If your only exposure to Joe Rogan is through The Joe Rogan Experience, UFC commentary, or his wild takes on elk meat and psychedelics—you’re only seeing half the story. Let’s rewind to a time when Rogan wasn’t the king of controversial hot takes but a teen spinning through the air with flawless roundhouse kicks.
Yes, Joe Rogan is a real thing. He’s not just a voice behind a mic; he was once a legitimate martial arts badass. So let’s take a deep dive into how taekwondo shaped Joe Rogan’s early life, and what he’s doing now that he’s a global media powerhouse.
Joe Rogan Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joseph James Rogan |
| Date of Birth | August 11, 1967 |
| Age | 57 years old |
| Place of Birth | Newark, New Jersey, USA |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 190 lbs (86 kg) |
| Profession | Comedian, Podcaster, UFC Commentator, Actor, Entrepreneur |
| Nationality | American |
| Spouse | Jessica Ditzel (married in 2009) |
| Children | Two daughters: Lola and Rosy; One stepdaughter: Kayja Rose (Jessica’s daughter from a previous relationship) |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated at $200 million |
| Major Income Sources | Spotify podcast deal, UFC commentary, stand-up comedy, Onnit (health supplement company), Comedy Mothership (comedy club) |
| Notable TV Shows | “Fear Factor” (host), “NewsRadio” (actor), “The Man Show” (co-host), “Joe Rogan Questions Everything” (host) |
| Notable Films | “Zookeeper” (2011), “Here Comes the Boom” (2012), “Venus & Vegas” (2010), “It’s a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie” (2002) |
| Podcast | “The Joe Rogan Experience” (exclusive on Spotify since January 2021) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @joerogan |
| Recent Personal Update | Announced in April 2025 that he has quit drinking alcohol for health reasons |
| Religious Affiliation | Reportedly attending church services in Austin, Texas, as of May 2025 |
Joe Rogan and Taekwondo: The High-Kicking Beginning
Before there were microphones and MMA fight nights, there were mats and medals. Joe Rogan started his martial arts journey with karate at the age of 14. But it was taekwondo that really captured his attention—and his legs.
By the time he turned 15, Joe had transitioned into taekwondo and went on to become:
- A black belt by 1
- A four-time Massachusetts state champion in full-contact taekwondo
- The 1987 U.S. Open Taekwondo Champion in the lightweight division
And get this—he didn’t stop at just winning in his weight class. Rogan went on to defeat the middleweight and heavyweight champions of the tournament to secure the Grand Championship title. How’s that for overachieving?
Fun Fact: Joe once said in interviews that he started martial arts mainly out of fear—he didn’t want to get beat up in high school. Taekwondo gave him the confidence to walk tall (and maybe flying side-kick a few bullies in his head, too).
Why Joe Rogan Quit Competitive Taekwondo
Credit: Instagram
After an incredible early career in taekwondo, Joe Rogan decided to hang up his competition gloves in his early 20s. Why? Frequent headaches and a concern for long-term injuries.
Despite being a taekwondo champion, Rogan understood that the toll on his body wasn’t worth the risk in the long run. Instead of doubling down on fighting, he pivoted to other passions: stand-up comedy, acting, hosting, and eventually becoming the martial arts encyclopedia we know today in UFC commentary.
He didn’t leave martial arts behind—he just reshaped how he engaged with them.
Joe Rogan’s Taekwondo Record: What You Need to Know
Joe Rogan’s martial arts journey is a testament to his passion and commitment to combat sports, with taekwondo playing a pivotal role in shaping his early career.
At just 19 years old, Rogan made a name for himself by winning the prestigious US Open Taekwondo Championship as a lightweight.
This victory highlighted his talent and potential in the sport. In addition to his success on the national stage, he also dominated at the Massachusetts State Championship, securing the title four consecutive years.
There’s some great kickboxing fights on ufcfightpass right now with @GLORY_WS from Belgium 🇧🇪 https://t.co/2DT0TB6X9Q
— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) March 25, 2017
Rogan’s competitive spirit didn’t end there; he participated in several other tournaments, including the US Cup, where he earned a second-place finish.
In one of his most memorable moments, he fought the national champion in the finals, a bout that Rogan believed he had won.
However, despite his accomplishments, Rogan’s career in competitive taekwondo was cut short. He retired from active competition at the age of 21 due to frequent headaches and injuries sustained during training, which prompted him to step away from the sport.
Rogan has spoken openly about a particularly impactful knockout in a championship tournament that made him rethink his future in combat sports.
