How to get started in BJJ | Ryan Hall and Lex Fridman

[@aqdjbcr]

It takes a really good coach to recognize that you should train somewhere else in order to realize your potential. It was always a bittersweet moment telling kids I coached that I had taught them everything I could teach them and they would have to learn the rest on their own or with someone else.

[@maddniarslan]

For how long did you teach those kids before you had to tell them that?

[@UnosHombreBlanco]

The fact that you didn't stunt their progress and didn't hold them back and knew to let them go and continue their journey to be better truly shows what an absolutely outstanding coach and person you are. Doing the right thing by your students should be number one and you've clearly put their needs before your wants and that's character. Legend.

[@alexg9693]

@@maddniarslan 5 minutes

[@awesomefighter8986]

@@alexg9693 once you teach them the guard, you let them learn how to pass by someone else

[@theyoungfool.1895]

Your a good teacher, you were honest with them and let them grow beyond your place, I bet it was worth it even if it was bittersweet, it’s always worth it.

[@gonufc]

Ryan Hall's great, but when he finally fully wakes up he's going to be unstoppable!

[@liammeharry]

You talking about his tourettes?

[@gonufc]

@@liammeharry What? No, he just looks sleepy with his eyes always half open.

[@govtom4]

Hilarious.

[@gonufc]

@Issac Hernandez What disability? He just has eyes that look half closed. Calm down.

[@Martybuzzed]

@Issac Hernandez ❄️❄️❄️❄️ 🚨

[@iain3104]

I recently started kickboxing after years of debating every outcome in my own head, exactly like this. If you’re thinking about doing something like this, DONT! Just do it!

[@reactiverhino6931]

Im like this bro I just get too nervous to go in and I never have been in an MMA gym

[@dinoman-1skicoin384]

@@reactiverhino6931 Bro just go. We always have new guys come in and they are physically dishevelled. They are low on confidence, and nervous aswell. People are happy to see people bettering themselves. We welcome people who want to learn. It is motivational!

[@reactiverhino6931]

@@dinoman-1skicoin384 cheers man I needed this thanks

[@carpenter437]

Totally agree, started working out as soon as I get up in the morning. For to long I just would think about working out in the mornings. Stopped thinking, just started doing it without option.

[@ispittruthchannel5317]

@@reactiverhino6931 the jiu jitsu community (generally speaking) is the best family I've ever had!!! Very accepting and welcoming and supportive. We are a team helping each other grow, as artists and people. Fear is in your mind but if you've considered mma this long, that's in your heart. Don't ignore your heart, it's trying to lead you to where life wants you. Good luck brother! Dive in, we got your back

[@conradwiebe7919]

Came back from the whole interview cause I 100% suffer from the thinker's disease. I didn't know what to expect from this conversation but Ryan gave one of my favorite interviews. So glad you're branching out Lex.

[@ivan.guitaraaa1903]

Such an open mind

[@FarisBalochi-d1u]

Growing up I was bullied since middle school. And I was a shy kid who wanted to stay alone instead of making friends. Doing wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu has made me grow out of my pent-up emotions. I started realizing that my body could do things I never thought it could. I went into Jiu-Jitsu with a humble mind and never let my ego get in the way.

[@magrum21]

I’m starting JJ on 3/23 with my two sons with a group of other fathers/sons. My childhood I was bullied as well. Never gotten in a fight. Struggled with confidence issues a good chunk of my life. Doing this to build my relationships with my sons and to invest in them and myself…to build confidence and discipline. A bit nervous going into this especially at almost 48.

[@Bigg_Swig]

Ryan Hall is the reason I started Bjj and it was everything I needed in my life

[@clovedoper7223]

The fact that everyone were so respectful in the gym and yet could literally snap all my limbs is what makes me nervous at first. Its a really humbling experience. A kid from highschool would consistently submit me who was significantly bigger and stronger... and had years of experience in other martial arts and contact sports prior to BJJ.

[@Zazen9]

his thought is so well analyzed. Great conversation Lex, relatively new to this podcast and it's been so much fun

[@josipdolibasic4143]

It can be safely assumed he's a really intelligent dude just by seeing how eloquent he is

[@ivanichianus683]

@@josipdolibasic4143 not after his last fight.

