Lex Fridman does judo with Travis Stevens, Olympic Silver Medalist

[@lexfridman]

This is my judo training session with Travis Stevens, from a while back. He's a 2016 Olympic silver medalist in judo and one of the greatest American judoka ever. I've trained judo & jiu jitsu for many years. I love judo! Here's my previous podcast conversations on judo: - Travis Stevens: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5qxoXiJorWcpbM - Jimmy Pedro: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6qUl4toq7R0e6c

[@coconutfleetsleeper5717]

Beauty❤

[@primusucks_]

@Lex you're a legend in the making

[@Theangieee]

How tall are you? Sorry, that question always pops in my head when I am watching one of your video posts

[@Zara-gw2xh]

That's great!🔥💪👏 I do a little judo, too 😁

[@animistchannel]

Nice workout! Granted, can tell you haven't taken a lot of falls lately (ba-dum-bump hitting in pieces) but you'll get it back. His variation on seoi nage was interesting -- he's basically taking the kazushi from seoi goshi by pulling from above rather than pressing from beneath, but it's the same mechanic on uke. It's a lower throw his way, but you don't have to get as much penetration through the defense to hook it up. Good option.

[@evergreen3623]

Lex will correct this in his next software update

[@andanssas]

Nah, it's not a bug but a feature. Probably a rebase is enough 😂

[@hamza.abdullah807]

​@@andanssas if it's a feature what's needed is a revert

[@andanssas]

@@hamza.abdullah807 nothing wrong with the original method... Just rebase the new _judo_ branch and PR it to main ;P

[@foobar-xh5gs]

RLHF

[@johnboie4964]

😂😂❤

[@peterpetrovic4502]

He’s getting ready for the Putin interview

[@Ann-op5kj]

😂 oh the visuals 🩷

[@paaaatrika]

I hope it never happens. As if Putin will tell him sincerely about anything. Just a waste of everyone's time just like the Tucker interview.

[@koifnen]

@@paaaatrika Have an open mind. There's corruption on both sides

[@blinoldluv]

​@@paaaatrikajealous as they are way better than you guys there?

[@flamingninja728]

@@koifnen Youre not wrong but neither is he lmao. Its literally Putin. You cant even begin to defend him. I'm not gonna compare Carlson to Putin but you cant defend him either.

[@Insommer]

It's nice to hear experts walk you through basic technique, i've done judo for near 24 years and although i've seen this variation of ippon seoi nage with the collar grip, i've never seen anyone explain those little details which make it so successful, like when lifting the collar to get the lead leg off balance. The internet has made it so easy to learn new techniques, when i was trying to get recognition on a national level in the 90s people would keep these little techniques secret because they were so frightened of someone getting an upper hand on them, instead you would have to watch footage of competition to see what they were doing, and you would have to try and guess as to why and when someone uses these little subtle techniques. Seems like people are so eager to teach people for free, i really wish i had these kinds of resources when i was young!

[@WhizPill]

technical

[@_Super_Hans_]

Should have worn your suit Lex.

[@nawtmyrealnamelol]

he was wearing it underneath the judo gi

[@Alleeyin1933]

Ha ha 💯

[@mu3076]

@@nawtmyrealnamelol😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@ashutoshnirala2565]

Agent Lex

[@letrasconmawa]

He doesn't feel comfortable in these clothes, he is fixing it every minute 😂

[@VestaRoleplay]

love how Lex thanked Travis at the end of the session after being slammed 10 times on the ground

[@blinoldluv]

I think Lex being slammed was done in purpose since this video talks about how great Travis is.

[@kovenmaitreya7184]

That's a normal thing us martial artists do 😅

[@unenprenunci8216]

Tell me you don't train martial arts without telling me you don't train martial arts

[@LawrenceJenner]

🤣@@unenprenunci8216

[@spinQubit]

that's judo

[@Willrocs]

This Travis guy seems like he’s pretty good at tossing people around 😂😂😂

[@FutureAbe]

I wasn’t expecting a lesson in physics and gravity from a Judo instruction. Very fascinating. There’s more thought going into high level martial arts than people think.

[@jdmfan9450]

As a practitioner and competitor throwing someone that is the same weight as you and resisting is pretty hard ,so you have to know a little bit of physics. Judo also can be extremely physical and extremely technical at the same time if you would like to see more I recommend this channel www.youtube.com/@GrapplerKingdom.

[@channel2fitnessandhealth875]

That's why grappling/throwing martial arts are so fascinating

[@jamestopliss7029]

If by “people” you mean you then sure, but there isn’t anyone that’s involved in high level grappling that doesn’t appreciate the incredible complexities involved in fighting mechanics

[@channel2fitnessandhealth875]

@@jamestopliss7029 He means people who don't train it, which is fair enough. I'm fairly sure the general population thinks of grappling as 2 caveman seeing who is the strongest.

