Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness | Lex Fridman Podcast

[@lexfridman]

Here are the timestamps. Please check out our sponsors to support this podcast. 0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions: - Justworks: justworks.com - Indeed: indeed.com/lex to get $75 credit - MasterClass: masterclass.com/lex to get 15% off - Eight Sleep: www.eightsleep.com/lex and use code LEX to get special savings 4:39 - What is Judo? 12:27 - Travis's signature throw 17:52 - Fundamentals 19:44 - Throws 32:36 - Gripping 41:09 - Weight cutting 1:10:22 - Injuries 1:14:22 - Jiu-Jitsu 1:18:05 - Lex on his judo competition experience 1:21:30 - Levels of mastery 1:34:41 - Matches 1:48:42 - Travis inspired Lex to practice judo 1:54:56 - London 2012 Olympic games 2:36:33 - 2016 Olympic games 3:10:56 - Mixed team competition 3:18:21 - The value of epic throws 3:21:49 - Shohei Ono 3:28:11 - Chess 3:33:14 - The coach 3:39:50 - Advice for young people

[@Harryandleo]

Wait … what?? This is unbelievable!!!!!!! A T shirt? 😀

[@ohFoou]

Living the dream

[@rryanreid]

Great podcast.

[@byronredditt8097]

Great interview! Love when people can see the other side of the monster!!

[@adinghosh917]

Please post original travis interview too plz from take it uneasy

[@andrew_moon]

"I don't see that I've damaged my body. My body can go through more than yours can...who's weaker?" This guy is on another level mentally.

[@66killen6]

Ever since I've watched this. That phrase is what I say when I'm injured and still train.

[@MegaBabygal1]

Im grateful there are visuals for this on KZbin. Hard to really visualize all these throws just by listening on Spotify.

[@johndoe4073]

This is one of the more powerful interviews I've ever seen. Been a big fan of Travis Stevens for a while. His level of mastery & his insights are incredible.

[@dietrich8820]

Thank you Lex! The Judo community in this country needs more interviews like this with Travis Stevens and other successful Judoka. I hope Travis and his systems pump out more successful American Judoka. So that, Judo can maybe as respected or more as BJJ. At least in this country.

[@markdaniels4178]

Judo is far more respected worldwide than bjj

[@paarugsethi5292]

“Are you considering your mortality in this moment?” is the most Lex question I’ve ever heard.

[@nickharrelson2013]

The martial arts episodes are becoming some of my favorites. Thank you

[@davidt6007]

Agreed

[@SF_Native]

100%

[@eddiehennessy2627]

I m a stroke survivor and I was an intentionally judo fighter ….recovering from a major stroke is easier than judo , thank god for the judo mentality because I wouldn’t got through the stroke

[@prandz420]

Wow that’s a bold statement. I hope you are doing well now and are healthy 🥋🥋

[@dddddaaan94]

P⁰

[@jessiboocoo]

Hope you're doing ok Eddie

[@eddiehennessy2627]

@@jessiboocoo never better Jessica thanks 🙏🏽

[@judorican973]

God bless 🙏🏿🥋

[@heresy5o]

One of the most frustrating things in my life has always been trying to explain the sport of Judo to people who have never participated. Thank you Lex and Travis for doing better than I ever could in explaining and spreading the sport!

[@kylegushue]

Probably because it’s boring to watch.

[@heresy5o]

@@kylegushue to each their own. Some sports are catered to the spectators and some are not. I would encourage anyone interested in martial arts to definitely give it a look regardless.

[@kylegushue]

@@heresy5o fair

[@purplehaze557]

@@kylegushue lol the fuck, its the best spectator combat sport in the olympic games

[@kylegushue]

@@purplehaze557 that doesn’t make it not boring, just makes the others even more boring. Some things are fun to do, but not fun to watch.

[@kiahjones6793]

Thank you for calling out the IOC! Deeply disturbing loss of freedom

[@PrimeMatt]

Corrupt as fuuuuuck!

