Episode
#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
3:48:01
Published: Tue Sep 21 2021
Description
Travis Stevens is the 2016 Olympic Judo silver medalist and BJJ black belt. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - Justworks: https://justworks.com - 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 and use code LEX to get special savings EPISODE LINKS: Travis's Website: https://www.travisstevensgrappling.com/ Travis's Twitter: https://twitter.com/judosilencer Travis's Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TravisStevensgrappling Travis's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judosilencer 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 (10:08) - What is Judo? (17:55) - Travis's signature throw (23:20) - Fundamentals (25:12) - Throws (38:04) - Gripping (46:37) - Weight cutting (1:15:50) - Injuries (1:19:50) - Jiu-Jitsu (1:23:33) - Lex on his judo competition experience (1:26:58) - Levels of mastery (1:40:09) - Matches (1:54:10) - Travis inspired Lex to practice judo (2:00:24) - London 2012 Olympic games (2:42:01) - 2016 Olympic games (3:16:24) - Mixed team competition (3:23:50) - The value of epic throws (3:27:17) - Shohei Ono (3:33:39) - Chess (3:38:42) - The coach (3:45:18) - Advice for young people
Chapters
Despite struggling through injury and tough competition, the speaker eventually won a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics.
00:00 - 04:37 (04:37)
Summary
Despite struggling through injury and tough competition, the speaker eventually won a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics. However, he laments the corruption and greed of the International Olympic Committee, which he feels deprives young people of the inspiration to dream and work hard.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker talks about the importance of having a good team when creating videos and photographs, as they can offer assistance with employment and tax regulations, national health insurance plans, sick leave policies, and time tracking.
04:37 - 09:42 (05:05)
Summary
The speaker talks about the importance of having a good team when creating videos and photographs, as they can offer assistance with employment and tax regulations, national health insurance plans, sick leave policies, and time tracking. A good team can be the difference between creating something amazing and something subpar.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The physical feeling of losing control in combat and the cognitive process that follows when realizing one has lost the fight.
09:42 - 14:05 (04:22)
Summary
The physical feeling of losing control in combat and the cognitive process that follows when realizing one has lost the fight.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The guest speaker discusses the art of luring people into a sense of comfort with eye contact in order to make them feel secure and relaxed.
14:05 - 18:51 (04:45)
Summary
The guest speaker discusses the art of luring people into a sense of comfort with eye contact in order to make them feel secure and relaxed. This emotional connection creates a feeling of safety and trust.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker explains their journey of learning the "split hip style" approach to the Seoi Nage throw, which involves foot placement and hip strength, and how they initially struggled with training leg strength for the technique.
18:51 - 21:42 (02:50)
Summary
The speaker explains their journey of learning the "split hip style" approach to the Seoi Nage throw, which involves foot placement and hip strength, and how they initially struggled with training leg strength for the technique.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The ultimate goal of forward throws in Judo is to get the opponent to do a forward roll in midair and land on their back, regardless of the type of grip used, while the philosophy of judo revolves around how the throws work.
21:42 - 31:57 (10:15)
Summary
The ultimate goal of forward throws in Judo is to get the opponent to do a forward roll in midair and land on their back, regardless of the type of grip used, while the philosophy of judo revolves around how the throws work.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The elegance in Judo lies in its distinctive recognition of dominance when executed at the highest level with throws that seem effortless.
31:57 - 38:01 (06:03)
Summary
The elegance in Judo lies in its distinctive recognition of dominance when executed at the highest level with throws that seem effortless. The sport is unique in the way it combines timing and techniques to achieve perfection.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker explains that Judo involves traditional gripping as seen in boxing matches, and throwing techniques.
38:01 - 45:08 (07:07)
Summary
The speaker explains that Judo involves traditional gripping as seen in boxing matches, and throwing techniques. The top 10% of Judo competitors are skilled in both traditional gripping and throwing, while some prioritize throwing above all else.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast, the speaker shares their experience on cutting weight for competitions, highlighting the challenges faced and offering tips for success.
45:08 - 49:06 (03:57)
Summary
In this podcast, the speaker shares their experience on cutting weight for competitions, highlighting the challenges faced and offering tips for success.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast, the speaker highlights the impact of beliefs on shaping our habits and behavior.
49:06 - 56:08 (07:01)
Summary
In this podcast, the speaker highlights the impact of beliefs on shaping our habits and behavior. Using the example of sleep and diet, the speaker explains how external influences shape our patterns of behavior.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses his method of cutting weight for combat sports and how he adjusts his routine based on his weight at the time of weigh-ins.
56:08 - 1:02:19 (06:11)
Summary
The speaker discusses his method of cutting weight for combat sports and how he adjusts his routine based on his weight at the time of weigh-ins.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Reserving a sauna can be restrictive and prevent workout flexibility.
1:02:19 - 1:07:30 (05:10)
Summary
Reserving a sauna can be restrictive and prevent workout flexibility. Saunas can also provide a peaceful environment for self-reflection.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker talks about weight cutting for tournaments and his desire to be a middleweight Olympic champion.