Though his Taekwondo career was brief, Rogan’s achievements laid a strong foundation for his later ventures in other martial arts, including kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
His black belts in Jiu-Jitsu from Jean Jacques Machado and Eddie Bravo further solidified his status as a martial arts expert, but his early days in Taekwondo continue to be a key chapter in his martial arts journey.
Joe Rogan’s Awards and Honors
| Award/Honor | Year | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Teen Choice Award | 2003 | Choice TV Reality/Variety Host for Fear Factor |
| World MMA Awards | 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019–2020 | MMA Personality of the Year |
| Wrestling Observer Newsletter | 2010, 2011 | Best Television Announcer |
The Joe Rogan Experience (Powered by Taekwondo Discipline?)
Fast forward to today: Joe Rogan is arguably the most influential podcaster in the world. His podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, has featured everyone from Elon Musk to neuroscientists, comedians, MMA legends, and conspiracy theorists.
But here’s the thing—Rogan’s taekwondo background still bleeds into everything he does.
Discipline, focus, and an obsessive desire to improve—all hallmarks of martial arts—are traits he brings to his show, training, and daily routine. And yes, he’s still training like a beast.
Joe Rogan’s Martial Arts Lifestyle Today
Just because he’s not competing doesn’t mean Joe isn’t still kicking—literally.
Here’s what Joe Rogan looks like in the modern day:
- He still regularly trains striking techniques, including taekwondo kicks.
- He holds a black belt in Taekwondo and two black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (under Jean Jacques Machado and Eddie Bravo).
- His workouts are intense. Think heavy bag kicking, TRT-enhanced lifting sessions, and sauna + ice bath recovery routines.
- He often shares clips of his kicks online—flexing that 50-something-year-old power like it’s nothing.
⚠️ Warning: Watching a Joe Rogan spinning back kick may result in spontaneous gym sign-ups.
Joe Rogan Taekwondo: Influence on UFC Commentary
Credit: Instagram
It’s no coincidence that Joe Rogan is one of the most respected voices in MMA. His martial arts background—especially in taekwondo—gives him a unique ability to:
- Break down striking techniques with technical accuracy
- Spot effective kicks and combos before they even land
- Appreciate footwork and angles most casual fans miss
He often mentions that taekwondo gave him his eye for movement. Even when fighters use techniques outside of traditional taekwondo, his foundation helps him explain their mechanics with the precision of a coach and the excitement of a fanboy.
Mental Benefits: How Taekwondo Shaped Joe’s Mindset
The Joe Rogan taekwondo journey isn’t just about physical kicks—it’s also about mental grit.
Here are some taekwondo-influenced mindsets Rogan lives by:
- Self-reliance – Rogan’s always preaching personal responsibility and growth.
- Discipline – From his cold plunges to podcast routines, the man doesn’t flinch.
- Respect and humility – Martial arts taught him to stay grounded, no matter the fame.
- Curiosity – A martial artist’s mind is always learning, and Joe channels that through his interviews.
So What Is Joe Rogan Doing Now?
Aside from his podcast (which signed a $100+ million Spotify deal), Joe Rogan is keeping busy with:
- UFC commentary – Still ringside, still fired up, still dropping expert analysis.
- Fitness routines – Training in martial arts, lifting, kettlebells, and cardio.
- Hunting trips and survival prep – Yep, the man loves a good elk meat tale.
- Public debates – Love him or hate him, Rogan dives headfirst into hot-button issues.
- Family life – Joe lives in Austin, Texas with his wife and daughters, trying to balance alpha energy with domestic bliss.
And yes, he’s still throwing taekwondo kicks like a dude half his age.
5 Reasons Joe Rogan Taekwondo Still Matters Today
- Inspires youth – Not every podcaster can also teach you how to throw a spinning hook kick.
- Adds credibility – His martial arts knowledge makes him a trusted voice in UFC commentary.
- Defines discipline – Joe often credits martial arts as a key to his success.
- Connects old-school martial arts to modern MMA – Taekwondo isn’t dead—it’s evolving.
- Represents martial artists outside the cage – Joe shows that martial arts can be for everyone, not just pro fighters.
Joe Rogan Taekwondo: More Than Kicks—It’s the Core of Who He Is
From flashy taekwondo kicks in the 80s to becoming a household name in the podcasting and MMA world, Joe Rogan’s story is proof that martial arts is more than a sport—it’s a way of life. The Joe Rogan taekwondo journey laid the foundation for the confident, driven, and sometimes polarizing figure we see today.
So whether he’s landing a podcast deal, a BJJ submission, or a taekwondo spinning back kick, one thing’s clear:
Joe Rogan kicks hard—on the mat and in life.