[@joshuachartrand268]

The world games, but not for everybody. 😑

[@txhustla]

@@roman-fo2sk The IOC at its highest levels is hilariously corrupt. Go sell your "worker" fantasy somewhere else we have all seen Icarus.

[@keenan3618]

Hey Lex, from the bottom of my heart- thanks for having this conversation. Also, please please tell me that we are doing rehabilitation work for this gem of a human being. After listening to his injuries, I had to immediately write a comment. The worst of the injuries aren't finished while we're young- it's when we're old that time balances the scale. Another legend that embodies the phrase, "Doing whatever it takes" is Ronnie Coleman. He's had tons of injuries and tons of surgeries. And also, tons of drugs just to get through the pain of living his daily life. In his prime he was very sharp, but now with the drugs, it hurts me to see him so muddled. Your guest is tough, very much I know, but I really hope he can avoid a similar fate.

[@robk5745]

One of my favourite podcasts of all time, a must for anyone seeking to learn what true human mental strength is about. Insane!

[@OmegaSupremeWCheese]

DUDE two of my favorites, Lex and Travis! Thanks Lex, in any other country Travis would be a household name as an Olympian, but Judo is a fading sport in the US. I've been following his youtube page early fast forward years later and he's barely got 30K followers.

[@Parvenu90]

Hey Lex. You bring out the most sincere expression in all your guests. Watching and listening makes me a less cynical person. Thank you for sharing your unique experiences so gracefully.

[@ManuelTenore]

As a former Judoka this warmed my heart. Having trained under Ole Bischoff one time his disrespect towards him kinda triggered me a bit. Great podcast though! Great guest and bloody amazing judoka! All the best from Germany

[@stargazer4326]

Travis actually clarified in one of his videos (rewatching the Ole fight) that there is no ill will between them. They would train together all of the time, but when it came to competition, they are both such strong personalities that they would always battle it out

[@sleep-aid-hk]

Can't even count the number of times my jaw dropped. Travis is such as badass. Thanks for sharing the story, I'm sure it inspired many.

[@dannielsoto7410]

I'm 24, & listening to Travis has inspired me to start training Judo. I have my first class 3 days from now & I hope to compete within a few months at local comps to improve and learn more about the sport. Thank you. Mr. Stevens.

[@renaissancestatesman]

I was just looking at Judo solo drills yesterday to benefit my BJJ. I don't do Judo. Never heard of this guy. But after watching two of his videos suddenly he is here on Lex. Amazing. And it has zero to do with the algorithm as I have a separate channel for martial arts.

[@user-sk4nt5bm5r]

They guy is also a Danaher black belt.

[@jboy1181]

Iv only recently started judo achieving my green belt I have background in boxing and wrestling and have succeeded in both styles due to injury to the head I quite striking and have made judo my life feel privileged to watched videos from guys like Travis and all the greats Watching and practicing judo feels to me like the truest perfection of martial arts grappling system and pure art

[@coreydaigle2029]

Lex, once again you say what a few of us wish we could. THANK YOU! How lucky can you be to have a mentor such as him!! I have been learning Judo and Jiu Jitsu for 8 months now. Thank you for all the hard work you do. Please don't stop.

[@arielherrera1996]

I never comment on KZbin videos, but feel it necessary to express this: Thank you Lex, for the wealth of knowledge and degree of authenticity in your questions I am about to enjoy. Just the other day I thought about how wonderful it would be for you to interview Travis. Just watched the Jimmy Pedro interview from years ago and am exited to see this! I hope to one day cross paths on this martial arts journey we have both embarked on.

[@kaisardauletbek7712]

This is an incredibly useful information you stated in the beginning, Lex. It is so heartbreaking that one is not able to access videos from the Olympics by any means. It is also amplified by the number of athletes one from a small country as mine can see competing on the highest stage. Imagine having literally two athletes of your favorite sport making it to the Olympics, and the whole country not even being able to see them competing except for something they could have posted on socials. Or not seeing a friend of yours, with whom you started this athletic journey, finally getting there to compete with the best. Absolutely awful, and totally agree with your introductory statement.

