Episode

#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
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3:48:41
Published: Sun Sep 20 2020
Description

Ryan Hall is a jiu jitsu black belt, UFC fighter, and a philosopher of the martial arts. Please check out our sponsors to get a discount and to support this podcast: - PowerDot, use code LEX: https://powerdot.com/lex - Babbel: https://babbel.com and use code LEX - Cash App: download app & use code "LexPodcast" If you would like to get more information about this podcast go to https://lexfridman.com/podcast or connect with @lexfridman on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Medium, or YouTube where you can watch the video versions of these conversations. If you enjoy the podcast, please rate it 5 stars on Apple Podcasts, follow on Spotify, or support it on Patreon. Here's the outline of the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. OUTLINE: 0:00 - Introduction 7:22 - Greatest warrior in history 11:48 - Genghis Khan 17:32 - Nature is metal 21:49 - Cancel culture 36:11 - Sci-fi books and movies 44:50 - Essence of jiu jitsu 51:17 - Jiu jitsu is a language 1:01:12 - How to get started in jiu jitsu 1:14:01 - The value of a good coach 1:25:42 - Lex training with Ryan 1:31:06 - Toxicity on the internet 1:34:41 - Joe Rogan 1:42:25 - Alex Jones 2:07:02 - Donald Trump 2:09:45 - The American ideal 2:17:33 - What does it take to be a jiu jitsu black belt 2:49:06 - Elon Musk 2:57:39 - Fighting BJ Penn 3:04:13 - Conor McGregor 3:12:08 - How to beat Khabib Nurmagomedov 3:16:00 - Top MMA fighters of all time 3:24:41 - Mike Tyson 3:41:13 - Fear of death

Chapters
The host plans to talk to athletes, musicians, and comedians to expand the conversations beyond science and engineering and bring a new perspective for the listeners.
00:00 - 03:58 (03:58)
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Diversity
Summary

The host plans to talk to athletes, musicians, and comedians to expand the conversations beyond science and engineering and bring a new perspective for the listeners.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
The circumstances in which people or situations are involved should be considered when evaluating outcomes.
03:58 - 12:26 (08:27)
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Outcomes, Circumstances
Summary

The circumstances in which people or situations are involved should be considered when evaluating outcomes. This is because outcomes are not the only determining factor and there are other factors that contribute to the end result.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
Humans have a tendency to categorize people as either good or bad, but the reality is much more complex.
12:26 - 21:35 (09:08)
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morality
Summary

Humans have a tendency to categorize people as either good or bad, but the reality is much more complex. We should aim to understand the complicated aspects of morality and individuals rather than just labeling them as entirely good or entirely bad.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
The internet has the power to educate and bring people together, as opposed to further solidifying tribalism.
21:35 - 29:26 (07:51)
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Internet Education
Summary

The internet has the power to educate and bring people together, as opposed to further solidifying tribalism. Despite our fallibility as human beings, allowing for grace can create a space for positive change to occur.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
In this episode, the concept of forgiveness is explored with regards to forgiving someone who has committed horrors and how it differs from forgiving someone who has personally affected us.
29:27 - 34:35 (05:08)
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Forgiveness
Summary

In this episode, the concept of forgiveness is explored with regards to forgiving someone who has committed horrors and how it differs from forgiving someone who has personally affected us. The dangers of seeking justice over forgiveness are also examined.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
The writer of Ender's Game, Orson Scott Card, believed in the utopia that communism would bring, which can be intoxicating when others share the same beliefs.
34:35 - 39:43 (05:07)
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Society
Summary

The writer of Ender's Game, Orson Scott Card, believed in the utopia that communism would bring, which can be intoxicating when others share the same beliefs. This can even lead to self-reflection when reading fictional stories.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
The struggle to bring written stories to a visual medium will always exist, however, it is an interesting challenge.
39:44 - 45:01 (05:17)
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Literature
Summary

