JRE #749 – Carlos Condit & Erwan Le Corre

This Joe Rogan podcast features a fascinating discussion on the evolution of MMA training, highlighting the rise of movement specialists like Erwan Le Corre and their impact on fighters like Carlos Condit. Provocative topics include the limitations of traditional martial arts training, the benefits of barefoot movement and foot strength, the role of flexibility and mobility, and the potential future of athletic performance with gene doping and other emerging technologies.

Underlying themes explore the importance of adaptability and mindfulness in movement, the delicate balance between intensity and precision, the art of combat sports, and the ongoing debate about ethical boundaries in athletic competition.

Major Topics

1. Erwan Le Corre’s MovNat Training Philosophy

   1. MovNat focuses on training the brain through mindful movement, enhancing adaptability and efficiency.
   2. It emphasizes natural movements like jumping, running, crawling, lifting, carrying, throwing, and catching, promoting a holistic approach to fitness.
   3. Le Corre argues that traditional exercise routines are often too repetitive and narrow, limiting the body’s true potential.
   4. MovNat is scalable and progressive, adaptable to all individuals, regardless of age, fitness level, or athletic background.

2. The Impact of MovNat on MMA Training

   1. Condit’s collaboration with Le Corre focused on improving his stance, mobility, and foot strength, leading to increased speed and power.
   2. The training involved balancing drills, barefoot movement, and precise, neurologically demanding exercises, challenging Condit’s neuromuscular system.
   3. Condit’s experience illustrates how MovNat can enhance combat sports performance by improving agility, responsiveness, and situational awareness.
   4. Le Corre’s approach is highly customized and tailored to the specific needs and deficiencies of each athlete.

3. The Importance of Foot Strength in MMA

   1. Le Corre emphasizes the crucial role of foot strength in MMA, highlighting the feet as a key point of contact and information gathering for the brain.
   2. Barefoot training helps to strengthen and sensitize the feet, enhancing balance, stability, and responsiveness to the environment.
   3. Modern society’s reliance on shoes and flat, predictable surfaces has led to a decline in foot strength, affecting athletic performance.
   4. The benefits of foot strength extend beyond just balance, contributing to overall athleticism and reducing the risk of injuries.

4. The Future of Athletic Performance: Gene Doping and Technology

   1. The podcast explores the potential impact of gene doping and other emerging technologies on future athletic performance, raising concerns about the ethics of genetic modification.
   2. Le Corre envisions a dystopian future where reliance on technology could lead to a decline in natural human abilities and potential for control by a select few.
   3. Rogan and Condit discuss the rapid advancements in science and medicine, highlighting the potential for both positive and negative implications.
   4. The conversation highlights the importance of ethical considerations in scientific advancements, ensuring that technology is used for the benefit of all humanity.

5. Weight Cutting in MMA

   1. Condit and Rogan express strong concerns about the practice of weight cutting in MMA, emphasizing the potential for health risks and long-term damage.
   2. They highlight the extreme dehydration involved in weight cutting, particularly the detrimental effects on brain function and potential for organ damage.
   3. The podcast discusses recent efforts by athletic commissions and organizations like the UFC to regulate weight cutting and ensure fighter safety.
   4. Condit and Rogan agree that eliminating weight cutting altogether would be the ideal solution, allowing fighters to compete at their natural weight and promote overall health.

6. Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) in MMA

   1. Rogan and Condit discuss the ongoing fight against PEDs in MMA, acknowledging the sophisticated methods used by athletes to evade detection.
   2. They praise the efforts of UFC’s Jeff Novitsky and the organization’s anti-doping program for its success in catching high-profile athletes using PEDs.
   3. The conversation touches on the potential for future technological advancements to make PED use virtually undetectable.
   4. The podcast reinforces the importance of maintaining a level playing field in combat sports, ensuring fairness and safety for all athletes.