[@jacovichstabs841]

There's such a deep understanding of balance, rotation, angles etc in Judo. It's super impressive to see how efficiently top level players use this knowledge.

[@Ro_9]

The podcast with Travis Stevens probably is my favourite on the channel. There's a lot to learn from these retired athletes, people who have been through years of daily training from an early age, success, failure and injuries ; there's a particular and valuable intelligence developped through this life experience.

[@ryanwilliams9984]

That lapel *SNAP*! The split hip entry for ippon seoi nage is really tricky, but Travis breaks down high level concepts better than anyone I can think of. Truly a privilege to learn from the master. Koga would be proud!

[@MatthieuSCHREK]

For real.

[@ogkosher8635]

Thank you for sharing judo. The best sport. We need to make it more popular

[@darkdrake13]

I have been waiting years for this to be released. Thank you.

[@Blindstoic]

Holy cow Travis is such a great instructor.

[@PromoAmbitions]

Lex knows so much because he is always humble enough to listen, in sport and in science. What a great channel this is 👏🙌💪

[@MrBluemanworld]

I'm impressed Stevens could give this explanation, he has excellent understanding, and the ability to cover the information.

[@_re.]

About time this video got released. Been waiting for this since Travis went on the Pod. His journey in judo of traveling to places in the middle of nowhere to compete, to getting silver in rio is my favorite podtalk. He's the personification of the indomitable spirit. His story of nearly losing a limb and not taking no for an answer soldifies this. (talks about it on the pod)

[@jpad470]

Many years ago I had a judo brown belt show up at our school (kung fu) and show us some proper throws. He had been training about 8 years at that time. The power is wild to feel from skilled Judo practitioners. That is what makes martial arts so fascinating - it is a life long endeavor where you could never learn everything in one lifetime. I trained in Kung-fu and Kali for about 6 years but that was about 25 years ago. I keep telling myself to go start jujitsu as it has always fascinated me. Gracie Jujitsu/UFC was starting back when I was still training. We grappled at our school as part of sparing (Stand up all the way to the ground) but were nowhere near the technical expertise embodied in this art. Love your podcasts by the way!

[@lindseybotelho]

What a great teacher! He explains and demonstrates everything so well

[@skimND]

I’ve been waiting for this since he was on the podcast!

[@Diverse_Interests]

I loved watching this. Judo and Aikido have always been a favourite of mine and the disciplines were just part of family life. Reminds me of learning basic throws from my grandfather as a child. Thank you for inspiration and memories.

[@SaumBodhi]

It's like chess except without the chess

[@gavinbrody212]

jui jitsu is like yoga...with more choking LOL

[@ricardokerscher]

speed chess

[@Hcarlos621]

So short, so simple, so informative. More please.

[@valeyard00]

About time you released this footage. Please do another interview with Travis! And with Jimmy. And Kayla too.

[@oneof6billionpeople]

Lex is the coolest guy! Such a renaissance man.

[@bigbear1843]

I’m not a fighter but I love witnessing the technical aspect of fighting in its mastered form. It’s like a dance of chess.

[@BennLuvsYou24]

Mr. Stevens explained it so well I feel like I could execute it without any prior training on any martial arts whatsoever.

[@rorystruthers]

Love the subtitles saying "(Lex flipping)". I was expecting "pow" or "whoosh" or something.

[@St_Laurent-]

Hahaha. Lex. Your face and smirk says it all! Everyone gets humbled especially when fighting a superior force hahah😊. Way to stick w it and keep improving!!

[@coffeehouse44]

Fascinating video - i love watching experts in their field teach and explain why and how things happen and make it sound so simple.

[@Yupppi]

Some people think black belt is the point where you're the master. That's when the learning starts. It's fascinating with how small things Travis makes it completely effortless and almost totally controls, how it looks fairly even until suddenly you're on his back. I just love judo.

[@lautshift_________]

That s some kind of impressive example of how poetic and practical judo is at the same time. I woule not have awaited travis stevens to do this kind of magic. Thanks for this Inspiration

[@jvc12183]

I trained with Lex for a long time in Philly. He was always a tough judoka. He trained at the Drexel University Judo Club and had a nasty Achilles lock in BJJ.

[@sydneysimon7112]

This was awesome to watch thanks for sharing

[@iamdamo]

What a crazy valuable experience! Awesome, thank you for sharing it with us.

[@TrueBlueAndrew]

My goodness. Martial arts can be just so complex. It is like you’re playing chess.

[@TheFighterheart]

mathematically the combinatory explosion is much higher in any combat sport than compared to chess

[@nnkaz1k856]

It's much complex than chess :)

[@Aks.868]

@@TheFighterheartcan you elaborate on this?

