Joe Rogan the popular podcast host and longtime Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner made a surprising revelation during a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience MMA Show. When asked by guest Matt Serra about visiting random jiu-jitsu schools Rogan admitted he hasn’t been able to train at all over the past year.
“I haven’t rolled at all in a year. I’ve had a reoccurring knee issue and a reoccurring lower back issue that I’m trying to get right before I do anything stupid again.”
The 57-year-old comedian and UFC commentator has been a passionate advocate for jiu-jitsu for decades often crediting the martial art as a transformative force in his life. His absence from the mats represents a significant departure from his regular training routine highlighting the physical toll that years of intense practice can take on the body.
Rogan’s injuries aren’t uncommon among longtime jiu-jitsu practitioners. During the discussion Serra noted how the sport particularly affects men in their 40s and 50s stating
“What sport benefits more from like guys in their 40s and 50s like peptides and stem cells? It’s jiu-jitsu brings a lot of patients because everybody’s hurt.”
The podcast host acknowledged the reality that many grapplers face as they age:
“Everybody’s hurt. Like regular 40-year-old dudes aren’t hurt all the time. You know what I mean? They usually work. They go into an office… 40-year-old guys, everybody’s knees are f***ed up. Everybody’s f***ed up.”
Despite being sidelined from training Rogan remains optimistic about his recovery. He mentioned seeking treatment at Bio Accelerator a stem cell therapy clinic that has helped numerous UFC grapplers and athletes.
“I’m able to throw my right hand again, which I used to wave like f***ing this. And now I’m just I’m so happy I’m able to do it again.”
Rogan’s situation underscores a broader challenge within the jiu-jitsu community where dedicated practitioners often struggle with the accumulated wear and tear from years of training. The sport’s demanding physical nature combined with the competitive drive of many participants frequently leads to injuries that require extended recovery periods.
While fans await Rogan’s return to the mats his openness about his physical struggles serves as a reminder of the importance of injury prevention and proper recovery in martial arts training. His commitment to healing properly before returning demonstrates the wisdom that comes with experience in combat sports.
