JRE #1692 – Jason Wilson

This podcast features a conversation between Joe Rogan and Jason Wilson, a martial artist, founder, and head instructor of the Cave of Adullam Transformational Training Academy. Wilson discusses his new book “Battle Cry: Waging and Winning the War Within” and the importance of comprehensive manhood, emphasizing the need for men to embrace emotional vulnerability, overcome societal pressures, and learn to face their fears. The podcast explores the transformative power of martial arts and its application to everyday life.

1. The Transformative Power of Martial Arts:

• Wilson argues that martial arts, especially grappling arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, provide a unique space for men to confront their fears, develop emotional resilience, and gain confidence.
• He highlights the constant exposure to failure in grappling, which helps men learn to process setbacks and build mental toughness.
• Wilson emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space where men can express their emotions openly and learn to navigate through difficult experiences.
• He believes that martial arts, when taught correctly, can equip men with the tools to become better leaders, husbands, and overall individuals.

2. Overcoming the Fear of Dominance:

• Wilson discusses his personal experience with a fear of dominance, stemming from a traumatic incident where he unintentionally injured his cousin.
• He shares how his instructors helped him recognize and overcome this fear, emphasizing the importance of embracing strength and assertiveness without resorting to aggression.
• Wilson highlights the societal pressure on large men to shrink back and avoid confrontation, leading them to become passive rather than assertive.
• He encourages men to embrace their natural strength and use it responsibly to stand up for themselves and others.

3. The Importance of Comprehensive Manhood:

• Wilson rejects the notion of masculinity as a limiting factor, advocating for a comprehensive understanding of manhood that embraces both strength and sensitivity.
• He shares how his personal journey, including caring for his mother with dementia, led him to embrace a more nurturing and compassionate side of himself.
• Wilson believes that society needs men to be both protectors and nurturers, showing that love and strength are not mutually exclusive.
• He challenges the societal norms that often pressure men to suppress their emotions, leading to mental health struggles and harmful behaviors.

4. The Cave of Adullam and its Mission:

• Wilson describes his non-profit organization, the Cave of Adullam, which provides a safe and supportive environment for young boys to develop into well-rounded men.
• The program incorporates martial arts training with emotional support, trauma release techniques, and life skills development.
• He highlights the program’s success in improving academic performance, building confidence, and empowering boys to face their challenges.
• Wilson’s goal is to create a space where boys feel empowered to be their authentic selves and learn to navigate through life’s complexities with resilience.

5. The Power of Vulnerability and Transparency:

• Wilson emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and transparency, both in personal life and in his work.
• He shares his own struggles with anger, anxiety, and grief, demonstrating that even strong men face challenges and need to process their emotions.
• Wilson believes that by sharing his own journey, he can inspire others to embrace vulnerability and seek help when needed.
• He emphasizes the power of authenticity in building connections and fostering a supportive community.

6. The Value of Mindfulness and Meditation:

• Wilson shares his practice of mindfulness and meditation, which he uses to manage stress, release negative emotions, and cultivate self-awareness.
• He emphasizes the importance of incorporating these practices into everyday life, even in stressful situations, to maintain emotional balance and clarity.
• Wilson describes techniques for releasing trauma and negative thought patterns through breathing exercises and spiritual practices.
• He believes that mindfulness can empower men to respond to challenges in a calm and controlled manner rather than reacting impulsively.

7. The Importance of Rest and Recuperation:

• Wilson recognizes the importance of rest and recuperation, both for physical and mental well-being.
• He acknowledges the societal pressure on men to always be productive and the detrimental effects of neglecting rest.
• Wilson advocates for taking breaks, prioritizing sleep, and engaging in activities that promote relaxation and stress relief, such as floating, meditation, and music.
• He encourages men to challenge the notion that rest is a sign of weakness and embrace the restorative power of taking time for themselves.

8. Addressing the Stigma of Mental Health:

• Wilson sheds light on the mental health struggles faced by men and the societal pressure to suppress emotions.
• He advocates for seeking professional help when needed and challenging the stigma surrounding mental health.
• Wilson shares personal stories of men who have benefited from therapy and support groups, demonstrating that seeking help is a sign of strength.
• He emphasizes the need for a cultural shift that encourages men to prioritize their mental health and support each other.

9. The Importance of Positive Role Models:

• Wilson recognizes the importance of positive role models in shaping young men’s lives.
• He believes that his work with boys and men provides a positive example of comprehensive manhood and encourages others to embrace vulnerability and authenticity.
• Wilson emphasizes the power of sharing stories, both successes and struggles, to inspire others and demonstrate that it’s okay to be human.
• He highlights the need for more positive and relatable role models for men in society.

10. The Impact of Social Media and the Need for Authenticity:

• Wilson acknowledges the challenges of social media, particularly the emphasis on superficiality and negativity.
• He believes that his videos and content resonate with viewers because they offer a genuine and positive message, emphasizing growth, vulnerability, and community.
• Wilson encourages others to be authentic online and share their true selves, both the good and the bad, to create a more supportive and genuine online environment.
• He advocates for using social media to spread messages of hope, empathy, and connection rather than negativity and self-promotion.

11. The Importance of Understanding and Supporting Autistic Individuals:

• Wilson shares his experience working with an autistic boy, highlighting the need for patience, understanding, and empathy.
• He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and validating the unique perspectives and challenges faced by autistic individuals.
• Wilson encourages others to approach autistic individuals with compassion and seek ways to support them in navigating their world.
• He shares how his interaction with the autistic boy fostered a deeper understanding and respect for neurodiversity.