[@davidwallace3868]

I've listened to a lot of travis stevens videos, interviews etc. Lex Fridman really has a way of interviewing people and delving deep, it really exposes a level of genius in Travis Stevens I've never seen before in other interviews. This is amazing, thanks.

[@tonybowen455]

Lex, this was so great. Glad I could catch it in video form on YT. Is hilarious seeing you when Stevens is talking about how he spars in judo vs jiu jitsu, lol!

[@robertkim3331]

I've done Judo myself for 10 plus years but I always wonder the auora of Koga He was never a consistent Word Champion or Olympic champion but is reguarded as a legend I'll admit when he throws people his technique looks the prettiest

[@ns687]

The algorithm really did Travis dirty by not letting the clips being shown

[@lslewis]

@46:08 Travis mentions Pringles and a Snickers bar and Lex edits in a pic. Hilarious.

[@ratsu2641]

I trained with Travis in Seattle , he is incredible :) I saw Travis drink 4 Pepsi before practice…4 …

[@bigbaltimore]

Cans?

[@ratsu2641]

@@bigbaltimore yes

[@hallucinatingsiren]

Lex I love you bro, there is no podcast more consistently engaging, meaningful, insightful, and useful than yours. In fact, I would expand this comment beyond the medium of podcasts. You are the most important broadcaster working today, Lex. We thank you for this priceless content.

[@benjaminrichie8033]

Couldnt agree more mate

[@green4tobase]

Listened to this podcast. Had to watch it to. Travis is Judo. What a Legend. Thanks Lex for this one

[@korswe]

I met Travis at one of the USAJudo Senior Nationals. He’s a nice dude. He is that relatable persona yet commands utmost respect.

[@Goodser]

I was listening to the audio, then thought I bet Lex put some videos to display the judo. Switched and so happy I did. Thanks Lex.

[@bookworm3756]

I love that Travis explains the difference between a game and a fight. A lot of athletes try and talk like they're killers when they're just playing. You can see Travis knows the difference and he knows how to put real feeling into his martial arts.

[@jamesSmith-fl5wv]

I love it when Travis does a live stream, and I ask an honest question, and he just ignores it....what a guy. He's no hero.

[@begging4music]

Thank You Brother Lex and thank You Brother Travis. Bless You Brothers.

[@hudsonvalleystrongdads3090]

This is one the best honest conversations I’ve listened to…. Some real, solid insight is freely dished out in this one 👍🏽

[@lnc-to4ku]

In every way- what a powerful guest! Great conversation, loved what he said about his approach to learning new things!

[@wpry22]

This is the most I’ve seen Travis laugh in an interview

[@---tx9xx]

yeah he is totally different demeaner he must actually like lex straigt up

[@jeronimom1593]

A conversation with David Attenborough would be fantastic Lex, make it happen my man 🙌🏽

[@amandamoore9183]

Have there been any Climate Change Scientists?

[@jeronimom1593]

@@amandamoore9183 I don’t believe there have been any on his podcast

[@NelsonRPP]

2:46:00 you are not proud of who you are? Well, friend Lex you should. you are an amazing human being! great podcast!

[@Joecool20147]

Unfortunately by the nature of KZbin and the Internet in general we are probably not in a place to help Lex with that, or at least only help minimally.

[@porkysugrim]

As a BJJ practitioner, I always respected Judo and Wrestling but never got to train Judo. This made me sooo motivated to try!

[@Armanijesus]

I have mixed feelings. I boxed for 12+ years. I started BJJ just a few months ago and I like it but I'm already leaning to starting Judo instead. I'm gonna give BJJ some more time but we will see. Judo seems so freaking cool.

