In a recent interview on the Lex Fridman Podcast, Dana White, the CEO and president of the UFC, shared his insightful journey into the world of Jiu-Jitsu and its profound impact on his life and perspective. The podcast clip, titled “Dana White: Jiu jitsu is the red pill | Lex Fridman Podcast Clips,” provides an engaging narrative on White’s personal experiences and revelations through Jiu-Jitsu.

“I remember thinking, holy [__] I… can’t believe that I’m 28 years old and this is the first time I’m experiencing this,” White recalls about his initial encounter with Jiu-Jitsu. This moment was a turning point for him, opening his eyes to the world of martial arts beyond boxing, which he was a fervent fan of. He describes this experience as “such an eye-opening, mind-blowing experience. The most humbling thing you can do as a man” and likens it to choosing between the red pill and the blue pill in “The Matrix” – a metaphor for confronting a new, transformative reality.

White shares how Jiu-Jitsu humbled him, “You realize, holy [] all that [] talking I’ve been doing about me being a badass, you realize you’re not.” This revelation came as a shock as he learned the extent to which another human being could dominate him on the ground, making him feel utterly powerless.

Reflecting on his journey, White mentions his early proficiency with the guillotine choke and his preference for no-gi grappling. He states, “Once I took the gi off, I felt like I had no submissions ’cause I couldn’t grab on to anything.” This preference led him to focus on no-gi Jiu-Jitsu, which he believes is more practical and transferable to real-life scenarios.

Discussing the broader implications of Jiu-Jitsu, White emphasizes its effectiveness regardless of size or strength, especially for women. “It’s not about size or strength; it’s about technique,” he asserts, highlighting the martial art’s potential as a powerful tool for self-defense.

White’s conversation also touches on the early days of mixed martial arts (MMA), recalling the surprise and awe at the success of smaller, technically skilled fighters like Royce Gracie against physically larger opponents. This underscored the importance of technique over brute strength, a cornerstone principle of Jiu-Jitsu.

Overall, Dana White’s experience with Jiu-Jitsu has not only transformed his perspective on martial arts but also on life itself. His story is a testament to the power of this discipline in shaping one’s character, humility, and understanding of true strength.