Joe Rogan, known for his insightful commentary and experience with top fighters, recently shared a story about a deeply impactful moment from his youth: a humiliating encounter with a high school bully.
While Rogan is rarely intimidated in the present day, especially after years around formidable figures like Yoel Romero, he revealed a past experience that truly terrified him.
The High School Locker Room Incident
Despite his current respect within the martial arts community, earned through taekwondo and kickboxing achievements, Rogan`s journey into combat sports was partly fueled by a desire to defend himself against a schoolmate.
On his podcast, “The Joe Rogan Experience,” he described a humiliating incident at age 14. In a locker room confrontation, before he had any martial arts training, a larger kid overpowered him. Rogan recounted being grabbed in a headlock, thrown to the ground, and faced with the threat of a punch. However, the bully, seemingly dismissive of Rogan, simply let him go.
This experience deeply affected Rogan. He admitted to actively avoiding the bully afterwards, highlighting the fear he felt at the time.
Facing a Threat on the Street
This encounter with bullying became a turning point for Rogan, driving him to learn self-defense and build confidence. This newfound ability to protect himself proved valuable later in life.
Rogan also shared a separate incident where he faced a group of street thugs who threatened to rob him. Drawing upon the skills and confidence he developed, he was able to navigate the situation.
Benedict Kingsley 
Rupert Hartwell