1:07:31 - 1:15:47 (08:15)
Summary
The speaker talks about weight cutting for tournaments and his desire to be a middleweight Olympic champion. He mentions Jaden Cox missing weight at the Olympic trials.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The mentality of approaching judo versus jiu-jitsu is very different, as jiu-jitsu is like a game and hardly leads to serious injuries.
1:15:47 - 1:24:06 (08:19)
Summary
The mentality of approaching judo versus jiu-jitsu is very different, as jiu-jitsu is like a game and hardly leads to serious injuries.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker describes how learning martial arts can be a powerful feeling of taking care of oneself, using an analogy of a little kid acting out in front of an adult.
1:24:06 - 1:31:58 (07:51)
Summary
The speaker describes how learning martial arts can be a powerful feeling of taking care of oneself, using an analogy of a little kid acting out in front of an adult. The speaker also compares it to surviving in the wilderness.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The host and guest discuss the respect given to those who practice Judo internationally, highlighting the importance of the sport in Russian culture and the source of greatness for Russian Judokas.
1:31:58 - 1:35:44 (03:46)
Summary
The host and guest discuss the respect given to those who practice Judo internationally, highlighting the importance of the sport in Russian culture and the source of greatness for Russian Judokas.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The way an athlete moves their body is heavily influenced by the sport they specialize in at a young age, impacting their psychology and philosophy around the sport itself.
1:35:44 - 1:39:07 (03:22)
Summary
The way an athlete moves their body is heavily influenced by the sport they specialize in at a young age, impacting their psychology and philosophy around the sport itself. This means that athletes like Khabib, who have specialized in a sport from a young age, have a unique advantage in terms of physical and mental conditioning.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this episode, the speaker discusses the importance of splitting your opponent's hip in wrestling, specifically focusing on how it affects an opponent's center of gravity.
1:39:07 - 1:44:08 (05:01)
Summary
In this episode, the speaker discusses the importance of splitting your opponent's hip in wrestling, specifically focusing on how it affects an opponent's center of gravity.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast discusses ways in which an opponent's turn in Judo can be prevented through proper gripping techniques and defense, by consistently keeping the opponent up and tired, and by maintaining a mantra of putting your own back on your opponent's chest.
1:44:08 - 1:48:12 (04:03)
Summary
The podcast discusses ways in which an opponent's turn in Judo can be prevented through proper gripping techniques and defense, by consistently keeping the opponent up and tired, and by maintaining a mantra of putting your own back on your opponent's chest.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The discussion revolves around a player who is feeling frustration in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu because his opponent is taking obscure grips that are making it impossible for him to generate any offense.
1:48:12 - 1:52:46 (04:34)
Summary
The discussion revolves around a player who is feeling frustration in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu because his opponent is taking obscure grips that are making it impossible for him to generate any offense. They talk about training and the importance of year-round training to improve your strength, speed, and stamina.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Anthony Robles talks about his experience of overcoming personal and professional obstacles, how his story is inspiring and motivating for others, especially the younger generation, and the impact he has on fans.
1:52:46 - 2:00:16 (07:29)
Summary
Anthony Robles talks about his experience of overcoming personal and professional obstacles, how his story is inspiring and motivating for others, especially the younger generation, and the impact he has on fans.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Antoine overcame a series of unexpected wins which gave him a boost of confidence leading up to the Olympics in the 81 kilos category.
2:00:16 - 2:06:15 (05:59)
Summary
Antoine overcame a series of unexpected wins which gave him a boost of confidence leading up to the Olympics in the 81 kilos category.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker expresses frustration over not being able to fight the one person he wants to fight and having to go through tough opponents in competitions.
2:06:15 - 2:09:16 (03:00)
Summary
The speaker expresses frustration over not being able to fight the one person he wants to fight and having to go through tough opponents in competitions.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker describes the importance of strategizing and adapting to unexpected injuries in judo matches, using the example of splitting their eyebrow and having to tape it up.
2:09:16 - 2:11:38 (02:22)
Summary
The speaker describes the importance of strategizing and adapting to unexpected injuries in judo matches, using the example of splitting their eyebrow and having to tape it up.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
No coherent theme or topic can be derived from the excerpt provided.
2:11:38 - 2:13:44 (02:06)
Summary
No coherent theme or topic can be derived from the excerpt provided.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The technique of sacrifice throws in jiu-jitsu is not about the actual throw, but rather disrupting patterns to potentially cause mistakes in the opponent.
2:13:44 - 2:17:26 (03:41)
Summary
The technique of sacrifice throws in jiu-jitsu is not about the actual throw, but rather disrupting patterns to potentially cause mistakes in the opponent.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A conversation with mentions of a debatable sports call and personal struggles from 2012 to 2014.
2:17:28 - 2:25:42 (08:13)
Summary
A conversation with mentions of a debatable sports call and personal struggles from 2012 to 2014.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker recalls how he defied expectations and broke rules in the world of judo, taking risks and ultimately succeeding.
2:25:42 - 2:31:38 (05:56)
Summary
The speaker recalls how he defied expectations and broke rules in the world of judo, taking risks and ultimately succeeding.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this episode, the speaker talks about their experience with quitting and returning to judo, and how they overcame their mental blocks on the mat.