The struggle to bring written stories to a visual medium will always exist, however, it is an interesting challenge. Frank Herbert, author of Dune, is considered brilliant despite having borrowed ideas and not solely relying on his own.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses how maximizing the application of force can be used in wrestling, and how the wrestler Yolomero is a physical specimen who can effortlessly throw his opponents.
45:01 - 57:06 (12:04)
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Wrestling
Summary

The speaker discusses how maximizing the application of force can be used in wrestling, and how the wrestler Yolomero is a physical specimen who can effortlessly throw his opponents.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
Jujitsu connects an individual's philosophy of the world to their physical movements, creating a uniquely personal expression.
57:06 - 1:04:30 (07:24)
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Jujitsu
Summary

Jujitsu connects an individual's philosophy of the world to their physical movements, creating a uniquely personal expression. It's an iterative process that allows for self-discovery and understanding of others.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
The selection of coaches and people around you within the gym is crucial in defining the trajectory of growth and the overall experience.
1:04:30 - 1:10:27 (05:57)
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Fitness
Summary

The selection of coaches and people around you within the gym is crucial in defining the trajectory of growth and the overall experience. Selecting the right coach can cause discomfort but lead to growth and happiness in the long run.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
The dictatorship aspect of a coach is important in high-level martial arts like wrestling, but it's also important to recognize that coaches are people too, and finding the right coach can make all the difference.
1:10:27 - 1:16:32 (06:04)
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Martial Arts
Summary

The dictatorship aspect of a coach is important in high-level martial arts like wrestling, but it's also important to recognize that coaches are people too, and finding the right coach can make all the difference.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
A good coach invests emotionally and values the personal growth and well-being of their students above their success in the given field.
1:16:32 - 1:21:29 (04:57)
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coaching
Summary

A good coach invests emotionally and values the personal growth and well-being of their students above their success in the given field. The coach-student relationship is one that takes time and effort to develop but can have a significant impact on a student's life.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
Ryan Hall discusses the difficulty of describing and navigating toxic relationships and reflects on his experiences with difficult coaches.
1:21:29 - 1:27:04 (05:34)
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Relationships
Summary

Ryan Hall discusses the difficulty of describing and navigating toxic relationships and reflects on his experiences with difficult coaches.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
The importance of research in sports and fitness is highlighted in this episode.
1:27:04 - 1:30:49 (03:45)
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Sports, Fitness
Summary

The importance of research in sports and fitness is highlighted in this episode. It is discussed as being necessary for understanding proper techniques and safety measures.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
The increase in celebrity brings with it communities that criticize and accuse celebrities of selling out.
1:30:49 - 1:39:55 (09:05)
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Celebrity Culture
Summary

The increase in celebrity brings with it communities that criticize and accuse celebrities of selling out. The freedom to do what one loves without corporate bureaucracy is valuable, as exemplified by Joe Rogan’s unadulterated podcast content.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
The host reflects on who they can talk to on the podcast and the question of whether to talk to someone like Hitler.
1:39:55 - 1:44:57 (05:02)
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Ethics
Summary

The host reflects on who they can talk to on the podcast and the question of whether to talk to someone like Hitler.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
The speaker expresses concern about the lack of credibility in today's society and how it is more of a pressing issue than people who spread ridiculous theories, like Alex Jones.
1:44:57 - 1:52:17 (07:20)
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Credibility
Summary

The speaker expresses concern about the lack of credibility in today's society and how it is more of a pressing issue than people who spread ridiculous theories, like Alex Jones. He cites Bill Gates as an example of someone who has done significant good, yet still faces criticism and backlash.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
The speaker emphasizes the importance of engaging in productive and respectful conversations with differing beliefs, rather than resorting to a shouting contest or violence, to ultimately create a more equal and compassionate society.
1:52:17 - 1:58:59 (06:41)
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Constructive Conversation
Summary

The speaker emphasizes the importance of engaging in productive and respectful conversations with differing beliefs, rather than resorting to a shouting contest or violence, to ultimately create a more equal and compassionate society.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
The tendency to form groups and follow the group's actions is a powerful psychological phenomenon that has played a major role in significant events throughout history.
1:58:59 - 2:03:54 (04:54)
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Psychology
Summary

