Roger Gracie: Greatest Jiu Jitsu Competitor of All Time | Lex Fridman Podcast

[@lexfridman]

Here are the timestamps. Please check out our sponsors to support this podcast. 0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions: - Bambee: bambee.com and use code LEX to get free HR audit - Mizzen+Main: mizzenandmain.com and use code LEX to get $35 off - Blinkist: blinkist.com/lex to get 25% off premium - Athletic Greens: athleticgreens.com/lex to get 1 month of fish oil 0:25 - The moments before a match 8:16 - Confidence 22:41 - Greatest jiu jitsu match of all time 44:03 - Renzo Gracie 56:20 - Braveheart 57:43 - Self-belief 1:11:49 - Cross-collar choke 1:15:52 - Mount position 1:32:06 - How to progress in jiu jitsu 1:34:21 - Best submission in jiu jitsu 1:38:54 - The greatest competitor of all time 1:41:00 - Roger's statistics 1:48:56 - MMA vs jiu jitsu 1:57:24 - Gordon Ryan 2:09:50 - John Danaher 2:12:22 - Bear fight 2:15:20 - Tie 2:25:52 - Advice for beginners 2:35:12 - Drilling 2:43:08 - Roger vs Bear, Lion, Gorilla, and Anaconda 2:48:13 - Advice for young people 2:58:01 - Love

[@RocketGator05]

Please interview Roger Waters, Col. Douglas McGregor, and/or Scott Ritter. They're not shy. If not you'll lose* a lot of respect from those who like to hear both sides of the story.

[@dalibofurnell]

Thank you Lex 🤙

[@DeeZee2101]

If you like to think about animal fight and how animal can end human etc plus a lot of great sense of humor I think you will love Casual Geographic channel . Disclaimer do not eat or drink while watching 😁

[@G1stGBless]

Lex, was he intimidating? Ive never seen you avert your eyes as much or look fidgety before. You did a great job. But there is an almost alien intensity about him and I’m wondering if you felt it.

[@joecarter549]

Thanks for all the love energy you put out into the world. In regards to the animal fight debate. The lions real strength is in the numbers. If there is only one lion I bet it's just as likely to avoid a fight as any other animals. So Bear wins

[@GirthGod]

Roger Gracie! Made a career of Tapping world class black belts with techniques you learn your first few months of training. Unfathomable control and pressure! A black belt once said about facing him in the absolute( open weight division), “ I could only move my eyeballs” 😂

[@katdeekelly3228]

Lol until you go to sleep 😴

[@adamabbas1487]

That was terere. Terere was even winning at the beginning with a beautiful longstep pass and back take.

[@EducationalRenaissanceProject]

I could not even move my eye balls. I said I was calling the cops in a situation and a split second later he had my phone and I was flipped over in the air and grounded in living room and down. I did not even know how it happened that fast.

[@EducationalRenaissanceProject]

@@katdeekelly3228 bingo

[@mathiaspierce9204]

What about the Gracie killer

[@theyankeesamurai23]

I remembered my father saying "Simple is best, but doing something simply is very hard" Roger Gracie is the embodiment of that, the fact people can see the attack, they know what's coming, yet they succumb to it is just a testament to his skill in this art.

[@TheSouthernSiren]

I think that's similar to a quote coming from Einstein.

[@Mma-basement-215]

I love that

[@pkaramazov89]

When I thought your guests couldnt be more interesting, you drop this bomb. What a privilege is to listen to you guys. Thanks a lot Lex, keep up the podcast

[@joseandkris]

Roger gave a masterclass in Jiu Jitsu here. Also life.

[@Scottierolls]

💯

[@IdontspeakBro.]

I was walking out of the Pyramid after 2009 Worlds. Me and a friend going back to our Hotel. I had been training at a camp Roger has been attending for a week and saw me on his way home also. He was nice enough to invite me and a friend to dinner and said a few friends are attending, we jumped at the chance. Those friends were Renzo, Mauricio, Braulio, Draculino amongst some other old school famous names . It was BJJ heaven for 2 visiting Australians. this is the first time I’ve seen Lex fan boyish in the presents of Roger. Nice to know he is human .

