Lex Fridman Podcast #169 – Ryan Hall: Solving Martial Arts from First Principles
Ryan Hall, an undefeated MMA fighter and BJJ black belt, shares his deep insights into martial arts. He discusses the first principles approach to grappling and how it parallels strategies in tech companies. Hall emphasizes the complexities of decision-making in combat, the necessity of questioning techniques in jiu-jitsu, and the balance between individualism and collective progress in society. His reflections on free will, personal responsibility, and the challenges of online interactions spark a thought-provoking dialogue about moral accountability.
03:00:50
Systems Thinking in Martial Arts
- Understand how systems interact to transcend limitations.
- Predictability becomes a weakness when opponents understand your system.
Illusion of Choice
- Create an illusion of choice to control outcomes.
- Ask the right questions to guide opponents to your desired result.
First Fight and Motivation
- Ryan Hall's first MMA fight was a loss as a blue belt.
- He was motivated by a bully's discouragement to improve.
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Intro
00:00 • 4min
Sponsorship Highlights and Personal Anecdotes
04:10 • 4min
Mastering Martial Arts: Strategy and Self-Discovery
08:05 • 25min
The Art of Strategic Striking
33:15 • 18min
The Illusion of Free Will
51:23 • 6min
Navigating Historical Sensitivity and Cancel Culture
57:36 • 2min
Navigating Individual and Collective Progress
59:44 • 21min
Exploring Struggles and Societal Responsibility
01:21:02 • 2min
Redesigning Incentives in Social Networking
01:22:34 • 2min
The Essence of Disruptive Leadership
01:24:20 • 6min
Mastering Jiu-Jitsu: The Art of Questioning and Respect
01:30:06 • 20min
The Journey of Mastery in Jiu-Jitsu
01:50:14 • 27min
The Intersection of Humanity and AI
02:17:14 • 17min
Procrastination vs. Systematic Productivity: The Balance of Pressure
02:34:16 • 4min
The Rigorous Mental Work of Theoretical Computer Science
02:38:42 • 2min
Clothing, Combat, and Connection
02:40:30 • 18min
Navigating Judgment and Morality in Life
02:58:35 • 2min
The ascent of money
A Financial History of the World
Niall Ferguson
In 'The Ascent of Money', Niall Ferguson explores the human story behind the evolution of finance, from the origins of money in ancient Mesopotamia to the latest financial upheavals.
Ferguson argues that finance is the foundation of human progress and reveals financial history as the essential backstory behind all history.
The book covers key financial institutions and concepts, such as the invention of banking, the development of bonds and stock markets, and the role of insurance and real estate.
It also delves into the impact of financial systems on historical events and the recurring theme that every financial bubble eventually bursts.
The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich
A History of Nazi Germany
William L. Shirer
This book is a monumental study based on extensive documentation, including testimony from Nazi leaders and concentration camp inmates, diaries of officials, transcripts of secret conferences, army orders, and private letters.
Shirer spent five and a half years sifting through this massive documentation to create a definitive record of one of the most frightening chapters in human history.
The book explores how Hitler's regime came to power, its impact on Germany and the world, and its eventual downfall.
It is widely acclaimed as the definitive work on Nazi Germany and has won several awards, including the National Book Award for Nonfiction.
On war
Carl Von Clausewitz
Carl von Clausewitz's "On War" is a seminal work on military strategy, exploring the complex interplay of military, political, and social factors in warfare.
It emphasizes the importance of understanding the nature of war as a dynamic and unpredictable phenomenon.
The book delves into various aspects of military strategy, including the role of chance, the importance of morale, and the relationship between war and politics.
Its enduring influence is evident in its continued relevance to military studies, international relations, and strategic thinking.
It remains a cornerstone of military theory.
The art of learning
An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance
Josh Waitzkin
The Art of Learning takes readers through Josh Waitzkin’s unique journey to excellence in both chess and Tai Chi Chuan.
The book explains how a well-thought-out, principled approach to learning separates success from failure.
Waitzkin discusses how achievement is a function of a lifestyle that fuels a creative, resilient growth process.
He shares his methods for systematically triggering intuitive breakthroughs, honing techniques, and mastering performance psychology.
The book also emphasizes the importance of embracing defeat, making mistakes work for you, and turning weaknesses into strengths.
It is divided into sections that cover his rise in chess, his transition to Tai Chi, and the similarities in preparation and execution between the two disciplines.
Your inner fish
Neil Shubin
In 'Your Inner Fish,' Neil Shubin explores the evolutionary history of the human body by examining fossils and DNA. He reveals how human features, such as hands and heads, have origins in ancient fish and other organisms.
This book offers a fascinating journey through millions of years of biological development, highlighting the shared genetic and anatomical heritage between humans and other species.
Deep Work
Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World
Cal Newport
In 'Deep Work', Cal Newport argues that the ability to perform deep work—professional activities in a state of distraction-free concentration—is becoming increasingly valuable in our economy.
The book is divided into two parts: the first part explains why deep work is valuable, rare, and meaningful, while the second part presents four rules to transform your mind and habits to support this skill.
These rules include 'Work Deeply', 'Embrace Boredom', 'Quit Social Media', and 'Drain the Shallows'.
Newport provides actionable advice and examples from various successful individuals to help readers master the skill of deep work and achieve groundbreaking results.
Dune
Frank Herbert
Dune, written by Frank Herbert, is set in a feudal interstellar society where noble houses control planetary fiefs.
The story follows Paul Atreides, whose family is tasked with ruling the inhospitable desert planet Arrakis, the sole source of melange, a substance crucial for extending life and enhancing mental abilities.
The novel delves into the intricate politics, religion, ecology, and technology of this futuristic world, as various factions vie for control of Arrakis and its valuable spice.
Paul, with his unique abilities and training by the Bene Gesserit, becomes a key figure in this struggle and eventually assumes the role of a messianic leader among the native Fremen people.
Free Will
Sam Harris
In 'Free Will,' Sam Harris argues that the concept of free will is inherently flawed and incoherent.
He contends that our thoughts, intentions, and actions are determined by prior causes outside our conscious control, whether these causes are deterministic or the result of chance.
Harris uses examples such as the Cheshire murders to illustrate how even heinous crimes can be seen as the product of uncontrollable experiences and neurological mechanisms, rather than free will.
The book challenges readers to reconsider their views on morality, law, and personal responsibility in light of this understanding.
The Art of War
Sun Tzu
Book of Five Rings
Miyamoto Musashi
Eric King
Craig Trahan
The Book of Five Rings is a comprehensive guide to martial arts and strategy written by Miyamoto Musashi.
The book is divided into five chapters: The Book of Earth, The Book of Water, The Book of Fire, The Book of Wind, and The Book of the Void.
Musashi discusses various aspects of martial arts, including technique, strategy, and the psychological and spiritual dimensions of combat.
He emphasizes the importance of practical experience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of one's opponent and the environment.
The book is not limited to martial arts but also offers insights into general strategy and leadership, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in these fields.
The New Tsar
Steven Lee Myers
The New Tsar by Steven Lee Myers offers a detailed exploration of Vladimir Putin's leadership, from his early life and KGB career to his consolidation of power and international policies.
The book provides insights into Putin's methods of governance, his impact on Russia's economy and society, and his assertive foreign policy, including interventions in Ukraine and Syria.
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:
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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/
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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