Episode
#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
4:55:49
Published: Mon Oct 10 2022
Description
John Danaher is one of the greatest coaches and minds in martial arts history. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - Audible: https://audible.com/lex to get 30-day free trial - Calm: https://calm.com/lex to get 40% off premium - Indeed: https://indeed.com/lex to get $75 credit - MasterClass: https://masterclass.com/lex to get 15% off - Eight Sleep: https://www.eightsleep.com/lex to get special savings EPISODE LINKS: John's Instagram: https://instagram.com/danaherjohn Watch full matches at FloGrappling: https://flograppling.com PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: - Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast - Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman - Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexfridman - Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman OUTLINE: Here's the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Introduction (07:51) - Road to ADCC (26:23) - Danaher Death Squad (35:07) - Mental preparation (59:52) - Gordon Ryan (1:56:50) - Giancarlo Bodoni (2:21:57) - Garry Tonon (2:35:54) - Nicholas Meregali (2:51:21) - Ruotolo brothers (3:01:00) - Takedowns (3:05:19) - GSP (3:13:48) - Renzo Gracie (3:18:24) - Boris (3:22:15) - Ali Abdelaziz (3:24:41) - Khabib Nurmagomedov (3:28:33) - Joe Rogan playing pool (3:31:47) - Advice for grapplers (3:41:43) - Day in the life (3:48:25) - Bear vs Gorilla vs Lion vs Anaconda (4:26:12) - Tom Hardy (4:37:46) - Emojis (4:40:15) - Love (4:45:38) - Fighting to the death (4:49:25) - Knives
Chapters
In this podcast, Lex Fridman interviews John Donaher, a renowned martial arts expert, on his ideas and insights into martial arts history and its evolution.
00:00 - 01:03 (01:02)
Summary
In this podcast, Lex Fridman interviews John Donaher, a renowned martial arts expert, on his ideas and insights into martial arts history and its evolution.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares their preference for unedited and intimate long-form podcasts, whether in conversation or alone, as they appreciate the rawness of human connection and storytelling in audio format.
01:03 - 08:05 (07:02)
Summary
The speaker shares their preference for unedited and intimate long-form podcasts, whether in conversation or alone, as they appreciate the rawness of human connection and storytelling in audio format.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The founder of the Renzo Gracie Academy in Puerto Rico shares how he would recruit members to train with professionals by encouraging and observing potential and ensuring they could work well in a team.
08:05 - 19:34 (11:29)
Summary
The founder of the Renzo Gracie Academy in Puerto Rico shares how he would recruit members to train with professionals by encouraging and observing potential and ensuring they could work well in a team.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The Danaher Death Squad trained for three different rule sets over a 14 week period, leading to their most successful team performance yet.
19:34 - 27:55 (08:20)
Summary
The Danaher Death Squad trained for three different rule sets over a 14 week period, leading to their most successful team performance yet. The team split and had to train harder than ever before to prepare for upcoming matches against tough opponents.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast discusses the balance between achieving extreme excellence and enjoying life, while acknowledging the importance of ego in achieving success in any field of life.
27:55 - 34:43 (06:48)
Summary
The podcast discusses the balance between achieving extreme excellence and enjoying life, while acknowledging the importance of ego in achieving success in any field of life.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker argues that the majority of mental preparation in sports actually stems from physical skills and that confidence is a byproduct of mastering those skills rather than a mental state that can be artificially induced by motivational speeches or highlight reels.
34:43 - 46:23 (11:39)
Summary
The speaker argues that the majority of mental preparation in sports actually stems from physical skills and that confidence is a byproduct of mastering those skills rather than a mental state that can be artificially induced by motivational speeches or highlight reels.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Joe Rogan praises Flow Grappling for their organization and promotion of the sport but expresses a desire for easier accessibility to footage of matches for sharing and watching.
46:23 - 51:14 (04:51)
Summary
Joe Rogan praises Flow Grappling for their organization and promotion of the sport but expresses a desire for easier accessibility to footage of matches for sharing and watching.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The ADCC tournament is divided into weight categories where athletes compete against each other in one-off battles, culminating in a headline super fight between established champions who have won previous open weight tournaments.
51:14 - 57:46 (06:31)
Summary
The ADCC tournament is divided into weight categories where athletes compete against each other in one-off battles, culminating in a headline super fight between established champions who have won previous open weight tournaments. Fighters may get exhausted or injured in the weight categories, which makes participating in the super fight risky.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Joao Gabriel Rocha's strategy to keep Gordon Ryan at bay was to occupy bottom turtle position until the five minute mark, at which point he would shake Gordon off and force a takedown battle.