[@MD-jf1ml]

Sick dinner holy s***! 😳

[@baerrach]

You totally one the lottery! well done

[@OccamsRazor393]

My son started bjj a few months ago at 13. Best thing to ever happen for him!

[@errantcanis5187]

I wish I had started BJJ and not boxing at that age. I could’ve had a lot less fights, injuries, and unnecessary conflicts in general in life.

[@seetsamolapo5600]

@@errantcanis5187 everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face. Boxing is foundational

[@paralleluniverse99]

@@seetsamolapo5600 Everyone has a plan until they get taken down with absolutely no idea of what to do. Grappling is foundational.

[@MJ-mi5sb]

@@paralleluniverse99 learning both to have good standing and ground game>

[@teeambird2079]

@@errantcanis5187learning boxing first has made it more difficult to learn judo where I should be moving my feet to get off the line of strikes and setup throws but my boxing instinct is to move my head by hinging from the hips and not moving my feet first

[@Teo-uw7mh]

Lex is KILLING it with the guests lately!

[@ItsJick]

He stays killing it🤙🏼

[@Fonz128]

Lex is a bad person

[@Tr3xShad]

Naah far from it. The guest and interview the whole world, especially with the current situation and Ukraine war, is waiting is Putin! We I get from all this fighters, is trauma and insecurities.

[@stocktonhippie6573]

@@Fonz128 then don't watch

[@stefanplusplus917]

if latety means the the day he uploaded the first podcast, i agree

[@anoshsheytan]

I’ve met Roger Gracie a couple of times and he is ridiculously nice!! It’s weird!! His kindness is off the charts!! I couldn’t love, appreciate and respect this guy more!! 🙏🏽🥋📚🏆❤️

[@cj-nyc2057]

The whole family is nice and humble - they treat everyone the same at the academy whether you’re a brand new white belt or a world champion black belt . Pure class ..

[@Darren_Mills]

I wouldn't describe them as humble tbh.

[@melissaandjosh6210]

Time for some coffee and headphones cause this will be epic

[@dalibofurnell]

Joining you for a coffee and got my headphones on , cheers 🤙 sending love from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@EngelbertHumperdinck86]

And some DMT! Oh, wrong podcast.

[@ZemarRed]

1:05:50 LF: "was there sacrifices you had to make?" RG: "everything." I've never done Jiu Jitsu a day in my life, but this conversation gave me so much. thank you 🙏🏽

[@benjiscott82]

You should try it! Wish I had started 30 years ago, absolutely love it, learned so much about myself in the last year

[@baccaratfitness2360]

What a humble and likable and highly intelligent guy Roger is.

[@myginger]

Yeah , but can't agree with the animal fight 😆 an adult leopard would whoop his ass. just image claws and teeth's coming at your face especially into your eyes!

[@myginger]

Remember , these cat's won't give you the time to think about the next move 😆

[@amospizzey1]

Love you can hear the London accent mixed with Brazilian from Roger , He used to teach out of my old kick-boxing Acadamy in London back then I had no idea who he was I remember an Olympic judoka asking to spar and his father Moritzio tapping the guy multiple times . They were both so humble and relaxed . I live in LA now and have about 5 years at the Gracie Acadamy . Roger is truly an all time great but most importantly he is a true Budoka Self aware and in control OSU 🙏🏻🥋

[@JoeMcK10000000000000]

Was the Olympic judoka Ray Stevens? He got his BJJ Black Belt from Roger and awarded Roger his Judo Black Belt

[@faboolean7039]

Excited for this interview, I’ve been training for about 3 months under two black belts who earned their belt under this man. Feels like a privilege to only be a couple of steps removed from a Gracie

[@errantcanis5187]

Welcome to the cauliflower club , bub

[@creativeape8994]

By any chance are you at Marlow / Henley?

[@faboolean7039]

@@creativeape8994 idk where that is, I train at a place in the uk called ray stevens academy

[@FlyingBJJSHlT]

I’m the same way with Marcelo Garcia. One of his best Black Belts is my Professor. I’ve always been a Marcelo fanboy. So it’s pretty surreal that I’m that close to Marcelo in my BJJ lineage.

