UFC commentator Joe Rogan once stood behind the famous martial artist Steven Seagal. He shunned the skepticism of the effectiveness of Aikido. Rogan, who is well-versed in multiple forms of martial arts, regarded the legitimacy of Seagal’s expertise. Seagal had started his career as an instructor in Japan, and gained prominence as an action star on the silver screen in the late 1980s and 1990s. Since then, his popularity skyrocketed, and he eventually taught the intricacies of Aikido to the Serbian Special Forces and, most recently, he was tasked with inculcating those skills to the Russian army.
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Despite these developments, the effectiveness of Aikido as a defensive martial art had few doubters. But, the 55-year-old podcaster clarified these apprehensions and contended the Japanese martial art had its applications. In addition, he maintained Seagal was “100% legit.”
Joe Rogan rallied his support for Seagal’s Aikido prowess
The standup comic sat down with Aljamain Sterling at JRE The MMA Show #70. The host, in one segment, maintained how Seagal, despite his “silly look” had a legitimate history. Rogan then pointed out Seagal was the first American to teach at a dojo in Japan. While Aikido didn’t seamlessly fit into MMA, when clubbed with other techniques, it worked wonders just like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
The UFC personnel said, “He is a 100% legit and Aikido is not the best martial art for self-defense. It’s just not. But it has its applications and in its applications, he’s a master at it… If you know all the other stuff, this motherf**ker has some real sh*t. You would have to be so good at all the other stuff that you could utilize this,” he added later.
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 11: Joe Rogan is seen on stage during the UFC 281 ceremonial weigh-in at Radio City Music Hall on November 11, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC)
The comedian also urged the techniques exhibited by Seagal, such as knife defense, were all 100% legit. He then heaped praise on Seagal for his exceptional skills in Aikido. Rogan stated, “He’s good, man. I mean, not good, he is outstanding. His Aikido is outstanding.”
Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba, and expanded as an amalgam of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. He wanted to create a martial art that practitioners could employ as a defensive technique. Also, it aims to protect the attackers from injuries.
What do you think of these statements by UFC commentator Joe Rogan? Do you believe Aikido has the potential to be harnessed and applied in MMA? Let us know in the comments below.
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