2:31:38 - 2:35:00 (03:21)
Summary
In this episode, the speaker talks about their experience with quitting and returning to judo, and how they overcame their mental blocks on the mat.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A discussion on the structure of boxing rounds and the importance of surviving and scoring.
2:35:00 - 2:37:12 (02:11)
Summary
A discussion on the structure of boxing rounds and the importance of surviving and scoring. Touches on the significance of winning in boxing and how it affects the status of the fighters.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A man recounts how he would use the tape and medical supplies in a cupboard to harm someone who attacked him, including ripping a choke across their face.
2:37:12 - 2:41:25 (04:12)
Summary
A man recounts how he would use the tape and medical supplies in a cupboard to harm someone who attacked him, including ripping a choke across their face.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Olympian and filmmaker Alexi Pappas shares her experiences of how people around her have tried to push her towards mediocrity and the importance of chasing one's dreams.
2:41:25 - 2:47:42 (06:16)
Summary
Olympian and filmmaker Alexi Pappas shares her experiences of how people around her have tried to push her towards mediocrity and the importance of chasing one's dreams.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast, the guest shares his experience battling his inner demons and breaking his body in the world of judo.
2:47:42 - 2:52:03 (04:21)
Summary
In this podcast, the guest shares his experience battling his inner demons and breaking his body in the world of judo. Despite not identifying with the Olympics, he continues to train and work through his challenges.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares about his experience of getting thrown on his head during a fight and how he unsuccessfully attempted to take the head of his opponent using a big Koshi Gromo move.
2:52:03 - 2:55:58 (03:54)
Summary
The speaker shares about his experience of getting thrown on his head during a fight and how he unsuccessfully attempted to take the head of his opponent using a big Koshi Gromo move.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
An athlete reflects on how he lost an Olympic medal because of a choke in the early stages of a tournament.
2:55:59 - 3:00:24 (04:25)
Summary
An athlete reflects on how he lost an Olympic medal because of a choke in the early stages of a tournament. He knew he had lost his chance once he realized he was up against a tough opponent.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker reflects on a recent Judo match where they were thrown, but still believed they had won due to the rarity of the submission.
3:00:25 - 3:05:06 (04:41)
Summary
The speaker reflects on a recent Judo match where they were thrown, but still believed they had won due to the rarity of the submission.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this episode, the host emphasizes the importance of being willing to get thrown in order to beat your opponents in combat sports, particularly for wrestlers or judo players.
3:05:07 - 3:13:14 (08:06)
Summary
In this episode, the host emphasizes the importance of being willing to get thrown in order to beat your opponents in combat sports, particularly for wrestlers or judo players. The topic of weight cutting is explored and how some athletes take pride in cutting weight, while the host advocates for moving on to more important chapters.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The physical size of judo players can vary greatly, making it difficult to compare their stats.
3:13:14 - 3:20:14 (07:00)
Summary
The physical size of judo players can vary greatly, making it difficult to compare their stats. Olympic gold medals are a measure of a team's performance, whereas personal gold medals are a measure of an individual's performance.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker admires Nomura as a true Judo player who has won multiple Olympic and World Championship titles.
3:20:15 - 3:24:56 (04:40)
Summary
The speaker admires Nomura as a true Judo player who has won multiple Olympic and World Championship titles. They also express their admiration for athletes in sports such as weightlifting, despite not participating themselves.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker names their top three Judo coaches of different generations, including Ono and Illyatus.
3:24:56 - 3:28:18 (03:22)
Summary
The speaker names their top three Judo coaches of different generations, including Ono and Illyatus. They talk about how Illyatus was respected and portrayed the type of Judo the speaker wanted to emulate.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker describes in detail the mechanics of a wrestling move and how understanding the end range motion is important for learning.
3:28:19 - 3:33:41 (05:21)
Summary
The speaker describes in detail the mechanics of a wrestling move and how understanding the end range motion is important for learning.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this conversation, the guest discusses the strength required in Judo to withstand and overcome beatings and describes how a successful Judo practitioner moves.
3:33:41 - 3:41:54 (08:13)
Summary
In this conversation, the guest discusses the strength required in Judo to withstand and overcome beatings and describes how a successful Judo practitioner moves.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete shares that working with a sports psychologist helped her focus on the emotional and physical response during matches, rather than the end goal of winning.
3:41:54 - 3:45:15 (03:20)
Summary
A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete shares that working with a sports psychologist helped her focus on the emotional and physical response during matches, rather than the end goal of winning. She also discusses the importance of redefining goals for continued growth and development.
Episode#223 – Travis Stevens: Judo, Olympics, and Mental Toughness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Jesse Levine stresses the importance of prioritizing one's happiness above other people's, as focusing on what makes oneself happy will lead to stronger and better relationships.
3:45:15 - 3:47:58 (02:43)
Summary
Jesse Levine stresses the importance of prioritizing one's happiness above other people's, as focusing on what makes oneself happy will lead to stronger and better relationships.