[@JustSomebody-e9h]

The beauty of Lex is that he can make guests interesting for people who have no interest in the topic that the guest specialises in

[@Bjorn_R]

Roger is so confident yet humble

[@chtopteam]

Travis Stevens, Jim Pedro, Ryan, Danaher, Roger Gracie. Lex has the Mount Rushmore of grappling GOATS

[@BennyWalnuts]

Gable and Brands too 👏🏻

[@BGale47]

Need to get Marcelo on

[@HugeStirz]

init!!

[@catcher3]

Billy robinson Vasili Oshchepkov

[@eejaypea]

​@@RasAlHaqYes, he's a Jiu Jitsu black belt

[@TheFunPandas]

Its mind blowing that between their first fight (Metamoris 2012) and their second (Gracie Pro 2017), Roger had fought 1 fight, whereas Buchecha 68 fights! Once again very respectful high level discussion on everything; mentality, tactical decisions, bjj, attitude etc

[@coldplayer9403]

I could listen to Roger talk about about mount for hours. Thank you for this gem that I’ll for sure revisit often

[@user-uk9er5vw4c]

as software engineer, BJJ black belt and chess player I love every single episode of Lex Fridman podcast, it's ridicolous

[@user-uk9er5vw4c]

@@seams4186 thanks I appreciate it. It's me but 10 years ago (old photo), I didn't really know I was beautiful, I always considered myself an average man

[@MessMerOfAMan]

thats me within a few years. Im 14, playing chess, about to start bjj and about to learn how to code

[@user-uk9er5vw4c]

@@MessMerOfAMan is there no casualty in this, it means you have a certain mindset. Make those "about to" real and at 25 you'll be a hell of a man

[@Shug564]

if you're also into black suits, then this podcast might be for you...

[@золотой20]

​@@user-uk9er5vw4c hi from brazil, could you make a video on how you separate your day to day activities

[@4Timesdafunky]

I've been watching this every couple of months since it came out, and I still pick up new insights every single time. Great conversation.

[@renechang2406]

This guy is very calm funny and down to earth. Confident yet real calm and chill. It's cool to be confident but he definitely is not arrogant. Most Brazilians are chill.

[@left_turn6564]

bear conversation is epic...very cool to see Lex make people feel that comfortable and to see Roger laugh full tilt...thanks for that Lex

[@Rilasis]

Love to see Roger laughing about the bear fight. Not sure I've ever seen him this relaxed before

[@axwack]

I wonder what Roger is like beyond the screen. What do you think goes through his mind?

[@johnsudeog6525]

I trained at his school in 2009 as a white belt hes excatly like this lol, he even saw I was injured and followed me in changing rooms to ask whats up.

[@deebonash4487]

Roger Gracie is the living example of: Mastering The Fundamentals

[@emeishar]

What a great conversation. Such an amazing, insightful, humble human being. Thanks for this gem of a podcast.

[@didier_lu]

That postcast was amazing. Seing/hearing this podcast as a total novice white belt BJJ at the age of 51, motivates me to a max! Great motivational interview, thank you so much!

[@BEN.SEACRET]

Keep training brother BJJ is for all regardless technique over everything 💪

[@ricardomoonbeam8530]

Age is just a number, brother. I'm a 51yo bb (under Roger) just keep showing up. Stay on the path. Oss!

[@jefkaplinger2717]

My teacher always said about movment: "timeing and leverage beats speed and power." It wasnt untill i quit trying to win that i got good at gjj. Sparring and rolling with people i didn't intend on winning that i become good at beating people, they almost always exhausted themselves trying to submit me and put themselves in a vulnerable spot.

[@app369]

Though leverage often is a main component of power. So you are essentially saying timing and power beats speed and power. Power offsets, so you are saying timing beats speed. Which is correct. (Sorry I'm a physics nerd)

[@jefkaplinger2717]

@App25 interesting point... i think i understand what you're saying. They are both an exerting energy/ power, but doesn't leverage implie a more efficient form of power? If i am unable to exert enough power needed on something i use leverage exerting more power with the same effort..not sure how else he could word it (simple) and it mean what he is trying to say.

