Mickey Rourke is a well-known actor, famous for a number of movies including ‘The Wrestler.’
However, not many people know that he is also a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) under the tutelage of Scott Epstein. Epstein is a renowned BJJ practitioner who runs the 10th Planet gym in Beverly Hills, where Rourke has been training.
Rourke’s Transition to BJJ
Rourke has spoken highly of his transition to BJJ, saying that it is one of the best decisions he has ever made. He’s not only learning self-defense but also getting a fantastic fat-burning and muscle-building workout. Rourke has also mentioned that he finds BJJ to be more effective than going to the gym.
BJJ is a martial art that focuses on ground techniques and grappling, and it’s a great workout that challenges both the body and the mind. Rourke’s training routine consists of learning techniques, sparring with partners, and building his endurance.
“Training jiu-jitsu and MMA here in Beverly Hills at 10th Planet West La with Scott ‘Einstein’ Epstein is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Not only am I learning how to defend myself, but I am getting a great fat-burning and muscle-building workout too. It’s way better than going to the gym.”
Training with Rigan Machado
Being a celebrity living in Hollywood, Rourke has had the opportunity to train with several BJJ experts, including Rigan Machado. Machado is a BJJ coral belt and has trained numerous celebrities, including Ashton Kutcher and Vin Diesel.
Rourke has great respect for Machado, who he refers to as his “dear friend.” Despite admitting that he can’t roll well, Rourke appreciates the endurance he gains from standing up and pummeling with Machado. He describes BJJ as a magnificent sport, likening it to a chess game.
“Dear friend Rigan Machado. I can’t roll worth a s*** but when we stand up and pummel it helps my boxing because of the endurance. Rigan is a great teacher and a very good man. Respect to all jiu jitsu world! What a magnificent sport, it’s like a chess game”
The Importance of Boxing in Rourke’s Journey
Rourke’s love for boxing has been a significant part of his life. In the early 90s, he quit acting for a few years to pursue boxing as a career, and he retired with an impressive 27-3 record.
In his BJJ journey, Rourke has found that boxing has helped him in pummeling and improving his endurance. The footwork and movement in boxing translate well to BJJ, and it’s not uncommon to see BJJ practitioners with a background in boxing.