[@eddietheblasian2043]

It's as simple as walking into a gym with some credibility and trying a class. Come in with OPEN MIND, LEARN and CHILL. Check your EGO at the Door.

[@diegopayan3146]

This dude is very well spoken. I'll have to watch the whole podcast

[@brocklee1996]

I've tapped out more times than the number of stars in the universe!

[@brendank7465]

I love the way lex thinks and phrases his questions the way you do. It’s like you ask the questions we are all thinking

[@landonmeador2197]

Just go! People will be welcoming and helpful. Expectation management is the key. Just learn at least one thing from a roll.

[@Brian-hg3gt]

Things I wasn’t ready for starting jiu jistu ringworm, cauliflower ear, my shoulders AC joint falling apart at 17 years. My Academy going out of business 5 months into rona 😭 Be back on the mats one day🥺😤

[@tonyattardo9350]

Hang in there man, where you at?

[@Jealod24]

Sounds like you’re at a sketchy place... you’re always gonna have to deal with shit on the mats and poor hygiene, but all of that combined after a short period is a little concerning. Good luck, and stay safe. If you’re rolling with dinks who want to flex their dick size, find another partner.

[@2pacfan12357]

So I should not start with BJJ because I really do not want any joint pain?

[@Muhammad-ou9wh]

I'm proud of the cauliflower ears

[@trxscreed]

@@2pacfan12357 lol, definitely not. BJJ destroys your joints, but i'll take arthritis over mental anguish that stress and anxiety was causing any day.

[@Ureyeuh]

1. The "Thinker's Disease" bit was incredibly wise, so was the Bruce Lee bit. Wow. 2. I am so disappointed that he isn't fighting in May... fingers crossed for a fight later this year.

[@travisbickle4337]

July 10 let's go!

[@andrewrodrigues2865]

Really impressed to see Ryan Hall on your podcast. Guy is a wizard!

[@Cum007]

I see

[@Cum007]

"wizard" hall

[@heavysetmedia1904]

Huge fan! I love how well thought out you are! And gentle and calm. I wish more people were able to communicate as well as you.

[@vasilikimichopoulou1250]

1

[@brucemichaelgrossman4913]

I just got my second stripe the other day. I can't get enough of these philosophical videos.

[@oFLUXo680]

New white belt here...I wanted to do BJJ for the better part of the last 10 years. I was fearful that I would embarrass myself or just get hurt so I never started. I finally took the leap and I am so glad that I did! Everyone is so friendly and helpful and fairly gentle given the nature of the activity and my inexperience. BJJ seems to universally produce an environment that HIGHLY conducive to learning and welcoming to all walks of life. Seriously, go start your BJJ journey; you owe it to yourself!

[@liorcolina]

You keep up with it?😊

[@oFLUXo680]

@@liorcolina I did! Just got my blue belt last month 💪

[@nicks1169]

@@oFLUXo680 badass man. 2 month white belt here lol

[@oFLUXo680]

@@nicks1169 Keep going! We are future black belts

[@franklara21]

Just went to 1st JJ class this week. Like you, after MUCH back n forth for a long time, I FINALLY took that leap. Glad I did. Here's to future sessions 🤙🏽

[@_john_ty]

You shouldn't be reading these, Lex. The simulation warned you

[@UncleRambone]

I love Jiu-Jitsu!!! Most humbling ego checking thing I've ever done.

[@thedarwinist672]

Ryan Hall is my favorite grappler. His tutorial on bjj fanatics are great.

[@tobycarvery8476]

We could look at ourselves metaphorically as a device but with choices of what software we choose to install but there are always risks of picking up virus type ppl too

[@Avrielfer]

I have not done bjj since 2001 and now today was my first day back at 27 and I LOVE IT And all i did wqs look for a school in the area see reviews call speak to the teachers and let them know why your doing it and when you go just listen learn be humble and itll be a blast

[@LeoGang89]

I just started doing bjj and muai thai Monday through Friday - been doing it a couple months and I love it.I did it to be the best version of me. I just jumped in and now Im in it 100% this is my new life style. Be prepared to suck badly but enjoy the journey. Idgaf I got my ass kicked a lot, still do and will continue to do so. I sprained my knee, still on the mat. My partner broke his ankle rolling with me. It's dangerous but its fun and addicting even.