[@mauricioleonruiz6109]

Thank you for uploading this, it is great in many different levels

[@marcomiller5641]

I’ve been waiting for this

[@FrankZR1]

I'm hurting through my phone screen Lex. You brave bro!

[@Wamagirii]

Ouch!!

[@scottlaux6934]

This is the best. Lex is the man, and a hell of a nice guy.

[@jm7533]

“Lex Fridman goes flying.” There fixed the title for you.

[@tdlewis103]

Big, strong and talented. I see him coming, you see me running

[@GeneralSpecific]

That "You're gonna turn and face me turn and face me. Thank you." moment at the end 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@Bullimicporkupine]

this is the content we love to see.

[@ragazzo_menace]

Travis is so smart man, amazing details Great video overall

[@borislubura4698]

This was awesome Lex!!

[@michaciemniewski9791]

Knowing how things work is what makes my judo better thst is why this is so great!

[@mu3076]

*We need more of this Lex*

[@ni_kabiu_john]

I love this. You should do Lex Fridman sports channel .. just short videos like this. Then find guests interests and try to do that sport challenge with them..

[@consciousenergy5957]

What epic teacher, keep going bro! I miss the mats tremendously. I sometimes wonder if I am hurting myself more by not going. 😮‍💨

[@jonathanmarsh9263]

So good, would love to see more of that Lex!

[@Massethete]

Lex's "yeah" was whispered in glee 4:20 .. that genuine smile of not getting slammed to mats

[@curtisjordan9210]

You're lookin' fit brother, keep up the hard work!

[@idatong976]

Great mind and body co-ordination! Thanks Lex.

[@alexjets625]

We need this to be a weekly series.

[@lesagent]

God, I always find Travis’s game so clear

[@RougeRangerX]

Lex, with all that love for Judo and Austin please mention this Judo club. Kokoro Judo is a great club with awesome instructors and environment. Training at the Givens Rec Center off 12th street. Thanks!

[@CaptainCalculus]

Watch here how he always comes back to getting the fundamental movements correct first. I always remember the rule of thumb: the closer a body part is to the ground, the more important it is to get your form correct.

[@timothybarela1305]

His insights into kuzushi are amazing. I never was good with seoi, but man, I feel like I just had multiple light bulbs go off listening to Travis.

[@Chris-bp9sh]

What a great opportunity! Thanks for sharing!

[@0_3_6_9_0]

Wow how can this NOT be an exciting experience? 😲❤👏 respect.

[@SG-dw8jh]

His understanding of balance is incomprehensible 🤯

[@sushinfudoshin8991]

Once you understand how center of gravity works in relation to a person standing on his feet and holding a lapel, you got it figured out 🙃

[@MrMarcusjarvey]

One of the few videos I have watched at 0.5 playback speed! Judo isn't really on my MMA radar, and I wish I could practice it but my back wont take it any more. Looks a great skill to have in your toolbox. Thanks for sharing Lex

[@MikeDMADLabs]

I hurt my shoulder bad training in judo. I want to train again but I’m scared. Still fun to watch.

[@ChronzLight]

Kayla Harris coming to the ufc felt like judo redemption, growing up doing judo and seeing it enter mma and following rousey, felt like my study was unpopular, going back to where I grew up, seeing an old sensei, hearing the classes are small is pretty sad. I brought my practice with me in the marines and trained in Japan while stationed there, but I eventually stopped altogether, never heard of Kayla Harris or kept up with any news judo… hope to see more, maybe one day get back to mats

[@aga5109]

That was interesting. Thanks for that, Lex.

[@stormbringer_7774]

Lex’s movements are almost lifelike!🤔

[@sandspar]

About halfway through there was this vision of Lex on the ground with all of his clothes in a perfect circle around him on the mat.

[@ratsu2641]

I also got thrown by Travis in Seattle it hurt …

[@primateinterfacetechnologi6220]

Sweeeeeeeeet... My mother has been a teacher of Tai Chi for over 45 years, having been trained by Master Choy Cam Man back in the Cretaceous... It seems most great martial arts practitioners have something in common... that I can't quite put my finger on. Perhaps this is a no-brainer. As a child I met Master Choy several times, as we had him as a guest occasionally. I was a bit young to appreciate the nuance of the situation... but I remember everyone always had a big old smile. My mother reports Master Choys' dying words were " oh shit"... Peace and love.

[@larsonabilla5066]

I was at a practice with TS and he was an absolute machine.

[@johnsordillo6338]

Judo imo is way more effective and applicable than JJ. I've been doing MMA for over 24 years, and I have experience with both. My opinion is towards street fight/self defense application.

[@goodyeoman4534]

It's clearly not, though. Not in the cage at least. On the street, perhaps.