[@porkysugrim]

@@Armanijesus I’d love to start Boxing too! The combination of a grappling art and a striking art is really what we need to make our skills shine

[@carlosmichael5183]

This entire episode was incredible, but the final three minutes were invaluable.

[@cadenrandolph2859]

This is a beautiful episode about conquering the complete odds and staring down the monster in yourself

[@annaaudio4823]

Based on what he spoke about he’s a very humble person. True judo .

[@chemclimber]

It's just unbelievable how much of a savage this man is 😨😨

[@davidlife4983]

Dropping weight is such a part of wrestling, judo and other high school and collegiate sports that the regulators limit how much weight you can loose now. I lived in plastic suits. I remember dreaming that I would be under a water spigot freely drinking as much as I wanted…soooo dehydrated. It’s actually a yogic practice called ‘drying out’.

[@Kwisatz-Chaderach]

Weight cuts are more effective than steroid use. No meme. It's legal "cheating"

[@noinodev]

this is a beautiful episode. ive watched it at least 3 times fully.

[@MMA_Jackal]

I’m super pumped to listen to this podcast!!

[@mannymejia6785]

Lex.. very well put .. much love from Anaheim CA... peaceful gentle way...

[@danielludlow8960]

3:04:54 "everyone has an opportunity too" referring to overcoming and persevering in whatever walk we are doing in our life...

[@a.c2199]

It is fascinating to watch Travis breaking down positions and matches. He clearly has a clinical eye and understanding of the game that most professional Judokas don't have. If you don't follow him on youtube, you're missing big time.

[@blackbeltpanda8522]

I hoped you asked him the Tie question.

[@ThE420DbOY]

Great intro Lex! Go get em!

[@HandiHelp101]

This channel needs to be at 5 million subscribers,

[@sandrawilliams4874]

This podcast is close to reaching four million subscribers.

[@SF_Native]

Man, I love his take on nutrition. Makes me feel better about eating McDonald's and burritos before and/or after training. lol

[@garretttringale436]

Same man same haha

[@lefthooklarry3611]

Never clicked something so fast guys a legend of intensity and focus truly in awe of this grappling legend I love that lex is branching out and interviewing martial artists my wishlist for lex to interview is Gordon Ryan Rickson Gracie mike Tyson Conor mcgregor isreal adesanya

[@amandamoore9183]

Foolish IOC, well said Lex, what an opportunity for us all this conversation provides, thank you 🙏

[@southsidedojo2]

Thank you Lex for doing this interview. It’s something I’ve been wanting to see for years. Meaning it’s all been about MMA and BJJ for years. In America judo isn’t recognized by the populous leaving it in the dust. I have a new found respect for Travis. I regret ever having mixed words in the past as Insignificant as it may have been. I just hope someday that judo becomes recognized in the states for what it is and not just some sort of cult like it has been portrayed for the most part up here in the Midwest. Again thank you Lex I love your videos keep up the good work

[@clarsen727]

3:03:52 "The who you become along the journey is really what the prize is"

[@richnice1975]

Lex, that was awesome! Travis is quite the inspiration. Lex, I would love to see you interview Madina Taimazova, the Russian judoka. She doesn’t speak English but you could translate. Just a humble recommendation. Love your podcast!!!

[@RichardWelsbyDrums]

Never clicked on a video so fast. Lex/Travis are wonderful people!

[@FlamosSnow]

"Grabing the whole ******* jacket" I got so excited when you said it like that

[@matiasorfen]

Really great interview, really cool listen to Travis, thank you!

[@beyondkravmaga8227]

Being real is unstoppable, this is top class. Yes Martial Arts rock!

