Division 1 Wrestler and BJJ Purple Belt Ian Daube (Episode 349)
Feb 3, 2025
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Ian Daube, a former Division 1 wrestler and BJJ purple belt, shares his journey from corporate life to full-time grappling. He discusses how a pec injury reshaped his wrestling career and the significance of aggression in BJJ matches. Ian emphasizes effective competition preparation, the role of diet and functional lifting in training, and his thoughts on overtraining. He also reflects on how becoming a father has transformed his priorities, highlighting the importance of mentorship and training with skilled partners.
Ian Daube emphasizes the need for adaptability and continuous learning as crucial elements for success in grappling, especially when competing against younger athletes.
The role of proper supplementation, like Grapple Science's Cognition, is highlighted as essential for enhancing energy and mental focus during rigorous training and competitions.
Becoming a father has profoundly impacted Ian's emotional outlook, fostering a deeper sense of empathy and connectedness with both his family and friends.
Deep dives
Ian's Wrestling Journey and Transition to Jiu-Jitsu
Ian, a former wrestler, has made significant strides in his jiu-jitsu journey within just 19 months. Competing at the ADCC and taking second in his weight division shows his dedication and athleticism. His wrestling background has allowed him to leverage existing skills, though he acknowledges the challenges of transitioning to jiu-jitsu, especially with the need for new techniques and strategies. As he continues to compete against younger opponents, Ian emphasizes the importance of adaptability and the ongoing learning process inherent in grappling.
The Impact of Age on Athletic Performance
Ian reflects on the challenges of competing at 33 against younger athletes, noting the natural decline in physical capabilities that comes with age. He highlights that while experience and technique can compensate for some physical limitations, the energy levels often diminish over time. This perspective offers insight into the struggles faced by older athletes in physically demanding sports. Despite these challenges, Ian's enthusiasm for training and competing showcases his resilience and passion for jiu-jitsu.
Supplement Recommendations for Optimal Performance
The discussion about supplements includes insights into Grapple Science's new product, Cognition, which emphasizes energy and focus without reliance on stimulants. This addresses a common concern among athletes who may not respond well to traditional energy supplements packed with caffeine. Ian shares his personal experiences using the supplement on days requiring a balance of training and mental focus. The emphasis on proper supplementation highlights its role in supporting higher performance levels during workouts and competitions.
The Evolution of Jiu-Jitsu and Its Growing Popularity
Ian expresses excitement about the influx of wrestlers transitioning to jiu-jitsu, sincerely believing this will propel the sport into the mainstream. He envisions a future where exceptional athletes, bolstered by wrestling backgrounds, can thrive in the jiu-jitsu landscape, similar to wrestling's established infrastructure. The potential establishment of leagues and corporate sponsorships, driven by significant participation and viewership, has the capability to elevate the sport further. Ian's optimism for jiu-jitsu's growth underscores the increasing visibility and recognition the Martial Arts discipline is receiving.
Personal Growth Through Parenthood
Being a father has reshaped Ian's outlook on life, expanding his capacity for love and empathy in profound ways. He discusses the emotional highs and lows that accompany parenting, noting his increased emotional responsiveness. The deep connection he feels with his children has not only heightened his love for them but has also improved his friendships and interactions with others. Ian's experiences highlight the importance of family in promoting emotional growth and reinforcing the values of care, love, and responsibility.
Strength Training and Functional Lifting Philosophy
Ian discusses his approach to strength training, favoring traditional weightlifting but incorporating elements labeled as 'functional.' While he appreciates the value of building strength through conventional lifts, he remains critical of overly complex functional training methods that lack foundational strength exercises. He believes in training that emphasizes core principles of strength and conditioning, advocating for progressive overload as vital to effective performance. This perspective underscores the importance of simplicity and effectiveness in strength training for grapplers.
On this episode, we are joined by former Division 1 Wrestler and BJJ purple belt Ian Daube.
Ian discusses his start in wrestling and Judo, how a pec injury changed Ian’s wrestling career, why he decided to quite his corporate job and become a full time grappler and how he transitioned out of the corporate world, the importance of aggression in a BJJ match, what helps him for competition prep, his thoughts on drilling, lifting for BJJ, his diet and conditioning for BJJ, thoughts on Overtraining, his favorite training partners, his favorite submissions, his thoughts on the future of BJJ, and how becoming a father changed him.
Thanks to the podcast sponsors:
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