Today, I sit down with James Driskill, a third-degree black belt under the legendary Rickson Gracie. James is not only Rickson’s trusted uke and teaching assistant but also a lifelong martial artist dedicated to preserving and sharing Rickson’s philosophy. We dive deep into James’s unique journey from training under Rickson in Los Angeles to becoming his full-time assistant in Florida.

James shares insights on the art of being an uke, the priceless lessons learned from Rickson, and his philosophy of combining mindfulness and meditation both on and off the mats. We also discuss his personal life, his role as a teacher, and how he balances martial arts with family and life’s other passions.

Whether you're a BJJ practitioner or just curious about what it’s like to train under one of the greatest of all time, this episode is packed with wisdom, philosophy, and inspiration.

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