JRE #607 – Joe Schilling

by

2/3/2015






Joe Rogan Podcast #607 – Joe Schilling

Joe Rogan Podcast #607 – Joe Schilling

This podcast dives into the world of kickboxing with Joe Schilling, a renowned Muay Thai fighter, as he talks about the intense physical and mental preparation needed to compete at the highest level. The conversation covers a range of topics, from weight cutting strategies and the science behind recovery methods to the controversial aspects of striking sports and the unique personalities within the fighting community. Underlying themes explore the pressures of professional fighting, the importance of mental fortitude, and the ever-evolving landscape of combat sports.

1. The Science and Risks of Weight Cutting:

  • Joe Schilling details his rigorous water-cutting strategy using distilled water, revealing the extreme measures fighters take to make weight for competition.
  • The podcast highlights the potential health risks associated with rapid weight loss and dehydration, particularly for striking sports where brain damage is a concern.
  • The discussion explores the “point of diminishing returns” where weight cutting can negatively impact performance, leading to dangerous situations and career-damaging decisions.
  • The podcast examines contrasting approaches to weight cutting, from athletes who minimize the process to those who engage in extreme, potentially harmful methods.

2. The Impact of Gloves and Padding in Striking Sports:

  • Joe Schilling advocates for bare-knuckle fighting in MMA, arguing it would create a more realistic and potentially safer environment, forcing fighters to be more judicious with their punches.
  • The podcast explores the protective role of gloves and padding, highlighting the trade-offs between safety for fighters and the impact on the brutality and realism of the sport.
  • The discussion delves into the historical evolution of gloves and padding in combat sports, emphasizing the evolving safety concerns and the desire to protect athletes while preserving the spectacle.
  • The podcast touches upon the argument that less padding could lead to fewer head strikes, potentially reducing the risk of long-term brain damage, a significant concern in striking sports.

3. The Mental Game in Combat Sports:

  • Joe Schilling emphasizes the importance of mental preparation, highlighting the pressures of fighting and the need to be mentally strong under pressure.
  • The podcast explores the role of mind coaches, specifically hypnotism, in helping fighters manage stress, enhance focus, and overcome mental barriers that can hinder performance.
  • The discussion delves into the impact of negative self-talk and the importance of positive self-affirmations in building confidence and achieving peak performance.
  • The podcast touches upon the mental toll of facing tough opponents, the pressure of public scrutiny, and the emotional burden of carrying the weight of expectations.

4. The Enigma of Nick Diaz:

  • Joe Schilling provides insights into Nick Diaz’s personality, describing him as an enigma with a complex, calculated approach to fighting.
  • The podcast explores Diaz’s unique fighting style, characterized by trash-talking, unconventional strategies, and remarkable resilience, often confusing and frustrating opponents.
  • The discussion touches upon Diaz’s unorthodox lifestyle, including a strict organic diet and intense training regimen, contrasting with his public image as a rebellious, hard-partying fighter.
  • The podcast highlights Diaz’s mental fortitude, his ability to withstand pressure and overcome adversity, and his consistent ability to deliver exciting and unpredictable performances.

5. The Controversy Surrounding Knee Strikes:

  • Joe Schilling expresses concern over the intentional targeting of knees in kickboxing, highlighting the potential for devastating injuries and career-ending consequences.
  • The podcast discusses the debate over the legality of knee strikes, raising ethical questions about the intent to inflict serious harm versus the pursuit of victory.
  • The discussion examines the severity of knee injuries, the long recovery periods, and the potential for permanent damage to an athlete’s ability to compete.
  • The podcast highlights the emotional impact of knee injuries, the fear of re-injury, and the frustration for fighters who have experienced the devastating effects of these strikes firsthand.

