Joe Rogan is a trained fighter. The podcaster holds a black belt in Taekwondo as well as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. However, his decision to learn self-defense was made after a particular incident.

The comedian has a very nuanced knowledge of the MMA, which can be observed in his commentary. The 55-year-old is also a huge supporter of learning any discipline for self-defense. 

Rogan has also discussed several times on his podcast how learning self-defense is necessary for everyone. Furthermore, he had this realization after a locker room incident that occurred when he was just 14 years old.

The incident that made Joe Rogan learn self-defense

The UFC commentator revealed to Hollywood producer Jon Peters on his podcast that he was only 14 years old when he had his last street fight. Moreover, he also said that he suffered a humiliating loss in that scuffle. 

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Narrating the incident Rogan stated that the guy pinned him on the ground and got on top of him. He said, “he got my face, he grabbed me in a headlock and he threw me to the ground and he got on top of me in the bathroom of the boy’s room. And he got, he went that like he was going to punch me, then he laughs and he was like, ‘Nah, I don’t even have to.”

However, to add salt to the injury, he didn’t hit Rogan, saying that he didn’t even have to, and went away laughing. Since that very day, Rogan decided to learn about self-defense and change his life for good. It was a humiliating experience for him.

Rogan describes a viral incident where self-defensive came in handy

Citing another example of the importance of self-defense, reminiscent of what happened with Rogan when he was young, he talked about the Renzo Gracie Subway incident. The podcaster described the subway incident to Dave Attell, who was a guest on his podcast. 

The pair saw the viral video, furthermore, upon watching it, Rogan said, “Like, out of all the people to f*** with… You f*** with Renzo Gracie…” pointing out “That’s such a huge mistake.” 

Rogan further added Gracie did not even hit the man. But instead, controlled him on the ground.

The podcaster also complimented the MMA artist to have delft with the situation very calmly instead of trying to hurt the aggressor. He just put him on the ground and asked him to apologize.

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While Rogan advocates learning the art of self-defense, he can also be seen practicing his moves. From punches to kicks. the UFC commentator makes sure to be at the top of his own game.