Joe Rogan and Eddie Bravo once sat down on the JRE podcast to discuss an unexpected name in the jiu-jitsu world: Jonah Hill. The podcast host and his longtime training partner were clearly impressed by the Hollywood actor’s commitment to the martial art, with Bravo noting that Hill had been training with renowned instructor Renato Magno.
“You know Jonah Hill is trained jiu-jitsu with Magno,” Bravo said during the conversation, referring to the actor’s dedication to the sport.
Rogan chimed in with observations about Hill’s physical transformation, commenting on how the actor had shed considerable weight. He said, “He got skinny and then he felt like his head was too big, he started gaining weight back.”
The discussion took an interesting turn when they talked about the physical changes that come with dramatic weight loss. Rogan pointed out a phenomenon that happens when someone loses a significant amount of body mass after weighing around 400 pounds (181 kg). “Your head gets big,” he explained, suggesting that Hill’s proportions had shifted as his body changed.
Their solution? Build back up, but with muscle and fitness in mind. “Make it besides your head,” Bravo suggested, encouraging a balanced approach to Hill’s physical development.
Rogan stated, “Good for him, man. If your head is bigger and body’s too skinny, you’re just gonna build your body up.”
Beyond the physical observations, both Rogan and Bravo expressed genuine admiration for Hill as a person and performer. “He’s a really nice guy,” Rogan said, recalling meeting the actor during an appearance at K-Rock radio station back when traditional radio was still a major promotional platform.
Hill has since spoken openly about starting his training in late 2018 at age 35, working under second-degree black belt Mikal Abdullah. He candidly shared that his initial reluctance stemmed from negative experiences during his high school years, but he pushed through those insecurities to embrace what he calls a “beautiful art form.”
For Hill, jiu-jitsu has become more than just physical exercise. The actor explained that the practice forces him into a state of presence that he finds difficult to achieve in daily life. “If you are not present, you will literally get [in trouble],” he remarked, highlighting how the demanding nature of training keeps his mind focused and engaged.
The actor has also been refreshingly honest about the unique challenges of being a celebrity on the mat. “I learned early on if I roll in a class, Everyone wants the story of I choked out Jonah Hill,” he said, acknowledging that his fame creates an unusual dynamic during training sessions. His approach to managing this has been characteristically self-aware, even choosing to wear a peach-colored gi to signal his relaxed attitude toward the whole experience.
Now living in San Diego with his wife and two young sons, Hill has reached a point where his identity extends far beyond the roles that made him famous. During a recent podcast appearance with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, he made it clear that jiu-jitsu has given him a confidence that resonates throughout his life.
“I love Brazilian jiu-jitsu,” Hill told the hosts. “Except my body is begging me to not love it. My wife is often like, ‘You’re not going to become like a professional figh ter. You know that, right? Like you’re a comedian.'”
When Bateman jokingly asked what would happen if they got into a hypothetical confrontation, Hill’s response was immediate and confident. “I would f**k you up,” he said. “I would f**k all three of you, right?”
But his most pointed comments were reserved for those who still see him only through the lens of his earlier comedic roles. “My favorite thing is people are like, ‘Oh, Jonah Hill, fat guy from Superbad.’ And I’m like, ‘I would f**king annihilate you, dude. I’m not kidding you. Every time. Try it. If you see me, try it, dude.'”