12. The Importance of Balanced Parenting:

• Wilson discusses his own evolution as a parent, recognizing the importance of balancing discipline with love and understanding.
• He emphasizes the need to prioritize the emotional well-being of children and avoid harsh or dismissive parenting styles.
• Wilson encourages parents to be honest with their children about their emotions, acknowledge mistakes, and provide unwavering support.
• He believes that nurturing and loving relationships with parents are essential for children’s emotional development and overall well-being.

13. The Importance of Physical Health and Injury Prevention:

• Wilson shares his own experience with knee injuries, emphasizing the importance of physical health and injury prevention.
• He highlights the benefits of specific exercises and techniques for strengthening and stabilizing the knees.
• Wilson encourages listeners to prioritize their physical health, listen to their bodies, and seek professional guidance when needed.
• He emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation for physical activity to avoid injuries and maintain long-term health.

14. The Importance of Self-Care and Avoiding Burnout:

• Wilson discusses the challenges of compassion fatigue and the importance of prioritizing self-care.
• He acknowledges the emotional toll of his work with boys and men and shares strategies for managing stress and preventing burnout.
• Wilson encourages listeners to engage in activities that bring them joy and relaxation, recognizing that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity.
• He emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and finding ways to recharge to maintain long-term well-being.

15. The Value of Open Communication and Honesty in Relationships:

• Wilson shares his personal struggles with communication in his marriage, highlighting the importance of open dialogue and honesty in relationships.
• He describes a therapy session where he had to confront his own anger and learn to process his emotions more effectively.
• Wilson emphasizes the need to understand and validate each other’s feelings, even when disagreements arise, to foster healthy and fulfilling relationships.
• He encourages couples to seek professional help when needed and prioritize communication and understanding.

16. The Impact of Trauma and the Need for Healing:

• Wilson discusses the lasting impact of trauma and the need for healing.
• He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the root causes of emotional distress.
• Wilson encourages listeners to seek support and guidance from therapists or support groups, acknowledging that healing is an ongoing process.
• He believes that healing from trauma is possible and essential for living a fulfilling life.

17. The Power of Story and Personal Testimony:

• Wilson discusses the power of sharing personal stories and the impact of vulnerability in connecting with others.
• He emphasizes the importance of his own story in reaching out to men and sharing tools for personal growth.
• Wilson believes that by sharing his journey, he can inspire others to confront their own challenges and find healing.
• He encourages others to share their stories to create a community of support and understanding.

18. The Importance of Purpose and Finding Your Calling:

• Wilson describes his journey of discovering his purpose and the challenges of embracing his calling.
• He acknowledges the sacrifices and demands of his work, but ultimately finds meaning and fulfillment in helping others.
• Wilson encourages listeners to explore their passions and seek ways to contribute to the world, recognizing that purpose can be found in unexpected places.
• He emphasizes the importance of aligning your actions with your values and finding joy in making a difference.

19. The Power of Empathy and Connection:

• Wilson stresses the importance of empathy and compassion in connecting with others, particularly in difficult situations.
• He shares how his empathy and understanding have helped him to support those facing challenges, including autistic individuals and men struggling with emotional distress.
• Wilson encourages listeners to practice empathy and seek to understand the perspectives of those around them, even when they differ from their own.
• He believes that building genuine connections based on empathy and understanding can foster a more compassionate and supportive world.

20. The Importance of Embracing Your Authentic Self:

• Wilson emphasizes the importance of embracing your authentic self, regardless of societal expectations.
• He encourages listeners to shed the pressure of fitting into pre-defined roles and live in accordance with their values and desires.
• Wilson believes that true fulfillment comes from living authentically and expressing your true self, even when it’s challenging.
• He advocates for a world where everyone feels accepted and celebrated for who they truly are.

5 Memorable Quotes:

• “The arts is just amazing if it’s taught in a way that man could apply it to life.” – Wilson highlights the transformative potential of martial arts when taught with a focus on personal growth and emotional development.
• “So many good men shrink back and become passive and jujitsu makes you say, you gotta you have to face this. You have to be strong.” – Wilson underscores the importance of confronting fears and challenges head-on, emphasizing that strength comes from facing adversity rather than avoiding it.
• “We’re not talk to really reason or reconcile, you disrespect me. You gotta pay for that.” – Wilson captures the raw anger and frustration that can result from feeling disrespected, highlighting the need for men to learn healthier ways to deal with those emotions.
• “So often the big men learn to be passed because they’re always told, especially in martial arts, whether they say in the traditional ones, don’t use strength — use technique and all this other stuff. but you just who let you know strength at the right time is a very powerful tool.” – Wilson challenges the traditional emphasis on technique over strength in some martial arts, arguing that strength can be a powerful tool when used responsibly.
• “I never chased anything, man. We got a a documentary coming out on my life. I signed with Lawrence Fishburns film company. when the video went viral, producing a Roy Bank reached out. It was like, man, this the world needs to see this. I don’t want all that attention, man. You know, it’s gonna be on one of the major platforms early next year. I don’t want that.” – Wilson reveals his humble and genuine nature, expressing his reluctance to seek fame and attention despite the impact of his work.