[@samuelredmond1310]

How are you getting on now

[@zoranallen5205]

@@samuelredmond1310 Prolly quit lol

[@Jealod24]

Lex has been talking about bjj the same way crossfitters always talk about CrossFit.

[@Theroadneverending]

It happened. BJJ is awesome

[@merces47letifer4]

Except way less gay and corny

[@agent_orange5327]

I'm here because of your interviews with Joe Rogan. Great work sir. Subscribed 🤘

[@wagonet]

ryan can't wait to see you back in the octagon,

[@lex8239]

Not long now. He is fighting Dan Ige in March hopefully.

[@wagonet]

@@lex8239 Hell yah, cannot wait to see this fight.

[@tomsensale2104]

Injuries is what's keeping me from starting really. I see/hear stories from people how they started, first few months in, they're rolling with a higher ranked belt, get put in a hold and their arm snaps. Or suffering serious ligament damage etc. I understand getting roughed up, sore, bruised, but how likely is a serious injury like broken bones to happen on any given training session?

[@sarahseif1788]

Rolling with higher belts is actually a lot safer than rolling with white belts or beginners. They move with control and precision and they protect you from injuring yourself. At least this was my experience. Most of my injuries are from beginners. Injuries are a part of the gig unfortunately. It is definitely a risk but there are a lot of ways to prevent injuries or at least lessen their severity by keeping a good foundation of strong muscles, tendons and ligaments and improving your mobility.

[@eezlummockelchev420]

Never knew that Ryan was so interesting to listen to.

[@And-Or101]

We are pattern seeking primates, so maybe it's a trait of our evolution to always try to figure out what is ahead of us before we embark on something.

[@gickygackers]

nah

[@JGlais]

@@gickygackers fuck off

[@gickygackers]

@@JGlais you're a pattern seeking primate LOL

[@pavellima5755]

Yeah its called thinking

[@MarioRodriguez-ys6pf]

Totally agree with you brother.

[@michaelwilliams4371]

I really like his analysis of the thinkers disease

[@momentum8640]

I'm a white belt in bjj and it's hard to know what I'm supposed to getting good at because there's so many things to learn. I'm about to get private training.

[@momentum8640]

Never lol. Never.

[@momentum8640]

I'm concentrating on defence. I got my first stripe now.

[@samstephens3351]

It’s amazing that a guy with eyes that are permanently half closed, the effort it takes him to blink. Half the jobs already done Ryan

[@Fallout7295]

i think it's to do with his tourettes if you look at his eyes he blinks way to much only just found this out. I just thought he never got a good night sleep 😅

[@xwhite2020]

Good on youtube for allowing complete fukin idiots to gather, comment and slap each other on the back. There really is a place for everyone.

[@bartholomewcorrigan4161]

I actually listen to this whole podcast hoping Ryan would mention a mutual friend and coach of ours. Dave Trader was a jiu jitsu competitor who I believe was not given the time or opportunity to become the coach he could have been. He was a massive fan and devout student of all grappling arts. He trained a lot with Ryan in northern Virginia and Maryland.

[@jeremyfisher8250]

One of those rare channels where I let the ads play out.

[@tommygunhunter]

Thanks for this. Down to earth, clever and sensible. Great antidote to Wolfram!

[@slikclips2966]

I could not agree more. Lex is killing these pod cast! In the good way😁

[@tommygunhunter]

@@alarlol very clever, but not sensible....

[@tommygunhunter]

@@alarlol His work is truly clever, gargantually so. But lately he seems to be given to wild assertions before proving them. Proofs first please. That's the Old Science! Einstein did not give advance notice of his seminal papers! He published them first and then spoke about them! #sensible

[@tommygunhunter]

@@alarlol He is an amazing guy. I think he is authentic in his motives and if he can prove what he asserts it would be a genuine Paradigm Shift. He would not just be standing on the shoulders of giants but a giant to be stood on!

