly realized the logic of brutality on a level beyond most coaches I've listened to speak on technique across the various combat sports.
I don't even train BJJ but I love to listen to John talk and explain it to me. That's how much I appreciate John.
I'd love to see John Danaher and Lex Fridman again, this was one of the best interviews I've ever seen.
When Lex asks John a question about an Ai that couple possibly beat Gordon Ryan, I can’t help but think that these are the exact two minds that are capable of building it. And I would also watch the hell of that movie if it ever gets made lol
My two favourite activities in life are writing (code, words) & fighting. And this podcast is like watching two Gods discussing their ideas on each. Thank you for the episode Lex! Massive props to John too! Excellent choice of rashie.
I’ve always said this. You always know a good listen by the questions they ask. The thoughtfulness of John’s questions indicates his listens very well, not just speaks very well.
I've watched so many danaher interviews and this was by far the best. Lex did an amazing job at going to the deep areas and questions while making this feel as lighthearted and fun as a chat around a campfire.
I need more John danaher podcasts in my life, this is amazing
Check out the Bjj fanatics podcast
The best Danaher interview ever put out! Thanks Lex for asking all the questions we've wanted and have more insight into Danahers training methods and him in general
That meaning of life conversation at the end was so simple yet so profound. Never thought of it that way, and it's a thing I think often about.
that description of the fundamentals of jiu jitsu is beautiful. I dont have any fighting skills but the way John Danaher talks about the art of it has made me make a comment. I love these podcasts ! Thank you Lex
I can’t tell you how anxious I was for this to drop
All I have to say to you Lex is - Thank you! Thank you for your podcast and in particular conversations like this, the preparation and deep thought you put into these discussions really does make them so much more than any other podcast/media anywhere, thank you again!
This is one of my favourite podcasts these days. Keep up the good work.
This conversation is pure genius. Thanks Lex, John is an absolute inspiration
When listening to Gordon Ryan and Joe talk about hearing Lex and Danaher talk, I instantly hoped to hear one of these conversations... Then this is upload about six hours later.. fate I say!
If you listened to the last lex episode on JRE he said he was either gonna interview John or had already and was waiting to upload. So I don't think it was fate
@@EKleKtiKSound I really feel bad for you.... I'm sorry for whatever you are going through right now and I am sure it will get better. Have a wonderful day and week Sir/Ma'am
@@mmatrainee I'm good homie.....got money n the bank got a girl 2 cats a house....I'm chillin....all I'm saying it wasn't fate....its coincidence....I knew this was coming from listening to the jre last week.
@@mmatrainee the fuck are you talking about lol
This episode blew my brain out. I will need to rewatch it several times.
the amount of breadth and depth of knowledge that coach danaher possesses is immense and freaking incredible. brilliant mind. very impressive.
This man is so intelligent. The way he breaks down the training and drilling aspects is making me reevaluate what I’m doing. I definitely feel like I need to be further along than where I am. And he’s absolutely right, learn to escape terrible spots to gain the confidence to take risks.
This dude is like the MMA Professor Xavier
Arguably the two greatest minds who practice Jiu Jitsu on the same podcast. What a gift to get this content.
@Lex Frídman «identity theft is not a joke jim»
That's by far the best conversation I've ever seen! Tks Lex for bringing John to the podcast.
This episode was amazing. Danaher is a masterful story teller.
"There's lots of different ways you can build the cyborg Gordon Ryan." This..... this is the content I seek.
Ah Lex, you are my favorite podcast hands down.
@lexfridman What does it take to get a second interview with you and John? This is one of the best podcast episodes I've ever heard in my life.
I love this man, he genuinely wants to give us the best possible answer from his experiences!
Been looking forward to this, it's gonna get me through a night shift in the UK tonight. Thanks gents.
I was about to look at one of Danaher's technique videos, while I eat and get a notification that he is on your podcast for almost 4-hour of conversation, the timing!
One of the most incredible podcasts of all time. So much knowledge shared