Episode
#169 – Ryan Hall: Solving Martial Arts from First Principles
3:00:50
Published: Sat Mar 20 2021
Description
Ryan Hall is a martial artist, BJJ black belt, and MMA fighter undefeated in the UFC. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - Indeed: https://indeed.com/fridman to get $75 credit - Audible: https://audible.com/lex to get $9.95 a month for 6 months - ExpressVPN: https://expressvpn.com/lexpod and use code LexPod to get 3 months free - LMNT: https://drinkLMNT.com/lex to get free sample pack EPISODE LINKS: Ryan's Twitter: https://twitter.com/ryanhall5050 Ryan's Website: http://www.ryanhallmma.com/ Ryan's School: https://www.5050bjj.com Ryan's Online Courses: https://ryanhallonline.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/LexFridmanPage - 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 (08:28) - First principles approach to martial arts (16:09) - Illusion of choice (19:42) - Game theory (28:04) - First fight (32:20) - Defense (41:03) - Waiting for a fight (51:11) - Free will (1:08:59) - Freedom and compassion (1:18:01) - Social media (1:24:21) - Leadership (1:30:09) - How to get good at jiu jitsu (1:50:23) - Learning how to learn (1:58:29) - Questioning the foundations of jiu jitsu (2:17:34) - Humans cannot fully comprehend reality (2:21:45) - Artificial intelligence (2:34:38) - Deadlines (2:41:29) - Tie choke (2:49:58) - Hardship (2:54:20) - Love
Chapters
Ryan Hall is a proponent of seeking to define the rules of martial arts and engineering ways to escape those constraints, leading to the discovery of revolutionary ideas.
00:00 - 02:02 (02:02)
Summary
Ryan Hall is a proponent of seeking to define the rules of martial arts and engineering ways to escape those constraints, leading to the discovery of revolutionary ideas. His unapologetic drive to solve the sport is reflected in his grappling and fighting techniques.
Episode#169 – Ryan Hall: Solving Martial Arts from First Principles
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
System Thinking is a powerful tool for effective decision-making, having its roots in the study of conflict, battle, war, and martial arts.
02:02 - 12:18 (10:15)
Summary
System Thinking is a powerful tool for effective decision-making, having its roots in the study of conflict, battle, war, and martial arts. Understanding whether we are an end user of something or just the expression, helps us make better decisions.
Episode#169 – Ryan Hall: Solving Martial Arts from First Principles
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker draws a comparison between utilizing systems in Jiu-Jitsu and using end user type of systems like iPhone, emphasizing the evolution of systems to improve performance.
12:18 - 17:57 (05:39)
Summary
The speaker draws a comparison between utilizing systems in Jiu-Jitsu and using end user type of systems like iPhone, emphasizing the evolution of systems to improve performance.
Episode#169 – Ryan Hall: Solving Martial Arts from First Principles
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The goal is to find and develop systems that give the illusion of choice and learn the necessary skills and discipline to ask the right questions and wait for the proper answers.
17:57 - 23:18 (05:21)
Summary
The goal is to find and develop systems that give the illusion of choice and learn the necessary skills and discipline to ask the right questions and wait for the proper answers.
Episode#169 – Ryan Hall: Solving Martial Arts from First Principles
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The host discusses the importance of developing skills in order to succeed in various disciplines, rather than focusing solely on winning.
23:18 - 27:51 (04:33)
Summary
The host discusses the importance of developing skills in order to succeed in various disciplines, rather than focusing solely on winning. He suggests identifying and improving upon the aspects of the system that can be touched and understood.
Episode#169 – Ryan Hall: Solving Martial Arts from First Principles
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses his experience with mixed martial arts and gambling, including getting punched in the face during a professional fight and visiting a casino before an event in Atlantic City.
27:51 - 31:46 (03:54)
Summary
The speaker discusses his experience with mixed martial arts and gambling, including getting punched in the face during a professional fight and visiting a casino before an event in Atlantic City.
Episode#169 – Ryan Hall: Solving Martial Arts from First Principles
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Being too early with getting people on a grappling team might result in hitting low-quality performers and putting the team in a disadvantaged position.
31:46 - 36:20 (04:34)
Summary
Being too early with getting people on a grappling team might result in hitting low-quality performers and putting the team in a disadvantaged position. Recruiting individuals early enables grappling teams to develop skills and excel in fighting.
Episode#169 – Ryan Hall: Solving Martial Arts from First Principles
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast discusses Muhammad Ali's poetic way of describing his craft, the culture of being poetic about the art of fighting, and how practicing performing can improve skills in any area, including public speaking or singing karaoke.