[@stuartcooperfilms]

Awesome! I’ll be listening to this at the gym today

[@TChandrapaul]

You’re the goat !

[@PrincipeFarlos]

ma maaan Stuart,

[@nathanmendelsohnbjj7964]

This is amazing! Thank u so much Lex! Roger keeping the SAME GRIP from the feet all the way to the submission on Buchecha is the perfect example of why he’s the epitome of efficiency n Jiu Jitsu! Simply unbelievable

[@v4skebjorn]

Simplicity and depth. Complete dedication. Also, he embraced all his weaknesses, that's why he learned. Here we are talking competitiveness. That was his life. Competing. Respekt and admiration.

[@FRANCESCOBERGOMI]

Very inspirational and truly humbling. What an incredible human being Roger is.

[@Nabil1976]

I wish the interview was with gi or on the mat like this all those technical questions can be shown but well done mr Lex for digging deep , I think no one made Roger talk more than you did . Beautiful interview

[@bryancjacobs]

Roger: "It's not about winning or losing. It's about you giving up. I've never doubt myself. I've always fought to the very end. Always. That I'm most proud of"

[@lightningmunk]

"If you polled the top 100 competitors of all time, do you think they would agree with you?" "...I don't care." 🤣

[@mifune3000]

That's the most talk / conversation Roger has ever had - no question!

[@edyu1977]

Great interview... Lex did a great job keeping the chat technical and relaxed.... and Roger... well... G.O.A.T

[@DannyAmerican]

I attended a Roger Gracie seminar this morning and I can’t believe I missed this episode. I’ve been blessed!

[@charleskilo4383]

1:31:40 With respect to practicing in the hopes of achieving perfection, something I've noticed as I've tried picking up new skills over time is that it's specifically practicing with as clear a goal in mind as possible that yields the fastest results for me. Having a razor sharp definition of success, whether it be from an external example or an internal ideal, immediately gives you a judge that you can use to know if you're moving closer to or farther away from what it is you're looking for. This is opposed to repeating the exact same process mindlessly in hopes that it will magically evolve on it's own to be better than it currently is with no direction from the person practicing.

[@app369]

Agreed. Have you read Talent Code? Speaks to this narrative.

[@basilistsakalos9643]

By the way he answers the first 10 minutes, the guy is the realest deal possible. He embodies the mindset of the classical warriors.

[@Mediateam-]

👆👆👆Merry Christmas 🌲🧑‍🎄. Thanks for watching..... you can participate in our current investment offers........

[@kingkpin100]

I freaking love Roger! What an amazing person! I have to say the part about “feelings” and being a bit detached… was hilarious considering how much he looks like Dexter 😂😂😂 Lex thank you so much for these podcasts! Will you ever have a conversation with Renzo? Or Rickson? That would be AMAZING!

[@user-xn8wl2kd9p]

Roger is so well spoken and wise it was a pleasure to listen to you two!

[@paulbaker6458]

This is the best interview of a world champion athlete I have ever seen.

[@paulbaker6458]

After posting this comment I received a reply from someone using lex's name wanting to use Telegram to talk about the episode. When I responded they asked my opinion about the episode then it quickly turned into an attempt to pull me into some crypto thing. Anyone else get this?

[@dimitris_panteliadis]

What a true gentleman Roger Gracie is.

[@jakeh2049]

Holy shit as if Lex didn’t already have the title for best guestlist in podcasting history, he get in freakin Roger Gracie so pumped for this. Only guest that could top this now is…. Dr Robert Sapolsky (Lex I will not stop till he comes on, fr)haha

[@AIWs88]

Loved watching Dr Sapolski and all his classes at Stanford!! Agree, Lex, please organize a meeting.

[@MMA_Jackal]

How awesome would it be to have John and Roger on the same podcast with Lex asking questions

[@DWSOutdoors]

Lex is really just hitting his stride and at this point there is not a human he couldn't talk to and have a great conversation with!

[@grapplersretreat6606]

awesome podcast. Thanks Lex for the great conversation with Roger!

[@JD-ev3po]

Roger is a true master and a class act. He does not need to be cocky. He exudes quiet confidence. He knows how good he is. There is nothing to prove.