[@USALibertarian]

Most people can't choose their coach. If they are lucky they have 1 gym and if really lucky they have 2 to choose from. 2 options isn't really choice and you have to flip a coin anyway. So just pick one and go and adjust as necessary.

[@theunspokentruth5987]

Recommended this to my gf , anyway wasn't what I was expecting 😂😂

[@tpal3243]

what did she say

[@Fisher2291]

@@tpal3243 She asked for a Hall Pass

[@ScheffCity]

With more people doing it, it'll be more accessible but I think it's safe to say it's unaffordable for a lot of people...

[@brandonluff7992]

I never knew he had Tourette’s just makes him more badass

[@bilbobaggins4403]

Why is he blinking? CTE?

[@PM-hh9ur]

Man, Hall just never blinks!!!

[@georgetheonlyporge]

What an amazingly interesting conversation between two men with sharp and brilliant minds. Fuck I'm really enjoying this!

[@holdenwinters68]

What about with covid?

[@ivantarnyagin]

I wish I knew Morse code, so I could understand what he's blinking

[@aeneas116116]

Much respect for this gent

[@MillennialRabbi]

GREAT advice by Ryan

[@fatboyEDC]

My wife and I plan on getting our daughters into BJJ. My oldest is 2.5 years old, at what age should I get them started? And what schools could you recommend in Central Connecticut? Thanks Lex. Also one thing I could say is I listened to your podcast you did with Rogen and carrying a firearm is kind of the same mentality with BJJ or martial arts, you know you could most likely destroy someone with your hands but you refrain from doing so on a daily basis. So please get a firearm and train. I would be pleased to show you how to shoot a pistol if you like. I have a private range we can use. I have taught others how to shoot over the years also. I think someone with your intelligence could be a good representative of the firearm community. Love going out to you.

[@fatboyEDC]

@@evilmemeboi6160 thanks. We do play roll and stuff now. Thank you.

[@Freko2011]

Start with judo, then after a 6-8 years transfer to bjj. Learnig goid stand-up is almost impossible with bjj

[@fatboyEDC]

@@Freko2011 thank you guys.

[@Scott-qi3wv]

I started going to class for about 3 months last year but anxiety just made it so difficult. I quit and it still bothers me because I love grappling. I love watching it and I loved learning it but sad to say I couldn’t deal with the anxiety before each class. Only time in my life where I’ve felt like that

[@EditsUnlimited]

a couple options. 1 is maybe try a different gym. sometimes gyms just have a real "bro" attitude. find a gym with quality people, that have nothing to prove. another is just general anxiety management. try breathing exercises in the parking lot. breath heavy through your nose and get alittle meditation before class. another thing, is no one cares what you look like, how you talk, how good/bad you are. they are all there to get better and make others better. no one is paying attention to you in that way. I go through the same thing man you're not alone. but as you train you'll get better physically and mentally. go back man, it will help your mental health in unbelievable ways. I hope this helps man! don't over think. go back, go as many times as your mind will allow. good luck brother

[@Scott-qi3wv]

@@EditsUnlimited I’m looking into another place to train in my town. I’ve really got the BJJ itch again after rewatching choke for the hundredth time 😂 thanks for the advice brother. Hopefully I can keep at it this time

[@EditsUnlimited]

@@Scott-qi3wv you'll love it man. just remember everyone has that, and everyone is there to support you and your team. best of luck homie I'm positive you can stick with it

[@StevelyBruckShut]

Did you watch at like 7:30? They say that's an important part of the growth process

[@jeffreypressey8471]

I'm nervous every time I train. Not crippling, but probably a five out of ten. I've made peace with being scared. I even say to myself "you're nervous, you're afraid" just to acknowledge the fact. When I realized it's acceptable to be scared I can turn that into excitement, use that energy on the mat, and I always, ALWAYS come away better, having learned something I didn't know about myself, my body, the sport of jiu jitsu, or just life. Hope hearing that does you Some good

[@Fun_Dealer]

I really really want to start jujitsu but I have terrible knees and I'm recovering from a neck injury. My main hobbies are hiking, backpacking and climbing and I can't afford an injuries. I'm on anti depressants for the depression i went into after my chronic neck pain. What should I do?! Is it worth it? I've been thinking about doing just MMA in general, that seems less limb ripping?