[@johnsordillo6338]

@goodyeoman4534 I did specify street fight/self defense. In a cage, yes I absolutely agree

[@jonanderson5137]

In the streets nothing beats situational awareness and a few friends.

[@zartic4life]

On the street I'll take Judo over BJJ 10/10 times. After all that's the point of a self defence martial art.

[@goodyeoman4534]

@@johnsordillo6338 You did. Good point. And you can obviously grab clothing to aid throws.

[@neolord50pro77]

He's throwing Lex around like a ragdoll 😅

[@simondoAF]

Wish this was longer

[@phazebeast7373]

Next title: Lex gets body slammed by a robot 💪

[@Thomas-sb8xh]

Greetings from Poland, btw we had some great judokas, but the best, and one of the best in the history of this beautiful sport is Waldemar Legień, double olympic champion in 1988 ( 78 kg ) and 1992 ( 86 kg ) Good training Mr Lex ))

[@theogillan5510]

Its so amazing to see a role model like you promote Judo more. A lot of people stick with BJJ or wrestlig these days but its so good to see Judo get the attention it deserves in my opinion. I really understand missing judo. I took a break for a while to try other martial arts but nothing feels the same as just picking someone up and throwing them in such a greaceful way. I cant recommend it enough for anyone curious. Its also nice to do a martial art that doesnt involve being hit.

[@VaBellaBeautz]

I felt all those slams to the floor I now have a headache 😅

[@LouisStephans]

Learn how to proper fall is the most important! I love judo and bjj. It’s true Austin is great.

[@GreenTea3699]

My back popped just watching this 😂

[@thejuiceweasel]

I expected more from the new Atlas model.

[@fullimetal7581]

His movements are crazy. 1,000 reps were achieved by him a long time ago.

[@RexWu]

this is amazing man. ty for this

[@ryanradkowski3058]

Love your stuff! Keep it up!

[@yvealeciasmith]

Shit that was too much fun, I'm not gonna sleep now

[@BudaKhan420]

Great video, a nice change of pace. So were you sore the next day?

[@FlavaTheRipper]

Amazing to watch, I need to get started on martial arts

[@Machete__Squad]

Should try and get Kayla Harrison on to chat. Super talented judoka, and it could lead into conversations of application in the context of an MMA fight, her transition to the sport etc.

[@katkyle8169]

clinching up and grip fighting with travis must be like wrestling with a bear

[@kylechen9573]

He threw Lex around like a doll lol

[@Henry_Jones]

Lex Friedman wants to judo against Vladimir Putin, then interview him.

[@alexandersemionov5790]

interesting how the jumping with back leg underneath/between opponents legs to hip lift an opponent ... overlaps with boxing stance switch ... think Mike Tyson from leaning right, switching legs fast to end up leaning left by slight jump and punching under a different angle with left arm

[@fordjubilee]

Leverage...ratios then exploit...Love it Muscle memory then execute.

[@Mose-e5e]

I ❤ Judo!! Have you ever watched Sanshiro Sugata, or My Annoying Brother or Mrs. Judo?

[@mindful_clip]

We had an OLD school cuban guy come in to show us how to flip with no gi. He grabbed the fat from the tricep area and flipped a guy. It was the craziest moment ever. Bruised for days. He had moves for days. Judo isnt bad. We just need more people getting to the Master level. Too many stop, not enough good ones teach. IMO.

[@DreamKaster_tv]

Very cool!! Makes me wanna try now!

[@jsmithsemper4848]

I always love to see fighting styles that exploit weaknesses of body mechanics to take opponents/attackers down. I’ve always wanted to learn but I just don’t want my bones broken, so I’ve avoided it. This was cool! Good to see you slam the big guy! Didn’t know you had it in ya! 👍👍

[@ca11um284]

So sick! Thank you for this Lex

[@Jinkaza1882]

Seeing this and the way Stevens talks about it just reminds me of my Tai Chi/Taiji instructors. The grips, holds and throw were all there but they kept emphasizing "chi production". There was always this talk of "combative taiji" but none would put down the internal and look at the physics of what was going on. Would love to see a judo player of Stevens level break down Tai chi to the judo parallels and then test them on the mat.

[@juneshasta]

My Lex knows how to throw down and get thrown down, and I like it.

[@Livefreealways]

Very good with close contact! The advance technique is distancing! Know the hot zone! Did judo got 8 years when I was much younger! Then met Sensei Kimura in Hackensack NJ and he showed how the distance and setup is the most importance! 50/50 is not an advantage! But 60/40 is key! He was also a Judo expert! But changed the method of an opponent that you may interact with? Look up Kimura Shukokai! Power, torque and speed! But very nice video! Good job guys!

[@johnkaimana]

Incredible lesson. Broad application. Wow