6. The Evolution of Combat Sports Training:

  • Joe Schilling discusses the evolving training methods in MMA, highlighting the shift from the early days of “slug it out” approaches to more scientific and specialized regimens.
  • The podcast explores the emergence of elite MMA training facilities, like AKA and American Top Team, which have developed structured programs that prioritize skill development, recovery, and physical conditioning.
  • The discussion emphasizes the complexities of MMA training, with athletes needing to master a wide range of skills, including striking, grappling, and conditioning, demanding a comprehensive and strategically balanced approach.
  • The podcast touches upon the challenges of finding suitable training partners, especially for larger weight classes, where finding skilled and equally sized opponents can be difficult.

7. The Rise and Fall of Ed Hardy:

  • Joe Schilling offers a humorous perspective on the rise and fall of Ed Hardy, comparing the brand to “Von Dutch for people with head injuries.”
  • The podcast explores the overexposure and over-commercialization of the brand, leading to its eventual decline, a pattern often seen in fashion trends.
  • The discussion delves into the evolution of Ed Hardy’s aesthetic, from the initial appeal of Americana-inspired tattoos to the over-the-top bedazzled designs that eventually alienated its audience.
  • The podcast touches upon the cyclical nature of fashion trends, highlighting how brands can rise and fall based on their ability to stay fresh, innovative, and resonate with a changing consumer market.

8. The Glory Days of Kickboxing in Japan:

  • Joe Schilling reflects on the golden era of kickboxing in Japan, particularly K-1, where the sport thrived with huge crowds, spectacular events, and a high level of competition.
  • The podcast highlights the unique aspects of K-1, including the massive stages, the pageantry, and the intensely competitive bouts, creating a truly captivating experience for fans.
  • The discussion explores the influence of K-1 on the evolution of kickboxing, shaping the rules and the style of fighting that are still prevalent today.
  • The podcast emphasizes the legacy of K-1, its impact on the sport’s global popularity, and its enduring influence on kickboxing promotions and events worldwide.

9. The Future of Kickboxing:

  • Joe Schilling expresses optimism about the future of kickboxing, particularly with the growth of Glory and the high level of competition currently available.
  • The podcast highlights the need for effective promotion and marketing to reach a wider audience and establish kickboxing as a mainstream sport, similar to the success of MMA.
  • The discussion explores the unique qualities of kickboxing, emphasizing its technical prowess, its striking power, and the exciting nature of its bouts, appealing to fans who appreciate high-skill, high-action combat.
  • The podcast touches upon the importance of developing American stars and personalities to further build the sport’s popularity within the United States.

10. The Controversy Surrounding Prostitution:

  • Joe Schilling expresses his personal views on prostitution, challenging the puritanical view of sex and advocating for a more open and accepting approach to adult choices.
  • The podcast explores the hypocrisy surrounding prostitution, highlighting the double standards and the moral judgment often directed towards individuals involved in the sex industry.
  • The discussion touches upon the broader social and legal issues surrounding prostitution, including the potential for exploitation, the need for safe practices, and the debate over decriminalization.
  • The podcast emphasizes the importance of personal autonomy and the right for individuals to make informed decisions about their bodies and their sexual expression.

11. The Importance of Cryotherapy:

  • Joe Schilling discusses his experience with cryotherapy, detailing the benefits of extreme cold therapy for recovery, reducing inflammation, and enhancing energy levels.
  • The podcast explores the science behind cryotherapy, highlighting the physiological response of the body to extreme cold, leading to increased blood flow, reduced inflammation, and enhanced tissue repair.
  • The discussion examines the growing popularity of cryotherapy among athletes, particularly in sports that involve high-impact and repetitive movements, leading to faster recovery and reduced risk of injury.
  • The podcast touches upon the accessibility of cryotherapy, noting the emergence of cryotherapy centers in various locations, making this advanced recovery method more readily available to athletes and individuals seeking its benefits.