[@mikei5550]

The advice about don't fear about anything because worry has no value was a great nugget right off the bat!

[@Lowlander119]

Please never stop doing interviews with combat athletes, these interviews show another side which is really insightful.

[@spurs_7798]

Lex has easily the best podcast out there. Its not even remotely close.

[@soyunkim5380]

Thank you. I explored a new world and learned about mindset about calmness and inner strength.

[@uncountedvoter9449]

This is the one I have been waiting for and it went flawlessly!

[@andyduffield1684]

My favourite podcast ever....its as simple as that.....Lex is the best interviewer and Roger is the goat. I learned so much from this conversation, so much on Jiu Jitsu, dedication to your art, mindset, the list goes on. Epic.

[@phillmellina]

That was possibly the most valuable discussion on martial arts - that I’ve ever listened to. So much good stuff- Perfection! Thanks Lex!!

[@nsimaInyang]

Oh man, cannot wait to hear this whole thing

[@nenaddabic7994]

He is using words so efficiently, same as his jiu jitsu. Not a sentance was wasted or confusing.

[@CaptHandsome42]

Sometimes he doesn't even answer, just smiles and nods.

[@Gustaf_CyberPadaria]

If you know the way broadly you will see it in everything. Miyamoto Musashi

[@ahhhgoolagoon]

I think I may be too old to have an idol, 10 years Lex's junior. I can't remember having an idol growing up. I can remember mini "assignments" in various settings (grade school, summer camps, orientations, trainings, etc.) where the question "Who is your idol" was posed. In those moments, I remember having difficulting in finding a clear answer to the question, and very likely answered differently each time the question was asked. But my answer would come easily today should the question "Who is your idol" be posed. Lex embodies, in so many respects, my envisioned self-actualized self. His humility, love of life and humanity, drive, and earnestness inspires me. Recently, I have been living the antithetical version of my self-actualized self, more so than ever before in my life; for reasons I'm still working through and understanding. You breathe hope and life in me, and I thank you, Lex.

[@jonasjorgensen8759]

Dont idolize, especially lex

[@ahhhgoolagoon]

@@jonasjorgensen8759 I think there is a semantic difference between "So-and-so is my idol" and "I idolize So-and-so"

[@bobdownie.2806]

Narcissism is very common these days.

[@Acesonly00]

Gracie admits to listening to your podcast 🤯🤯🤯 lex made it

[@BeingIntegrated]

As a meditation teacher, I can say that I'm pretty sure Roger is a Zen Master.

[@zodiac154]

Best thing I've ever seen in a long time. Thanks so much!! The road to greatness is to keep your head down, believe in yourself, and grind

[@marks943]

What a beautiful interview / BJJ fight breakdown / lesson! Thank you both!!

[@acesfullmike5371]

Another fantastic interview. The courage that Lex has in opening up about himself adds an incredible amount to the depth of the conversation.

[@drgroove2856]

Brilliant interview and great guest 🚀

[@Uploaded1995]

You gotta love the times where Lex tries to come up with a counter-argument or pose a question to a statement Roger makes, and he just answers with "Doesn't matter" or "I don't care." And coming from him, they're completely valid.

[@JPMODU]

Thank you Lex! Listening to this with my teenage boys is not only a rewarding moment but just them having an opportunities to hear men talk about NOT quitting is priceless. I trained with Roger and Nic at Grapplers Retreat two months ago and it was incredible! I'm going next year too. If you get the chance to go there Alex who owns/runs it an awesome guy. The dream he has created is definitely along the lines of what I hear you saying about creating more positive impactful things/events in your future. THANK YOU!

[@axwack]

@roger. You are such a gentleman! I started last year and you have trained with my professor. You are an inspiration. I have and watch your videos and the breadth of understanding you have is amazing.. The DETAILS!! You are an artist. @LEX Your interviewing game has gone up in my book. This interview, Danaher, Tabell, Guido von Rossum and Howard are some of the most amazing interviews. I didn't think Geeks and Combat sports enthusiasts were a known combination. Thank you and Rogan for showing me that we are not alone!