57:46 - 1:06:03 (08:16)
Summary
Joao Gabriel Rocha's strategy to keep Gordon Ryan at bay was to occupy bottom turtle position until the five minute mark, at which point he would shake Gordon off and force a takedown battle. Gordon Ryan on the other hand, chose to sit into the guard position and start looking to access Rocha's back in a more energy efficient move.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A coach shares his approach to cornering in MMA, emphasizing focus on efficient solutions and preparation for worst case scenarios.
1:06:03 - 1:11:09 (05:05)
Summary
A coach shares his approach to cornering in MMA, emphasizing focus on efficient solutions and preparation for worst case scenarios.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Renowned grappler, Gordon Ryan, explains the importance of cross-ashigurami and showcases his expertise with a quick finish in a recent match, while highlighting the significance of always staying one step ahead of the opponent in a mounted position.
1:11:09 - 1:17:44 (06:35)
Summary
Renowned grappler, Gordon Ryan, explains the importance of cross-ashigurami and showcases his expertise with a quick finish in a recent match, while highlighting the significance of always staying one step ahead of the opponent in a mounted position.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speakers discuss Nicky Rod's body lock guard passing game and how it may not be enough to surprise his regular training partners in competitions.
1:17:44 - 1:22:59 (05:14)
Summary
The speakers discuss Nicky Rod's body lock guard passing game and how it may not be enough to surprise his regular training partners in competitions.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Jiu-jitsu coach John Danaher describes Gordon Ryan's confidence in his abilities, ability to recall information, and exceptional technique, allowing him to work from seemingly impossible defensive positions and dominate other athletes.
1:22:59 - 1:32:25 (09:26)
Summary
Jiu-jitsu coach John Danaher describes Gordon Ryan's confidence in his abilities, ability to recall information, and exceptional technique, allowing him to work from seemingly impossible defensive positions and dominate other athletes.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this segment, expert commentators analyze Gordon Ryan's leg lock strategy during a Jiu-Jitsu tournament, highlighting his use of circular entries, arm drags, and body locks to gain an advantage over his opponents.
1:32:25 - 1:42:29 (10:03)
Summary
In this segment, expert commentators analyze Gordon Ryan's leg lock strategy during a Jiu-Jitsu tournament, highlighting his use of circular entries, arm drags, and body locks to gain an advantage over his opponents.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The BJJ match between André Gaumont and Gordon Ryan was expected to be won by Gaumont if it was a standing wrestling exchange, but it was difficult to keep the match off the ground for the whole time.
1:42:29 - 1:52:19 (09:49)
Summary
The BJJ match between André Gaumont and Gordon Ryan was expected to be won by Gaumont if it was a standing wrestling exchange, but it was difficult to keep the match off the ground for the whole time. The match was 20 minutes long and Gaumont could not win by submission.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The instructor describes the fighter's weaknesses in jiu-jitsu skills and lack of experience in specific grappling techniques leading to poor training sessions.
1:52:19 - 2:00:29 (08:10)
Summary
The instructor describes the fighter's weaknesses in jiu-jitsu skills and lack of experience in specific grappling techniques leading to poor training sessions.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Embracing delayed gratification and accepting that initial frustration and failure is inevitable is key to acquiring new skills and improving performance over time.
2:00:29 - 2:11:33 (11:03)
Summary
Embracing delayed gratification and accepting that initial frustration and failure is inevitable is key to acquiring new skills and improving performance over time.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Giancarlo demonstrates a triangle entry with a figure four lock that makes stacking defense difficult while creating a tighter strangle, followed by breaking his opponent's foot with a wrist-to-wrist toehold after controlling his opponent's shoelaces and limiting entry options.
2:11:33 - 2:18:16 (06:42)
Summary
Giancarlo demonstrates a triangle entry with a figure four lock that makes stacking defense difficult while creating a tighter strangle, followed by breaking his opponent's foot with a wrist-to-wrist toehold after controlling his opponent's shoelaces and limiting entry options.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Renowned coach John Danaher analyzed Gary Tonin's performance in a recent grappling match, suggesting that Tonin focused too much on positional pressure versus his innate submission attack abilities.