36:20 - 45:41 (09:20)
Summary
The podcast discusses Muhammad Ali's poetic way of describing his craft, the culture of being poetic about the art of fighting, and how practicing performing can improve skills in any area, including public speaking or singing karaoke.
Episode#169 – Ryan Hall: Solving Martial Arts from First Principles
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast discusses the challenges that a professional MMA fighter faces, including waiting for a fight, training to fight against tough opponents, and dealing with medical flags that may pull them from a scheduled fight.
45:41 - 51:23 (05:41)
Summary
This podcast discusses the challenges that a professional MMA fighter faces, including waiting for a fight, training to fight against tough opponents, and dealing with medical flags that may pull them from a scheduled fight.
Episode#169 – Ryan Hall: Solving Martial Arts from First Principles
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The belief in free will has implications on how we see progress and personal accomplishments.
51:23 - 56:57 (05:33)
Summary
The belief in free will has implications on how we see progress and personal accomplishments. Choosing facilitative beliefs can lead to improved mental and emotional states, despite the fact that free will may be an illusion.
Episode#169 – Ryan Hall: Solving Martial Arts from First Principles
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Reflecting on the complexity of society and the concept of free will, a discussion on the progress and triumphs of societies and individuals.
56:57 - 1:02:58 (06:01)
Summary
Reflecting on the complexity of society and the concept of free will, a discussion on the progress and triumphs of societies and individuals. Touching on the current social reckoning in the U.S.
Episode#169 – Ryan Hall: Solving Martial Arts from First Principles
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The idea of altering ourselves as a species seems like a high bar to prove and a dangerous idea.
1:02:58 - 1:15:06 (12:08)
Summary
The idea of altering ourselves as a species seems like a high bar to prove and a dangerous idea. However, human civilization accumulates lessons and learns from history over time to become better, even though there are people who never act their best selves in the short term.
Episode#169 – Ryan Hall: Solving Martial Arts from First Principles
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The mechanisms of "likes" and "shares" on social media have resulted in a huge amount of division and reduced the quality of discourse, despite the basic human connections that society values.
1:15:06 - 1:21:11 (06:04)
Summary
The mechanisms of "likes" and "shares" on social media have resulted in a huge amount of division and reduced the quality of discourse, despite the basic human connections that society values. The addiction to the feeling of popularity and engagement raises questions about the impact on free will and the need for improved empathy and decency in online interactions.
Episode#169 – Ryan Hall: Solving Martial Arts from First Principles
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The need for a strong and inspiring leader like Martin Luther King is felt in today's society.
1:21:11 - 1:30:02 (08:51)
Summary
The need for a strong and inspiring leader like Martin Luther King is felt in today's society. To create real change, bold leaders must push past political bickering and focus on massive projects to move forward.
Episode#169 – Ryan Hall: Solving Martial Arts from First Principles
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The jiu-jitsu system is plagued with techniques that may not be useful, effective, or even safe.
1:30:04 - 1:35:07 (05:03)
Summary
The jiu-jitsu system is plagued with techniques that may not be useful, effective, or even safe. Even experienced practitioners admit to teaching movements that they would no longer endorse.
Episode#169 – Ryan Hall: Solving Martial Arts from First Principles
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The host reflects on the significance of clear and honest communication in jiu-jitsu and in one's personal life.
1:35:08 - 1:45:13 (10:04)
Summary
The host reflects on the significance of clear and honest communication in jiu-jitsu and in one's personal life. He emphasizes the need to be aware of social boundaries and the importance of respecting others' requests and explicit needs.
Episode#169 – Ryan Hall: Solving Martial Arts from First Principles
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The host discusses the idea of approaching situations with a method acting mindset, where you position yourself as a representative of your community or identity, and mentions how successful people such as Joe Rogan and Elon Musk often treat others like they have something to learn from them.
1:45:13 - 1:50:27 (05:14)
Summary
The host discusses the idea of approaching situations with a method acting mindset, where you position yourself as a representative of your community or identity, and mentions how successful people such as Joe Rogan and Elon Musk often treat others like they have something to learn from them.
Episode#169 – Ryan Hall: Solving Martial Arts from First Principles
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The key to success in life is figuring out what's in our control and focusing on that.
1:50:28 - 1:56:39 (06:10)
Summary
The key to success in life is figuring out what's in our control and focusing on that. Making assumptions can lead to problems in understanding why things happen internally and externally in your life.
Episode#169 – Ryan Hall: Solving Martial Arts from First Principles
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the benefits of practicing independently to develop certain skills and to overcome the lack of quality training partners.
1:56:39 - 2:00:11 (03:32)
Summary
The speaker discusses the benefits of practicing independently to develop certain skills and to overcome the lack of quality training partners.
