From: lexfridman
Ben Askren is a renowned figure in the world of wrestling and mixed martial arts. Known for his distinctive “funky” wrestling style, Askren’s prowess on the mat earned him accolades and a reputation as a formidable opponent in both collegiate and international wrestling.
Early Life and Introduction to Wrestling
Ben Askren began wrestling at the age of five, partaking in various sports during his early years. However, it wasn’t until he was 13 years old that he started garnering significant improvement and success in wrestling. By the time he was in high school, he was committed to the sport, notably quitting baseball as early as fifth grade to focus more on wrestling and improve his skills [00:48:38].
Collegiate Success
Askren’s dedication bore fruit during his collegiate wrestling career, where he attended the University of Missouri. He achieved significant success:
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NCAA Division I National Champion: Askren became a two-time national champion and a four-time finalist. His distinctive approach and “funk” style of wrestling set him apart from his peers [00:00:28].
- Record: Askren won his last 87 matches consecutively, showing his dominant streak in collegiate wrestling [00:27:02].
Wrestling Style and Philosophy
Askren is acclaimed for his “funky” wrestling style, characterized by its creativity and adaptability. Despite lacking traditional athletic attributes such as explosive speed and strength, Askren’s innovative technique allowed him to defeat opponents who might have been considered more physically gifted [00:55:02].
He attributes his skill development to necessity and creativity, especially during his high school years when he had to improvise to make practice with less experienced partners worthwhile. This environment fostered his unique style, allowing him to excel at the collegiate level and beyond [00:54:04].
International and Olympic Experience
In 2008, Ben Askren represented the United States at the Summer Olympics in Beijing. While he did not achieve a podium finish, his participation in the international circuit marked the pinnacle of his amateur wrestling career. Askren admitted the Olympics was a significant learning experience and reflected that, at that stage, he simply wasn’t good enough yet against seasoned international competitors [01:17:30].
Transition to MMA
Post-collegiate and Olympic wrestling, Askren transitioned to mixed martial arts, quickly establishing himself as a dominant force in the sport. His wrestling foundation laid the groundwork for his MMA style, where he adopted a ground-and-pound approach, often overwhelming opponents with his grappling ability [01:49:02].
Despite his move to MMA, Askren remained a significant voice in wrestling, contributing to its development through commentary and co-hosting programs like Flow Wrestling Radio Live [00:00:50].
Legacy in Wrestling
Ben Askren’s influence extends beyond his victories on the mat. His approach to wrestling, characterized by innovation and adaptability, has inspired many young wrestlers. His work in developing wrestling academies and promoting the sport ensures his legacy will continue, nurturing the next generation of wrestlers [02:06:18].
Askren’s career demonstrates the importance of creativity and adaptability in sports, proving that with the right mindset and dedication, limitations can be transcended through innovation and perseverance.