[@davidkingyogato1097]

Thank you Lex and Roger! Looking forward to this 1

[@kenjisclips]

Amazing listen! Amazing run Gracie has had aswell.

[@madbowler6]

fantastic conversation! Thank you, Lex! Your podcast is a real pleasure and I’m glad to see its continued growth and success. You have a fantastic mix of guests and the conversations that I’ve seen have never been boring. Roger has always been some thing of an austere figure, so it was good to finally see the human side of him a bit. Thank you for this conversation!

[@rooney921]

Really enjoyed this. Thank you.

[@napalminthemorning8309]

"The more you think, the more nervous you're gonna get." Absolutely.

[@Mediateam-]

👆👆👆Merry Christmas 🌲🧑‍🎄. Thanks for watching..... you can participate in our current investment offers...........

[@treborheminway3814]

Even Chuck Norris learned something here. I submit that this is the best interview you've done Lex.

[@directmessages1157]

Write me up

[@FigNasty208]

What happened to the Gordon Ryan and roger rolling footage? I thought I remembered you saying you were gonna upload that

[@0xBerto]

Starting watching last night before my como. Now relaxing with my 🥈 silver 💀 and finishing this great convo.

[@arielbarbosa7337]

Shores lots of respect towards Marcelo Garcia. A small guy who was able to do miracle with his BJJ techniques.

[@forthehomies7043]

Yo Lex, I just learned you are 39 years old. You look absolutely incredible man

[@MrLyell]

Wow - phenomenal points about defence at 16mins. Allow ourselves to be there.

[@730prime5]

The level of detail (if you read between the lines and watch his body movement is 🔥🔥🔥. Lex is Killing it!!!!

[@Khalil-Ibrahim21]

It can't get better than this! Thank you Lex ❤️

[@MBGamesHD]

Great pod. Rickson Gracie or Marcelo Garcia next would be dope

[@brimendis]

This breakdown is amazing, what a treat

[@Exalted-]

His humility shines! Also great insights to use In any endeavor.

[@Cuffsmaster]

great interview

[@jv-dz2pj]

Thank you.

[@ravilangabriel6689]

I've seen few clips here and there but this made me subscribe. I admire Roger's game, I will try my best to learn and practice Jiu-jitsu the way he did.. ooss!🤙

[@noahkane5685]

I’ve just gotten into Lex’s podcast because I’m starting judo. I love how he is able to give such masterful interviews and get these judokas and jiu jitsu grapplers to open up about what made them great. That said, one thing about Lex - if you’re a fighter he’s gonna ask you about animals fighting, likely involving a bear 😭 Great content lex

[@patmaloney1140]

So true about foot sweeps. Perfect analogy of what timing can do versus speed. Something that I suck at but I want to master.

[@TreyCarterJJ]

I've been so looking forward to this interview!

[@sybmundybuildingnorthernri6049]

Roger put it all on the line in that last fight that's why he's is so special

[@gregoryhannaway3736]

Thanks this helped with some of my struggles. Believe it or not! Keep on keeping on Lex!

[@12Tundra]

Great episode, I listened twice!

[@Mediateam-]

👆👆👆Merry Christmas 🌲🧑‍🎄. Thanks for watching..... you can participate in our current investment offers...........

[@rstlr01]

Just listening to this man talk and explain BJJ Has accelerated my progression at least two years! If I listen again, I might get another six months on top of that….😅

[@Lukadobronx]

Thank you, Lex Roger 💜

[@benbarnes-tq7lk]

Such a great interview. This was awesome to watch. Love the Pod Lex, thank you .

[@gustavopedreira2519]

What a great interview, wow 👌

[@ScottBentley-ru5sf]

Great to see Roger's emphasis on practicing on resisting opponents, this is a fundamental reason why jiu jitsu is what it is today, because they were the practicioners winning all the challenge matches as they predominantly practiced 'randori', live sparring, on resisting opponents. Me personally, no warm up, 10 mins of drilling, 50 mins or 100 mins of live rolling with no rest is the best. If you roll at a controlled pace it's good

[@sflora951]

Epic! Love your content

[@joshualoberg2763]

What a great conversation to sit in on