Coral Belt Prof. Dave Meyer on Jiu-Jitsu, Animal Welfare, Time Discipline, and the Value of Competition

Host Pete Deeley welcomes Coral Belt Professor Dave Meyer to discuss how starting jiu-jitsu at age six shaped Meyer’s identity, discipline, and “be the help” ethos, which he connects to a lifelong mission in animal welfare, including raising $160 million. Meyer credits martial arts and a religious upbringing focused on “repairing the world” for his action-oriented commitment to defending the weak, and explains how a cousin’s sudden death sharpened his urgency about mortality and using time wisely—reinforced by choices like not having a TV to avoid distractions. They explore how jiu-jitsu learning is unique because it requires partners and repeated “failing tests,” forcing ego management. Meyer argues competition is optional but highly beneficial for stress inoculation, learning, and handling adrenaline, shares a memorable superfight with Fabio Santos that won him a flight to Brazil and helped lead to his 1998 Worlds bronze as the first American black belt medalist, and recounts mentoring Brian Johnson to build a successful Seattle jiu-jitsu school. They also touch on Meyer’s late-’80s LA pop-rock band days, and his Ageless Warrior Lab podcast.

In this episode

• 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
• 01:24 Life Without Jiu Jitsu
• 04:29 Warrior Ethos and Service
• 08:47 Discipline Time and Focus
• 13:56 Mortality Wake Up Call
• 16:40 How Jiu Jitsu Teaches Learning
• 20:26 Competition Why It Matters
• 27:00 Winning Versus Growth
• 27:50 Competition As Stress Training
• 28:36 Most Memorable Matches
• 29:55 Black Belt Heartbreak
• 30:55 Fabio Santos Superfight
• 35:08 Winning The Brazil Trip
• 36:01 Mentoring A Future Coach
• 38:20 Rock Scene In LA
• 43:42 Right Place Right Time
• 47:09 Superhero Name And Farewell

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