3 Rules to Get Better, Faster: Secrets from a BJJ Black Belt | Ep 01 Artwork

The Ageless Warrior Lab

Dave Meyer | Host, Ageless Warrior Lab podcast | Co-founder and CEO of Food System Innovations and Humane American Animal Foundation

David Meyer is a pioneering American Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner, and accomplished non-profit founder and Philanthropist.

David co-founded and served as CEO of Adopt-a-Pet.com for two decades, turning it into the world’s largest nonprofit homeless pet adoption website and helping save millions of animals, before its acquisition by Mars Inc.

Today, David leads Food System Innovations and Humane America Animal Foundation, leading in farm animal welfare and the protein transition movement. He frequently advises U.S. lawmakers on these issues, and has raised and deployed over $160 million in philanthropic capital as part of his work in the nonprofit space.

In his athletic career, David has risen to the highest ranks of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). He earned his black belt from Rigan Machado in 1996 and ranked among the first Americans (“the Dirty Dozen”) to do so. He was the first American to medal at the black belt level at the BJJ World Championships in Brazil in 1998, and continues to compete, winning world championship titles in his age division.

As a martial artist and instructor, he taught at UCLA, Steven Seagal’s Tenshin Dojo, and developed globally used grappling curricula with John Will, including customized material for Chuck Norris’s UFAF association.

Meyer also played a critical role in post-Katrina animal rescue, co-authored key books on BJJ and pet care, and co-founded a Haiti orphanage for children with HIV, exemplifying a lifetime of impactful leadership in both martial arts and philanthropy.

David resides in the San Francisco Bay, and continues to coach BJJ athletes while actively managing Food System Innovations and Humane America Animal Foundation.

All Episodes

The Ageless Warrior Lab

3 Rules to Get Better, Faster: Secrets from a BJJ Black Belt | Ep 01

September 16, 2025 • David Meyer • Season 1 • Episode 1

Welcome to the Ageless Warrior Lab! In this episode, BJJ Black Belt and Dirty Dozen member Dave Meyer reveals the secrets to getting better, faster—on the mats, in business, and in life. Drawing on decades of martial arts experience, Dave shares three powerful rules that separate those who dabble from those who dominate.

Whether you're a Brazilian Jiujitsu practitioner, an entrepreneur, or anyone striving for self-improvement, you'll discover actionable strategies for deliberate practice, goal setting, and harnessing the power of feedback. Plus, hear personal stories, scientific studies, and practical tips you can apply today.

Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction: Why You’re Not Improving

01:10 - The Myth of Practice Makes Perfect

01:43 - Rule #1 Practice Makes Permanent, not Perfect.

03:00 - What Really Drives Improvement

05:20 - The Power of Deliberate Practice

08:00 - Amplifying Your Training for Maximum Results

11:00 - Rule #2: No One Accidentally Reaches the Top of Everest

13:30 - The Science of Goal Setting

16:00 - Measuring Progress: KPIs and Real-World Examples

19:00 - Rule #3: The Truth Will Set You Free (Feedback)

22:00 - Stories of Humility and Growth

25:00 - How to Use Feedback to Accelerate Success