Episode#169 – Ryan Hall: Solving Martial Arts from First Principles
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast discusses the strategy of attacking something that is undefended and draws comparisons to moments of lulls in horror movies where a character steps away for a snack or drink.
2:00:11 - 2:05:05 (04:53)
Summary
The podcast discusses the strategy of attacking something that is undefended and draws comparisons to moments of lulls in horror movies where a character steps away for a snack or drink.
Episode#169 – Ryan Hall: Solving Martial Arts from First Principles
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The concept of the guard in jiu-jitsu is explained as a defensive tactic where one uses their legs as a barrier between them and their opponent.
2:05:05 - 2:08:36 (03:31)
Summary
The concept of the guard in jiu-jitsu is explained as a defensive tactic where one uses their legs as a barrier between them and their opponent. The guard can provide great protection against an attack and was developed as a core concept in jiu-jitsu training.
Episode#169 – Ryan Hall: Solving Martial Arts from First Principles
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast touches on the early days of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in America, specifically discussing the experience of being a mid-level white belt and how small changes to techniques were received by the community.
2:08:36 - 2:13:03 (04:26)
Summary
This podcast touches on the early days of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in America, specifically discussing the experience of being a mid-level white belt and how small changes to techniques were received by the community.
Episode#169 – Ryan Hall: Solving Martial Arts from First Principles
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses his main interests in life, which are martial arts and martial arts strategy, and how he admires the people who reach a deep understanding and knowledge of their passions.
2:13:03 - 2:16:22 (03:18)
Summary
The speaker discusses his main interests in life, which are martial arts and martial arts strategy, and how he admires the people who reach a deep understanding and knowledge of their passions. He also briefly mentions a victory in the martial arts trials and training with Marcelo Garcia.
Episode#169 – Ryan Hall: Solving Martial Arts from First Principles
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The assumption that there are things we cannot possibly understand is a good assumption to operate under while doing first principles thinking.
2:16:22 - 2:24:44 (08:22)
Summary
The assumption that there are things we cannot possibly understand is a good assumption to operate under while doing first principles thinking. Philosophical discussions take a turn towards the possibility of supernatural entities like vampires and their perspective on life.
Episode#169 – Ryan Hall: Solving Martial Arts from First Principles
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this episode, the hosts discuss the ethics of developing AI and the role humans should play in its development.
2:24:44 - 2:30:07 (05:23)
Summary
In this episode, the hosts discuss the ethics of developing AI and the role humans should play in its development. They explore topics like game theory, nuclear war, and colonialism.
Episode#169 – Ryan Hall: Solving Martial Arts from First Principles
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
An exploration of value alignment in AI safety research, and the importance of ensuring that the values of increasingly powerful systems are aligned with the interests of humans.
2:30:07 - 2:34:49 (04:41)
Summary
An exploration of value alignment in AI safety research, and the importance of ensuring that the values of increasingly powerful systems are aligned with the interests of humans.
Episode#169 – Ryan Hall: Solving Martial Arts from First Principles
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Building machine logic through programming is much easier than holding math proofs in your brain and visualizing them for hours.
2:34:49 - 2:40:20 (05:30)
Summary
Building machine logic through programming is much easier than holding math proofs in your brain and visualizing them for hours.
Episode#169 – Ryan Hall: Solving Martial Arts from First Principles
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The discussion revolves around street fights, belt clothing belts, and negative patterns of doing things last minute.
2:40:20 - 2:44:57 (04:37)
Summary
The discussion revolves around street fights, belt clothing belts, and negative patterns of doing things last minute.
Episode#169 – Ryan Hall: Solving Martial Arts from First Principles
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the difficulty in executing a Judo move that involves poaching fingers in the chest and snapping down quickly, especially with a more experienced opponent at different distances and situations.
2:44:57 - 2:51:56 (06:58)
Summary
The speaker discusses the difficulty in executing a Judo move that involves poaching fingers in the chest and snapping down quickly, especially with a more experienced opponent at different distances and situations.
Episode#169 – Ryan Hall: Solving Martial Arts from First Principles
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker explores how understanding the humanity in other people, even those we see as enemies, and forgiveness can be a difficult but necessary process in personal growth.
2:51:56 - 2:57:05 (05:09)
Summary
The speaker explores how understanding the humanity in other people, even those we see as enemies, and forgiveness can be a difficult but necessary process in personal growth.
Episode#169 – Ryan Hall: Solving Martial Arts from First Principles
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In order to have conversations and discussions that are productive, it is important to approach them with charity and empathy, rather than immediately assuming the worst of the other person.
2:57:05 - 3:00:52 (03:47)
Summary
In order to have conversations and discussions that are productive, it is important to approach them with charity and empathy, rather than immediately assuming the worst of the other person. This mindset allows for a better exchange of ideas and perspective.