2:18:16 - 2:27:19 (09:02)
Summary
Renowned coach John Danaher analyzed Gary Tonin's performance in a recent grappling match, suggesting that Tonin focused too much on positional pressure versus his innate submission attack abilities. Danaher also compared two styles of Jiu-Jitsu practitioners, those who move themselves like Marcel Garcia and those who control their opponents' motion, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each approach.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this episode, the risks of not tapping out in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are discussed.
2:27:19 - 2:36:18 (08:59)
Summary
In this episode, the risks of not tapping out in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are discussed. The importance of tapping out to avoid injuries and ensure a longer career in the sport is emphasized.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A jiu-jitsu athlete sets a very challenging goal of winning open weight and 80cc open weight in the same year.
2:36:18 - 2:40:36 (04:18)
Summary
A jiu-jitsu athlete sets a very challenging goal of winning open weight and 80cc open weight in the same year.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast discusses the evolution of jiu-jitsu skills for competition and the importance of setting goals while committing to a project.
2:40:36 - 2:48:07 (07:30)
Summary
The podcast discusses the evolution of jiu-jitsu skills for competition and the importance of setting goals while committing to a project. The speaker shares a personal experience of switching from no-gi to gi training and preparing for competitions.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Craig Jones talks about how the Rua brothers adapted their game to turn a weakness into a strength during their teenage years when they encountered leg locks that their training experience had not prepared them for.
2:48:07 - 2:56:32 (08:25)
Summary
Craig Jones talks about how the Rua brothers adapted their game to turn a weakness into a strength during their teenage years when they encountered leg locks that their training experience had not prepared them for.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The takedowns in Jiu Jitsu are divided into lower body and upper body takedowns, with upper body takedowns being mostly Judo derived.
2:56:32 - 3:02:41 (06:08)
Summary
The takedowns in Jiu Jitsu are divided into lower body and upper body takedowns, with upper body takedowns being mostly Judo derived. Nicholas struggles with performing traditional single leg takedowns but excels in upper body Judo-based takedowns like the Uchimata.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The future battles will be won and lost by integrating techniques and overlapping various grappling and striking skills, rather than focusing on specialized techniques at the expense of the opponent.
3:02:41 - 3:13:42 (11:01)
Summary
The future battles will be won and lost by integrating techniques and overlapping various grappling and striking skills, rather than focusing on specialized techniques at the expense of the opponent. The emphasis should not only be on the takedown itself but also on the aftermath in Judo and Jiu-Jitsu.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
On the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Joe shares his experience with the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu master, Henzo Gracie, describing him as a very nice, polite, slightly eccentric man but built compactly and very powerful.
3:13:42 - 3:21:29 (07:46)
Summary
On the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Joe shares his experience with the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu master, Henzo Gracie, describing him as a very nice, polite, slightly eccentric man but built compactly and very powerful. Joe expresses that, in his opinion, Henzo is one of the best martial arts teachers in the world.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The adaptation of judo to nogi gripping provides an effective counter to many forms of standard wrestling attacks, as demonstrated by Hodger.
3:21:29 - 3:29:41 (08:12)
Summary
The adaptation of judo to nogi gripping provides an effective counter to many forms of standard wrestling attacks, as demonstrated by Hodger. The ability to understand and replicate basic positions is key to success, as seen in the grappling styles of Haja, Khabib, and Hodger.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
By observing the best people in areas of personal interest, individuals can identify the qualities that lead to top performance and apply them to their own lives.
3:29:41 - 3:38:34 (08:53)
Summary
By observing the best people in areas of personal interest, individuals can identify the qualities that lead to top performance and apply them to their own lives. This involves identifying individuals who excel in relevant areas and learning from their body type, personality traits, and focus.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses his experience running a long training camp for competitive athletes, adjusting training schedules after a major tournament, and focusing on specific techniques for improvement.
3:38:34 - 3:44:11 (05:36)
Summary
The speaker discusses his experience running a long training camp for competitive athletes, adjusting training schedules after a major tournament, and focusing on specific techniques for improvement.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker, a Jiu-Jitsu coach, leads a busy life and enjoys his private life by going out, buying simple food, and making time for one Instagram post per day related to the sport.
3:44:11 - 3:48:12 (04:01)
Summary
The speaker, a Jiu-Jitsu coach, leads a busy life and enjoys his private life by going out, buying simple food, and making time for one Instagram post per day related to the sport.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker debates which animal is the most ferocious between a grizzly bear, a silverback gorilla, a lion, and a tiger, taking into account their PSI and body weight.
