In this episode, we dive deep into the reality that time is our most precious, and limited, resource. Drawing from personal stories, life-changing realizations, and practical advice, you’ll learn why you may have less time than you think, how to make every moment count, and how to avoid the trap of mediocrity. Discover exercises to help you refocus your life, find your purpose, and start living with intention today.

If you found this episode useful, please subscribe, like, and share. Leave your thoughts in the comments, your feedback means a lot!

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This episode was directed and presented by Dave Meyer, produced by Robbie Lockie, and music kindly provided by Robel Borja.

Join host Dave Meyer as he sits down with Sensei Mike Valentine, co-founder of Practical Martial Arts in Northern California. In this deep-dive conversation, Mike shares his unique approach to martial arts—one that goes far beyond punching and kicking. Discover how martial arts can build resilience, character, and real-world strength in kids, teens, and adults alike.

Mike draws on decades of experience and a passion for neuroscience to explain how struggle, failure, and the right mindset can transform lives both on and off the mat. Whether you're a martial artist, a parent, or someone interested in personal growth, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories.

🔔 Subscribe for more interviews and lessons from the world of martial arts, neuroscience, and personal development!

Show Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction: Teaching Strength in Difficult Situations
01:54 - Martial Arts Beyond Fighting: Building Resilience
03:33 - About Sensei Mike Valentine & Practical Martial Arts
05:25 - Neuroscience and Martial Arts: Developing Character
07:20 - The Importance of Struggle in Growth
09:13 - Mike’s Martial Arts Journey: From TaeKwonDo to Bruce Lee
13:18 - The Role of Mentorship and Teaching
16:37 - The Science of Struggle: Neurobiology in Training
21:31 - Coaching Under Pressure: Building Heart and Resilience
25:04 - The Parent-Instructor Partnership
27:30 - Nature vs. Nurture in Martial Arts Development
30:11 - The Value of Failure and Learning from Mistakes
34:13 - Mat Culture: Creating a Supportive Environment
37:38 - Merit, Competence, and the Problem with “McDojos”
41:04 - The Evolution of Martial Arts: Realism vs. Tradition
45:15 - The Importance of Resistance and Feedback
48:40 - MMA, Self-Defense, and Real-World Scenarios
52:27 - Generalizing Martial Arts Lessons to Life
54:05 - The Power of Narrative in Teaching
58:11 - Setting Goals: The North Star Story
1:01:47 - Motivation, Boredom, and Long-Term Progress
1:04:46 - Psychological Tools for Mindset and Confidence
1:09:06 - Fitness Routines for Aging Martial Artists
1:13:39 - Joint Mobility, Speed, and Water Resistance Training
1:18:22 - Rituals, Balance, and Focus Before Training
1:22:33 - Pattern Recognition and Rolling with Variety
1:27:27 - Recovery, Water Conditioning, and Longevity
1:31:21 - The Role of Ego and Mental Health in Martial Arts
1:36:10 - Giving Back: Volunteering and Community
1:38:10 - Closing Thoughts, Book Announcement, and Gratitude
1:41:00 - Outro: Subscribe, Support, and Stay Strong

Links from the show:

Practical Martial Arts
https://www.pmadojo.com/

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
https://www.franklincovey.com/courses/the-7-habits/

Viktor Frankl
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viktor_Frankl

Steve Maxwell
https://www.maxwellsc.com/

Marv Marinovich
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marv_Marinovich

Intro Music by Robel Borja
“Disambiguation” https://open.spotify.com/artist/7j0DUZ79z4edeLkU2H1UoJ?si=eISl0YfaQ-yLThljs48j5A
“Erotic Spring” https://open.spotify.com/track/20RAs5iOvZGYSxQTjx8AAM?si=a0a5cead10e0441b

Get in touch!

This episode was directed and presented by Dave Meyer, produced by Robbie Lockie, and music kindly provided by Robel Borja.

Unlock the secrets to lifelong strength and fitness with BJJ Black Belt Dave Meyer in this episode of the Ageless Warrior Lab! At 63, Dave shares his personal exercise protocol, proven strategies for building functional strength, and the six pillars of "homework" that keep him in top shape—decades after most slow down.

Whether you’re a martial artist, athlete, or just want to stay fit as you age, discover practical tips on strength, flexibility, endurance, speed, balance, and toughness. Learn how to avoid injury, break through plateaus, and develop habits that support long-term health and performance.

Don’t miss Dave’s real-world stories, expert advice, and actionable routines to help you become stronger, healthier, and more resilient—at any age!

Subscribe for more wisdom from the mat, and let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Links mentioned in the show.

Sand Dune Park

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sand_Dune_Park

Andy Wang

https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Andy-Wang-1331

Joseph Lepera

https://www.leperalaw.com/joseph-lepera

David Mitchell

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TeamChaosJiuJitsu

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dmitch442/

Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/TeamChaosJiuJitsu

Intro Music by Robel Borja
“Disambiguation” https://open.spotify.com/artist/7j0DUZ79z4edeLkU2H1UoJ?si=eISl0YfaQ-yLThljs48j5A

“Erotic Spring” https://open.spotify.com/track/20RAs5iOvZGYSxQTjx8AAM?si=a0a5cead10e0441b

Get in touch!

This episode was directed and presented by Dave Meyer, produced by Robbie Lockie, and music kindly provided by Robel Borja.