[@pulicediego]

What a great podcast

[@kenw8875]

Travis and Lex, thank you for a meteoric rise of a conversation. Attention all humans on Earth: Travis conveys some of the most beautiful concepts and insight into training, losing, grinding, and persevering. I will never EVER complain about hurt body parts, losing, and putting work in. Thank You Travis for your titanium armored mindset 🙏🏻 🚀 🦅 🇺🇸 🔨 @arclightironworks

[@ysph]

i don't know why it still surprises me to find that i'm interested in one of your random interviews. This was pretty good. Lex, it's disturbing how often i awaken to the sound of your voice lately, man. sometimes it really gets on my nerves too. lol

[@dudesah2556]

Travis Stevens looks like a sad Sean Strickland

[@mickeym440]

Great podcast with amazing person! 10/10

[@alicericcardi3199]

Thank you both! Love your podcasts Lex; keep them coming please🙏🙌

[@paulsingh9043]

My nephew is 13 , been at judo for 8 years , he travels the Uk , he loves it, he also has started boxing ( 2 years in ) ,he turned to me and said ' love judo but no money in it , not like boxing '...🤔

[@paulos78]

What an inspirational podcast. Thank you.

[@trous]

what a great interview - thanks guys!

[@napalminthemorning8309]

I love so much that his dream coach is Dan Gable. That's someone who knows the importance of hard work.

[@uben89]

Bless you on your intro Lex!

[@deadarmd]

Makes sense. Ive lost 8 pounds in the sauna at golds felt like a million bucks. Then again im not 5% body fat and dehydrated

[@kent-ingestensen5371]

Just in time for me to go to work, cheers Lex!

[@SF_Native]

More martial artists please.I love the dynamic, more than the usual podcasts with MMA guests. Rhymes with Brogan.

[@popoyethesailorman1]

The common factor in the greatest people is that they solve the problem in hand and move forward- What a matra !

[@joaolemes8757]

I've never thought about the IOC now I despise it with a passion. Thanks Lex.

[@Kwisatz-Chaderach]

Travis is such an inspiration.

[@mauricedeacha4927]

Travis Stevens...A true Gladiator !

[@abhishek-px4jj]

Thanks

[@rogerteaminski6351]

What a crazy perspective on weight cutting and nutrition. Wild stuff.

[@JakubNemec76]

Thank you guys for this. Very inspiring

[@eazyjxy5050]

khabib and sean strickland fusion

[@AlbertvsMagnvs]

Hes not a insecure child like Strickland

[@normanbean4595]

"Your violating the principals of your center of ass" might be the unintentional funniest thing I've ever heard.

[@vishnubishnoipodcast3505]

Love you both and this amazing conversations that you both had.

[@damu5point]

Job well done Lex thank you kind sir!

[@ThievesInTheTreasureRoom]

This is by far one of the best conversations about Judo and martial arts in existence.

[@Haolekine888]

Travis says he's worked with high level players in Japan and when they grab you you feel like you've lost the function of that limb. I immediately thought of Muneta. Does anyone else think he's talking about Muneta?

[@VitoOrtiz-x2f]

Great interview

[@kookiecrumble7970]

Wow 2:42:25 really hit home for me. Great interview!

[@JustinNowellPlaysBG]

I saw him fight in 2012 at the Olympics in London. Pretty sure I saw the Quarters against a Brazilian fighter, the Semis against a German and the Finals that day.

[@lightning7582]

Travis Stevens vs Gordon Ryan make it happen! ASAP

[@sofiaisabella7230]

Have you ever considered interviewing the fastest man in the world on two hands? He’s awesome and he is a wrestler as well. I don’t know his name (Zion Clark?), however he holds the Guinness World record so he’ll be easy to find. I believe you would really appreciate him as an incredible human being.

[@ryu-ken]

Interesting guy. Love it when lex brings combat sports dudes on

[@208111589]

So much inspiration here ✨

[@captainfalcon8615]

Stoicism is a very underappreciated art and philosophy but one that really lends itself to the erosion of certain aspects of the psyche that absolutely must be taken care of like the acceptance of vulnerability and letting go of the ego, the ego is an inexorable part of stoicism and anyone who tells you otherwise has never practiced it seriously and whoever tells you that the ego is able to be completely suppressed is contradicting themselves.

[@stevenp2241]

Really enjoyable podcast!