The tendency to form groups and follow the group's actions is a powerful psychological phenomenon that has played a major role in significant events throughout history. People often desire to see the powerful taken down, and when in a group, they can act in ways they wouldn't alone, such as throwing a brick through a window.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
The idea of the American ideal is under attack as people who play outside the rules are being rewarded.
2:03:54 - 2:13:40 (09:46)
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American Ideal
Summary

The idea of the American ideal is under attack as people who play outside the rules are being rewarded. The US Consciousness is changing where the new energy it needs to be injected into the system through Andrew Yang type characters instead of trolls.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
The belief that no matter what happens, one will proceed forward and figure out how to make things happen is the one thing that ties together all the people who have made it through tough situations and have been successful.
2:13:41 - 2:20:08 (06:27)
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Success
Summary

The belief that no matter what happens, one will proceed forward and figure out how to make things happen is the one thing that ties together all the people who have made it through tough situations and have been successful.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
Ryan's struggles with missed opportunities and performing, as well as Jen's experiences with a head injury and uncertainty serve as examples of overcoming setbacks and adapting to unexpected changes in life.
2:20:08 - 2:24:08 (03:59)
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Personal Growth
Summary

Ryan's struggles with missed opportunities and performing, as well as Jen's experiences with a head injury and uncertainty serve as examples of overcoming setbacks and adapting to unexpected changes in life.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
Ryan and Hillary discuss the mental and emotional toll of injuries in jiu-jitsu, including the temptation to blame oneself and the challenge of reconciling with one's own vulnerability.
2:24:08 - 2:30:00 (05:51)
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Jiu-jitsu
Summary

Ryan and Hillary discuss the mental and emotional toll of injuries in jiu-jitsu, including the temptation to blame oneself and the challenge of reconciling with one's own vulnerability.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
The speaker reflects on the importance of challenges in life, stating that they can lead to personal growth and self-reflection.
2:30:00 - 2:32:20 (02:19)
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Personal Growth
Summary

The speaker reflects on the importance of challenges in life, stating that they can lead to personal growth and self-reflection.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
The impressiveness of a warrior comes down to what they can accomplish relative to what they have and what they put in.
2:32:20 - 2:37:12 (04:52)
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Martial Arts
Summary

The impressiveness of a warrior comes down to what they can accomplish relative to what they have and what they put in. While success in the martial arts is important, it's also about their drive and focus on improvement.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
The practice of jiu-jitsu is not only a great workout but also a way to instantly become part of a welcoming community.
2:37:12 - 2:42:18 (05:06)
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Jiu-Jitsu
Summary

The practice of jiu-jitsu is not only a great workout but also a way to instantly become part of a welcoming community. Despite intimidation that one may feel, practitioners believe the benefits outweigh the doubts.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
The 50-50 position and leg locks have been innovated by various Jiu-Jitsu martial artists, with Brandon Vera being one of the first to introduce the 50-50 position during a martial arts seminar in 2005.
2:42:18 - 2:46:27 (04:08)
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Jiu-Jitsu
Summary

The 50-50 position and leg locks have been innovated by various Jiu-Jitsu martial artists, with Brandon Vera being one of the first to introduce the 50-50 position during a martial arts seminar in 2005. Boss Rutan also famously broke Guy Mezger's foot with a 50-50 heel hook.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
The process of going through and acting as if something is new and believing it, will push us all forward, says Joe Rogan.
2:46:28 - 2:52:17 (05:48)
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Jiu-Jitsu
Summary

The process of going through and acting as if something is new and believing it, will push us all forward, says Joe Rogan. He discusses the strength of character and force of will it takes to dream something into existence, which is why he finds Rafael Lovato and John Danaher impressive.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
The speaker observes that Joe Rogan and other brilliant people are unfazed by criticism, perhaps due to a "hater shield," and discusses how one's perspective changes based on whether they value engineering or grandiose ideas of the future.
2:52:17 - 2:57:36 (05:18)
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Philosophy
Summary

