Jean Jacques Machado – Joe Rogan’s Disabled Jiu-Jitsu Instructor Who Became the “Greatest Ever”

Followers of Joe Rogan know he is an avid martial arts enthusiast. The longtime UFC commentator holds black belts in taekwondo and jiu-jitsu. The stories from his martial arts training days often make their way into his podcast episodes, too.

In a recent episode of his podcast, Rogan told one such interesting story about his jiu-jitsu instructor. Rogan was talking to renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson when he dived into his jiu-jitsu coach’s incredible martial arts journey.

Joe Rogan on Jean Jacques Machado’s martial arts journey

During episode #1904 of JRE, Rogan recounted the inspirational story of his jiu-jitsu coach, Jean Jacques Machado. Machado was born with a genetic defect where he only had a thumb on his left hand, said Rogan. Tyson immediately corrected him, asking him to call it a genetic feature.

Rogan obliged and continued, “It is a feature because he is a multiple-time world champion. And because of the fact that he was born with this one hand that didn’t have fingers, he developed a style of jiu-jitsu… where he utilizes that left hand to get under chins… he slides it in there and sinks rear-naked chokes on people.”

Adding to the accolades of his instructor, the BJJ black belt said, “And he also developed a style that didn’t rely on grips, developed a style that’s overhooks and underhooks, which became modern no-gi jiu-jitsu, which is incorporated in mixed martial arts because in mixed martial arts they don’t wear the kimono.”

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According to Rogan, people didn’t believe Machado would reach his full potential. However, he “turned out to be one of the greatest ever.”

Rogan’s admiration for his coach was evident in his words. A few years ago, he recommended Machado’s gym to one of his guests for jiu-jitsu training.

When Rogan suggested Machado’s training to a JRE guest

In April 2019, Rogan hosted stand-up comic Michael Yo on his podcast. This would be the first of three visits for Yo, who returned twice in 2020. While talking to Rogan, Yo asked where he should start if he wanted to learn to fight.

The 55-year-old suggested Yo start with jiu-jitsu because it was a fun technique-based art. He told Yo how smaller guys submitted him in training despite him being a black belt. He warned Yo to choose a school with good ethics to avoid reckless training partners.

The former Fear Factor host then suggested his own teacher’s gym. “Machado’s, where I got my black belt… They have an outstanding gym. It’s like one of the best in the country. As far as teaching? Top-notch.”

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Did you find Rogan’s story about Machado inspiring? Do you know any such inspirational stories? Let us know in the comments below.