[@tbagman99]

I’m guessing your neck injury has to do with your vertebrae, in which case I could imagine doing bjj would be quite dangerous. However I think if you could definitely still practice it with some Physical therapy work too. I have a sacralized spine, two herniated discs, and still experience sciatica from time to time but there are certain exercises and measures I have taken that allow me to do bjj as well as wrestle. If wouldn’t say bjj would pose too much of a risk to your knees if it’s a joint issue because there’s minimal impact, and if someone attempts a leg lock or knee bar you can always preemptively tap. And I think most gyms follow the unsaid rule that is you don’t try to hurt or put someone in a position that causes too much pain, usually people tap as soon as they have the lock or hold tight enough to the point where you can’t escape without struggle.

[@Fun_Dealer]

@@tbagman99 thank you for the advice it's much appreciated. Certainly something to thing about and yes it's a vertebrae issue

[@AVTBJJ]

Great podcast, subscribed.

[@mr863yadig9]

Gracie camp. Starting tonight. Can't wait. Dream come true

[@philfmiller]

"Hey Blinkin!" Ryan Hall: Did you say Abe Lincoln?

[@giacdeg]

Question: is it feasible for a 53 year old man in fairly good shape to start doing BJJ or is likely the joints will take too much of a pounding?

[@andrewrobertson3894]

Absolutely feasible

[@sdbrahm2294]

whats wrong with his blinking? is it some condition?

[@careerbase4349]

Yeh. Probably a tick or something.

[@kogrady2409]

He has Tourette’s

[@pqsevant]

listen to these interviews in the past. nowhere near the experience comp wise. how much debt was hall in after dropping out? i did the opposite didnt move finished was business and in state but post engineer career fell on manageable debt. using thinking cap to get into gym regularly not there yet tho.

[@yew2oob954]

At 9:10...his first coach was a blue belt? There goes the idea that "only" black belts should teach jiu-jitsu!! 😂😂😂

[@atillacnar5785]

does bjj really destroy your joints?

[@stillwatercamargo9606]

Only if you not tap

[@Spartan-Of-Truth]

I was hoping there would be some starter moves or something mentioned. Good podcast nonetheless!

[@David-fv2hj]

Look up Jon danahers podcast. He teaches to learn pin escapes and guard retention first. (has instructionals) Then will look at half guard then all the others. Then submissions from the bottom. Then focus on main submissions such as back attack, kimura, arm bar, triangle etc

[@edwardleas1619]

This should titled a conversation about humility

[@johncarlos1012]

Went to my first class today and tapped like 5 times in 5 min to a person that weighed 40 pounds less than me

[@mohamedseraj4198]

Just got interested in mma today, especially bjj. And all in a days worth, someone on the Dubai metro told me I look like my favorite fighter of all time (Jonny Bones).. a guy from Turkmenistan… and I’m from bum fuck nowhere northern VA. Now this fuckers from northern Va?? That’s my stomping grounds babyyy!!! The universe is crazy. Turkmenistan + VA + Dubai metro + Jonny Bones = next world champ. 😂

[@TheEvdoggy]

Would have been a better interview if Hall intermittently just flopped to his back and we had to wait a few seconds for him to sit back up in his chair.

[@stuart124]

You may laugh, but you don't know how many surprise ninja attacks and snipers that has saved him from.

[@TheEvdoggy]

@@stuart124 And MMA fights.

[@Nicolairoed]

Such a good comment lol

[@TheRealMarcieMan]

Both men are great in their Art's.. would be cool to roll with Ryan, and Lex...

[@tone3560]

I thought about joining....but the cost, potential sprain, tweaks, breaks and blindly rolling with people that I have no idea where their ego is at and skill is a hell of a gamble on my health.

[@rogainegaming6924]

This is all about gym selection. A good gym will take those people and straighten them out, but a bad gym will foster that environment.