12. The Impact of The “Can’t Stop Crazy” Movement:

  • Joe Schilling shares the origin story of his motto, “Can’t Stop Crazy,” explaining its connection to his aggressive fighting style and his desire to stand out in a crowded combat sports landscape.
  • The podcast explores the evolution of the “Can’t Stop Crazy” movement, highlighting its community-driven approach to self-promotion, media creation, and branding, independent of traditional media outlets.
  • The discussion delves into the unique identity of the “Can’t Stop Crazy” movement, emphasizing its connection to a group of high-level kickboxers who defied the norm and created their own brand, reaching a dedicated fan base.
  • The podcast touches upon the impact of social media in fostering fan engagement, promoting fighters, and building movements like “Can’t Stop Crazy,” shaping the dynamics of combat sports promotion.

13. The Importance of Strong Training Partners:

  • Joe Schilling emphasizes the importance of having strong training partners, particularly in MMA, where skill development requires sparring with diverse styles and abilities.
  • The podcast highlights the value of pushing each other to improve, simulating the competitive environment of actual fights, and providing valuable feedback and insights.
  • The discussion explores the role of training partners in helping fighters overcome mental barriers, build confidence, and develop strategies for handling different opponents.
  • The podcast touches upon the benefits of having training partners who push you beyond your comfort zone, challenging your weaknesses and forcing you to elevate your performance.

14. The Unique Challenges of Combating Sports:

  • Joe Schilling highlights the unique challenges of combat sports, including the physical and mental demands, the pressure of competition, and the potential for devastating injuries.
  • The podcast explores the importance of having a strong support system, including coaches, trainers, and loved ones, to help navigate the complexities and uncertainties of a fighting career.
  • The discussion touches upon the importance of mental resilience, the ability to bounce back from setbacks and defeats, and the commitment required to stay motivated and dedicated to the pursuit of excellence.
  • The podcast emphasizes the inherent risk involved in fighting, the need to balance ambition with safety, and the constant need to adapt and evolve to remain competitive.

15. The Future of Bellator MMA:

  • Joe Schilling expresses his opinion on Bellator MMA, acknowledging its strengths but suggesting a name change to “Spike TV MMA” for greater clarity and brand recognition.
  • The podcast explores the potential for Bellator to become a dominant force in MMA, particularly with the revitalized focus on combat sports at Spike TV.
  • The discussion delves into the branding and marketing of MMA promotions, emphasizing the importance of a strong identity, clear messaging, and a commitment to showcasing top-level talent.
  • The podcast touches upon the competitive landscape of MMA, highlighting the need for Bellator to establish a distinct identity and a consistent stream of high-quality fights to attract and retain a loyal fan base.

Memorable Quotes:

  • “I’ve thought about that for a long time. Like, goddamn dude, probably would have more of an edge. But, like, you might be the saddest motherfucker ever if you quit cigarettes.” – Joe Schilling on the potential benefits of quitting smoking but acknowledging the potential emotional impact.
  • “You’re gonna fight this guy, and they tag me in it. Like, every I checked Facebook or Instagram or Twitter, it was, like, people reminding me that I’m fighting, you know, this guy, and it was just, like, knockout, knockout, knockout. You know? He’s got the highlight reel of death.” – Joe Schilling on the pressure and expectations surrounding his fight with Melvin Manhoef.
  • “That was funny when I knocked out, Moe, and I felt the walk away, like, I needed to do the I knew he was out. but my coaches my coach and my manager were very adamant that that the night of the fight and then, like, the week of it, like, This isn’t this isn’t kickboxing. There isn’t gonna be an a count. If you drop him, make sure you go over him and finish him, you know, like you need to finish right away.” – Joe Schilling on the importance of finishing a fight once an opponent is down in MMA.
  • “You don’t know how beautiful it is to be able to walk down the street and not freeze your dick about until you’re inside one of those booze.” – Joe Schilling humorously describing the benefits of cryotherapy.
  • “It’s like something happened along the way where we it became acceptable for cars to just fuck up. Yes. Just be a piece of shit.” – Joe Schilling reflecting on the declining quality of American-made cars compared to their Japanese counterparts.


 

Leave a Comment