BJJ BONUS: Bob Bass - 2nd US BJJ Black Belt, Stories of the Gracie & Machado Early Days | Ep. 21

The Ageless Warrior Lab presents a special BJJ BONUS episode featuring Professor Bob Bass, the second non-Brazilian in history to earn a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu back in 1995. Host Dave Meyer dives deep into the foundational years of BJJ in America, capturing essential, often untold history through the lens of a true pioneer. This episode is a vital historical document for anyone interested in the martial art's journey from obscure garage training sessions to global phenomenon, tracing the lineage and dedication required to achieve mastery in those challenging early days.

Professor Bass shares incredible, firsthand accounts of the sport's infancy, including his very first encounters with Rickson and Royce Gracie in a small garage in 1985, long before the UFC made them household names. He details the formation of the legendary Machado Academy, recounting how he convinced Rigan Machado to stay in the US and the subsequent building of their iconic training platform using salvaged garage doors. Listeners will get an insider's view of the intense training wars, the complex politics of early tournaments, and the controversial refereeing that defined the competitive landscape. Bob also revisits the pivotal 1995 Pan-American match against Marcio Feitosa, including the dramatic pre-match bathroom encounter that set the stage for an historic showdown proving Americans could compete at the highest level.

Beyond the history, this conversation offers profound insights into the warrior mindset and longevity in martial arts. At 63, Professor Bass is still actively training, and he shares his secrets for aging gracefully on the mats, emphasizing the importance of flow rolling, listening to the body, and continuously expanding one's knowledge base. He discusses the evolution of BJJ, offering perspectives on modern techniques like leg locks versus the foundational effectiveness of chokes, and shares hilarious anecdotes about figures like Gene LaBelle showing up on a motorcycle doing wheelies.

Tune into this episode of The Ageless Warrior Lab to connect directly with the roots of American BJJ and understand the grit, determination, and philosophical approach required to become a true Ageless Warrior. Bob Bass’s journey is a testament to resilience, capturing the spirit of innovation and dedication that built the martial art we know today, making this essential listening for practitioners of all levels seeking inspiration and historical context.