3:48:12 - 3:53:49 (05:36)
Summary
The speaker debates which animal is the most ferocious between a grizzly bear, a silverback gorilla, a lion, and a tiger, taking into account their PSI and body weight.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Philosophers discuss four key elements of success in conflict, including perceptiveness and the ability to endure longer than an opponent, emphasizing the importance of avoiding biases when assessing opponents.
3:53:49 - 3:59:58 (06:08)
Summary
Philosophers discuss four key elements of success in conflict, including perceptiveness and the ability to endure longer than an opponent, emphasizing the importance of avoiding biases when assessing opponents.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Two of the most successful combat strategies throughout history are concentration of force and ambush tactics, both of which allow one to break through an opponent's vulnerability and wear them down over time.
3:59:58 - 4:05:36 (05:38)
Summary
Two of the most successful combat strategies throughout history are concentration of force and ambush tactics, both of which allow one to break through an opponent's vulnerability and wear them down over time.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The fight for ownership of a pride is a fight for a male lion’s genetic offspring and results in a high mortality rate compared to any other species on Earth.
4:05:36 - 4:10:55 (05:18)
Summary
The fight for ownership of a pride is a fight for a male lion’s genetic offspring and results in a high mortality rate compared to any other species on Earth. Losing a fight means not only death but the death of all of a male lion's offspring.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The lion's primary method of killing, which is to strangle, would be very difficult for them to employ upon a bear.
4:10:55 - 4:15:52 (04:56)
Summary
The lion's primary method of killing, which is to strangle, would be very difficult for them to employ upon a bear. On the other hand, a leopard does so well against even fully grown male gorillas, which should make you rather suspicious of a gorilla's ability to fight a lion.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The possibility of a bear backing away from a lion to avoid being injured during a brief confrontation exists, but there is no conclusive evidence.
4:15:52 - 4:21:02 (05:09)
Summary
The possibility of a bear backing away from a lion to avoid being injured during a brief confrontation exists, but there is no conclusive evidence. In a competition for food, a cougar can chase off a bear to safeguard its kill.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In a lion vs bear fight, the first 15 minutes are favored to the lion due to their superior night vision, but in the wild, the bear will likely back away quickly.
4:21:02 - 4:24:38 (03:36)
Summary
In a lion vs bear fight, the first 15 minutes are favored to the lion due to their superior night vision, but in the wild, the bear will likely back away quickly. The speaker poses the hypothetical question of whether an athlete like Gordon Ryan would choose to fight a bear or a lion if forced by a dictator.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speakers discuss pack animals and their tendencies to attack using low, controlling positions, referencing Morgan Freeman's narration of March of the Penguins.
4:24:38 - 4:28:05 (03:27)
Summary
The speakers discuss pack animals and their tendencies to attack using low, controlling positions, referencing Morgan Freeman's narration of March of the Penguins.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Jiu-Jitsu provides a transition bridge between the extreme military life of special forces soldiers and civilian life.
4:28:05 - 4:38:03 (09:57)
Summary
Jiu-Jitsu provides a transition bridge between the extreme military life of special forces soldiers and civilian life. It helps create a toned-down version of the shared hard work, teamwork, and primitive sense of humor that allows them to form a stepping stone from military life to civilian life.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
There is a hesitance to show simple communication of affection, as people fear rejection and vulnerability.
4:38:03 - 4:44:01 (05:57)
Summary
There is a hesitance to show simple communication of affection, as people fear rejection and vulnerability. Rather than trying to gain expertise in love, the beauty lies in being a beginner and taking risks to show vulnerability and affection.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast episode delves into the metaphorical value of knives and firearms in martial arts and the craft of creating beautiful steel from raw materials.
4:44:01 - 4:54:08 (10:07)
Summary
The podcast episode delves into the metaphorical value of knives and firearms in martial arts and the craft of creating beautiful steel from raw materials.
Episode#328 – John Danaher: Submission Grappling, ADCC, Animal Combat, and Knives
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this episode, the host discusses the significance of gifting a knife as a metaphor for key themes in martial arts with John Danaher.
4:54:08 - 4:55:15 (01:06)
Summary
In this episode, the host discusses the significance of gifting a knife as a metaphor for key themes in martial arts with John Danaher. They also congratulate Danaher for his inspiring story and achievements.