The Art of Jiu-Jitsu: A Journey of Self-Discovery with Mark Zuckerberg and Lex Fridman

I recently had the privilege of training with Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder and CEO of Facebook, in the martial art of Jiu-Jitsu. This was not only a unique experience but also an opportunity to witness firsthand the dedication and humility that Mark has brought to his training.

As I reflect on our training session, I am reminded of the countless hours Mark has spent honing his skills in Jiu-Jitsu. Having been training for just over a year, Mark's progress is nothing short of impressive. His journey, like many others who embark on this path, is one of self-discovery and growth.

"I'm a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu," I stated to Mark at the beginning of our session, "and I've been doing it for over fifteen years." This experience has not only helped me develop physically but also mentally. The discipline required to master Jiu-Jitsu is unparalleled, and one that has greatly benefited my life outside of the mat.

Mark's approach to training is a testament to his humility and seriousness. He has taken this journey on with an eagerness to learn, which I believe is essential for growth. "He has taken this journey on with humility and with a seriousness that to me is truly inspiring," I said as we began our training.

As we started rolling, Mark demonstrated his skills, showcasing his understanding of the fundamental principles of Jiu-Jitsu. His technique was solid, and he moved with ease across the mat. This experience serves as a reminder that mastery takes time and dedication.

I also had the opportunity to share my thoughts on why I believe Jiu-Jitsu is an essential part of any individual's life, particularly for those in leadership positions. "Humility is a powerful tool for innovation and leadership," I said, drawing inspiration from the Japanese swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. His words continue to resonate with me, and I firmly believe that this philosophy holds true for Mark as well.

As our training session came to an end, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in Mark's accomplishments. This journey is not just about physical transformation but also about personal growth and development. The value that Jiu-Jitsu brings to individuals, particularly those who run successful companies like Mark's, cannot be overstated.

Mark's enthusiasm for Jiu-Jitsu is contagious, and I am excited to continue training with him in the future. This experience not only deepened our friendship but also provided a glimpse into the world of martial arts that few people get to experience. As we parted ways, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to share this journey with Mark.

It is worth noting that this was recorded shortly after our recent podcast conversation, which sparked a lively debate between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg on social media. As someone who has been friends with Elon for a long time, it was great to see him take on the journey of being a martial artist in his own way. The excitement of witnessing two influential figures push themselves outside their comfort zones is truly inspiring.

I am also excited to train with each of them and witness firsthand how Jiu-Jitsu will shape their leadership skills, personal growth, and understanding of human nature. The benefits of practicing martial arts extend far beyond the mat itself, offering a unique platform for self-discovery and growth that can positively impact every aspect of life.

As Mark continued on his journey, I was reminded of the importance of humility in innovation and leadership. Miyamoto Musashi's words continue to inspire me, and I firmly believe that this philosophy holds true for individuals like Mark as well. The pursuit of excellence is a lifelong journey, one that requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn.

In conclusion, my training session with Mark Zuckerberg was an unforgettable experience that provided valuable insights into the world of Jiu-Jitsu and its transformative power. As I reflect on our time together, I am reminded of the countless benefits that this martial art has brought to individuals who have dedicated themselves to it.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: en(limbs hitting against the mats)- Nice Mark, there it is.Nice.- This video is of MarkZuckerberg and I, Lex Fridman,training Jiu-Jitsu.A martial art with the goal of attainingpositional dominance over your opponent,and then to submit them bybreaking their arm or leg,or choking them unconscious,but stopping right before thatas your opponent taps twice to designatethat they give up.I'm a black belt in Jiu-Jitsuand I've been doing itfor over fifteen years,and also Judo and wrestling for ten more.Mark has been trainingJiu-Jitsu for just over a yearand has taken thisjourney on with humilityand with a seriousness thatto me is truly inspiring.This was recorded shortlyafter our recent podcast conversation.And, given the recent back and forthbetween Elon and Zuck on social media,I should mention that I'ma longtime friend of Elon,and a new friend of Zuck,and I'm excited to seethem take on the journeyof being martial artists in their own wayand I look forward totraining with each of them.They both run large,successful, impactful companies,and so they're super busy.But I do believe there's tremendous valuein them practicing martial arts,as it will make them better leaders,better human beings, andstudents of human nature.First and foremost, at least to me,Jiu-Jitsu is humbling.And humility is a powerful toolfor innovation and leadership.Let me quote here, as one must,the great Miyamoto Musashi,a Japanese swordsmanand warrior philosopherfrom the 17th century.\"Think lightly of yourselfand deeply of the world.\"That said, this is a martial art.And so he also did say that,\"The way of the warrioris the resolute acceptanceof death.\"In this video,you'll see Mark and I doinglive technical training,and some practice of techniques,under the guidance ofthe legendary Jiu-Jitsuand Judo instructor, Dave Camarillo.And now dear friends,here's Mark Zuckerberg andI training some Jiu-Jitsu.(inaudible mumbling between fighters)- You need to grapple too.- Okay, yeah. No worries.- Thought he was a soccer player.- All right, Youknow what? You guys go. Sorry.- I'll tap.- Nice, nice.You're going to have tostand up to make him shake...Oh! Nice, nice.So if that doesn't work, sit up.Sit up.Sit up straight,and if it's not there,shoot a triangle.Triangle, yep.Nice- stop, stop, stop. Close your hand.Yes, there you go man.Very nice.Sit back.There you go, you shouldbe able to finish it now.Hold off.There you go.You could lock your leg,use your hips to helpthrow him inside out.Remember what we were talking about?Plus you get the optionof shaking him off.'Cause if you don't, he holds you.- Yeah.(bell sounds)That looks good on your feet.- Mark, youlook like a jiu-jitsu guy.You were awesome.That was awesome.All right, time for one more.Let's put Mark and Lex together.One last time.- Start now?(men laughing)- You had such a great round wrestling.Nick, double up on that.Gonna have to double it.Nice. Nice.Either that, or against the wall.- His legs were pinned together.- When he has that guillotine,turn away from the elbow.Like, turn it towards the elbow.You know what I mean?- Yeah.- You need tosweep and get a pin, Max,especially if you're tired.Pin him, Nick.Left shoulder tight.Grab his neck or trap and pin it.Watch that monkey choke.Posture up, posture up.Posture. Posture. Posture.The same defense on the head.Push his left knee, push his left knee.(heavy breathing sounds) `Head down. Keep your head down.Shoulder pressure.Nice. Which way do we walk?Which way do we walk?Shoulder pressure.Put both feet on the ground.Double back.Double back, Nick.So, you might want to be doing somethingwith the other hand.Otherwise, he's going totry and manipulate you.Forward. Forward, Mark.There you go. Yes. Sit him down.Nice, Mark! Watch the leg coming in.Very nice.Good, keep going, Max.Bottom leg, hold onto it, hold onto it.Transition.Go back in. Go back in.Nice. Top, top, top.Sit on him. Sit on him. Pull,pull. Get ready to spin.Pull it, get ready to spin.Give me that leg. Give me that leg.Yep. Pull your leg out at the same time.Pull it, pull it hard.- Nice, Mark. There it is.- Yes. Yeah, yeah.Yes, good. Shoving it down.Step over, lift your leg upand step up, pull that over.(heavy breathing sounds)(bell sounds)Time, guys.\n"