[@rumchata6569]

Ryan’s shirt looks faded and old (unless thats the design) but ima assume he’s wearing a 10y old shirt because he’s that damn humble and simple

[@rickybaker2223]

who gives a fuck bro honestly

[@MicahLockhart]

Ryan Hall breaks knees and apologizes after.

[@loffarenerik2914]

thanx ryan

[@JohnnySnipshow]

Hardest blinker ever

[@SachinGupta-pv2cb]

Every martial artist has taken something from Bruce Lee. This was his contribution to the Martial art

[@skipeveryday7282]

He wrote the 5 ways of attack check it out if you haven't already.

[@sliderx1897]

How to get started in bjj, go to academy and pay money, go to class the end

[@abdellbenttahar4806]

Ryan the realist hall

[@WanKin581]

I always get treated like a pariah when I go to BBJ classes what is it with treating outsiders like shit

[@stephenstuckey]

Lex, ur podcast is the shit bro....keep it up!

[@RealMrYouTube]

I'm getting started tomorrow! 👍

[@SANTANA1deep]

How'd it go?

[@paulthompson8642]

Have the time not the money, have the Money not the time

[@TheHyena-ru8bz]

First time seeing Ryan Hall speak and his blinking makes me think he is a robot lol.

[@andrewnichols7474]

I think he has Tourette’s

[@christianreynoso2481]

Thank God you mentioned Andrew Yang- Finally a man of common decency!

[@tjl4688]

UBI isn't decency, it's theft.

[@Mando4Everr]

2months of getting whooped already 24yrs old just starting my journey

[@ez123489]

I really want to get into bjj but im terrified im going to get badly hurt

[@Freko2011]

Thats your fault, yo can alwats tap my friend

[@ez123489]

@@Freko2011 im worried about the increased likelihood of accidental injuries maybe slipping on the mat and blowing out your knee

[@Freko2011]

@@ez123489 i am a judo guy, and trust me the amount of time standup in bjj is almost nihil, depending on the club ofc and even then you can choos to pull guard.

[@iceparadox369]

Lex proves anyone can start a podcast and spend time with joe Rogan

[@edforbes1563]

No it doesn't! This comment massively under values lex and over values most of the population! It proves anyone can improve themselves. If they want to. We can't all be exceptional. Telling people they can, is untrue and damaging. Every has different potentials. Striving to achieve your potential is what it's about.

[@factsdc3719]

You have to ask yourself what your goal is at a particular school. Do you want to be a World Champion or are you just rollin as a hobby.

[@timuri6678]

The first thing you need is to stay away from those energy drinks. They’re really really bad for your heart.

[@jovannycampas]

You don’t mess these people 😂 just go and do it !

[@NumNaughts]

I’ve been wanting to do bjj but I cannot afford it :/

[@scotty2shotty]

Learn how to strike, evade strikes and generate power explosively as well. Don’t just focus on grappling

[@crzxm]

Ryan Hall vs Jordan Leavitt would be a good match.

[@matthewwach7693]

Hottake: Ryan is actually blinking in morse code to signal that he is in distress 😮

[@TheRealAltomon]

1. Go buy a Tapout or Affliction shirt. 2. Tell everyone you do BJJ That’s how most people are doing it these days

[@PM-hh9ur]

This guy’s a Hall of famer…

[@Vex319]

He doesn’t sleep he just freezes mid iminari roll and meditates for rest

[@peterquinn3424]

Step 1: Xmas dinner Step 2: Bother Ryan Hall Step 3: Yamasaki black belt chill af Step 4: Mount

[@nickr7703]

REPPIN THE DMV YESSIR

[@joshuabartley656]

Dude looks like Ben afflict little brother

[@NWOtion]

How to get started in bjj: 1. Be afraid of getting hit 2. Be out of shape

[@Drod11z]

?

[@teotzampazis7602]

I want to learn BJJ at 33 ,am I too old?

[@Aleksander_Jurecki]

no

[@alexpozos6441]

Here after he got kod

[@killingmachinegun3817]

No vulgarity here, good.

[@kellis_33]

Oh fuck off

[@kensong7118]

Anyone notice how much this dude blinks