The speaker observes that Joe Rogan and other brilliant people are unfazed by criticism, perhaps due to a "hater shield," and discusses how one's perspective changes based on whether they value engineering or grandiose ideas of the future.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
The speaker talks about how the only time they are interested in playing is when the opposition matters and how they struggled to find opponents who would sign up for fights, but it was neat to compete against one of their heroes in MMA.
2:57:36 - 3:02:54 (05:18)
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MMA
Summary

The speaker talks about how the only time they are interested in playing is when the opposition matters and how they struggled to find opponents who would sign up for fights, but it was neat to compete against one of their heroes in MMA.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
In a 2010 seminar at Straight West Gym Ireland in Dublin, Joe Rogan first met Conor McGregor and discusses how he doesn't get enough credit for defeating Jose Aldo in 2014 by knocking him out in the first few seconds of the fight.
3:02:54 - 3:09:00 (06:05)
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Conor McGregor
Summary

In a 2010 seminar at Straight West Gym Ireland in Dublin, Joe Rogan first met Conor McGregor and discusses how he doesn't get enough credit for defeating Jose Aldo in 2014 by knocking him out in the first few seconds of the fight.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
The speaker believes that in the instance where Conor McGregor defeats Khabib Nurmagomedov, there would have been a sense of deep respect and almost love between the two rather than trash talking.
3:09:00 - 3:13:30 (04:29)
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UFC fighting
Summary

The speaker believes that in the instance where Conor McGregor defeats Khabib Nurmagomedov, there would have been a sense of deep respect and almost love between the two rather than trash talking.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
Joe Rogan and Brendan Schaub discuss the importance of altering sports textures in MMA fights, and go on to debate who they consider the top five greatest MMA fighters of all time.
3:13:30 - 3:17:25 (03:55)
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MMA
Summary

Joe Rogan and Brendan Schaub discuss the importance of altering sports textures in MMA fights, and go on to debate who they consider the top five greatest MMA fighters of all time.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
The qualities that define the greatest fighter ever includes their quality of opposition, level of success, lasting innovation, and courage demonstrated.
3:17:25 - 3:22:39 (05:13)
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MMA
Summary

The qualities that define the greatest fighter ever includes their quality of opposition, level of success, lasting innovation, and courage demonstrated. The Gracie family has had some great fighters, like Hoist, but it's harder to compare fighters from different eras.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
The speaker draws a comparison between humans and computers, discussing how brilliant and monstrous figures throughout history are complex and their legacy is multidimensional.
3:22:39 - 3:27:12 (04:33)
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Philosophy
Summary

The speaker draws a comparison between humans and computers, discussing how brilliant and monstrous figures throughout history are complex and their legacy is multidimensional. The podcast also briefly discusses Tyson's pre-fight anxiety.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
Boxing champion Laila Ali discusses how she finds value in the fight itself, rather than just winning or losing.
3:27:12 - 3:34:17 (07:04)
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Laila Ali
Summary

Boxing champion Laila Ali discusses how she finds value in the fight itself, rather than just winning or losing.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
The chances of dying by violence are extremely slim in most countries nowadays, but throughout history, that was the most common cause of death.
3:34:17 - 3:43:14 (08:56)
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Violence
Summary

The chances of dying by violence are extremely slim in most countries nowadays, but throughout history, that was the most common cause of death. This fact can lead to a tit-for-tat mentality or a sense of fear for opponents in discussions about safe spaces and the idea of violence as a means to suppress ideas.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast
This podcast episode discusses the importance of living life without the fear of death, rather than wishing for more time to live differently when it is too late.
3:43:14 - 3:48:18 (05:03)
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Self-Improvement
Summary

This podcast episode discusses the importance of living life without the fear of death, rather than wishing for more time to live differently when it is too late.

Episode
#125 – Ryan Hall: Martial Arts and the Philosophy of Violence, Power, and Grace
Podcast
Lex Fridman Podcast