7. The Art of MMA

   1. Condit and Rogan highlight the artistic nature of MMA, emphasizing the beauty and creativity involved in combat sports.
   2. They discuss the intricacies of technique, strategy, and improvisation in MMA, acknowledging the skill and athleticism required to compete at a high level.
   3. The conversation underscores the importance of mental preparation and emotional control in MMA, recognizing the mental fortitude required to overcome challenging situations.
   4. The podcast emphasizes that MMA is more than just violence; it’s a complex and multifaceted sport that demands a high level of skill, discipline, and mental toughness.

8. The Importance of Diet in MMA

   1. Condit discusses his dietary approach to MMA training, emphasizing the importance of nutrient-dense foods and structured meal timing.
   2. He describes his experience working with Mike Dolce, who helped him optimize his diet for performance and weight management.
   3. Condit highlights the benefits of consuming wild game, emphasizing its nutrient density and positive impact on athletic performance.
   4. The podcast reinforces the importance of diet as a critical component of MMA training, influencing energy levels, recovery, and overall health.

9. The Evolution of MMA Training: From Traditional Martial Arts to Modern Innovations

   1. The podcast explores the evolution of MMA training, highlighting the transition from traditional martial arts to more holistic and innovative approaches.
   2. Condit’s experience in Albuquerque, a hotbed for MMA training, showcases the dynamic and collaborative nature of the sport’s development.
   3. The conversation delves into the contributions of various individuals and training methods, including the legacy of Greg Jackson’s gym, the influence of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and the rise of movement specialists.
   4. The podcast illustrates how MMA training continues to evolve, incorporating new techniques, strategies, and scientific advancements to enhance athletic performance.

10. The Mental Game in MMA

    1. Condit and Rogan discuss the critical role of mental preparation and emotional control in MMA, acknowledging the challenges of handling pressure and anxiety.
    2. They explore the importance of visualization, mental coaching, and the ability to stay focused and calm under intense pressure.
    3. Condit highlights the different approaches fighters take to dealing with mental stress, emphasizing the importance of finding what works best for individual athletes.
    4. The conversation acknowledges the importance of psychological strength in combat sports, recognizing the mental fortitude required to succeed in high-stakes environments.

11. The Impact of Trash-Talking and Mental Warfare in MMA

    1. Condit and Rogan discuss the role of trash-talking and mental warfare in MMA, recognizing its effectiveness as a psychological weapon.
    2. They highlight the different ways fighters use trash-talking to gain a psychological advantage, affecting their opponent’s confidence, composure, and decision-making.
    3. The podcast explores the impact of trash-talking on both the fighter being targeted and the audience, creating an element of entertainment and intrigue.
    4. Condit and Rogan acknowledge that while trash-talking can be effective, it’s not always necessary or desirable, emphasizing the importance of respect and sportsmanship.

12. The Importance of Adaptability and Evolution in MMA

    1. The podcast highlights the importance of adaptability and evolution in MMA, emphasizing the need for fighters to constantly learn and refine their skills.
    2. Condit’s own journey from a submission specialist to a well-rounded fighter demonstrates the need to embrace new techniques and strategies.
    3. The conversation emphasizes that fighters who remain stagnant and resistant to change are likely to be left behind in a rapidly evolving sport.
    4. The podcast underscores the importance of continuous learning, experimentation, and willingness to adapt in order to succeed in MMA.

13. The Legacy of Carlos Condit

    1. Condit reflects on his journey in MMA, highlighting his rise from small-town fighting to competing for the world championship.
    2. He expresses his passion for the sport and his desire to leave a legacy as a fighter who exemplifies heart, determination, and skill.
    3. Condit’s commitment to continuous improvement and his willingness to push boundaries showcase the spirit of true athleticism.
    4. The podcast recognizes Condit’s contributions to the sport, acknowledging his status as a fan favorite and a respected competitor.

14. The Importance of Mindfulness in Combat Sports

    1. Condit and Rogan discuss the importance of mindfulness in combat sports, emphasizing the need to stay present and focused during intense moments.
    2. They highlight how distractions, stress, and emotional overload can hinder performance, emphasizing the need for mental discipline and composure.
    3. The conversation underscores the importance of training the mind as well as the body, recognizing the interconnectedness between physical and mental performance.
    4. The podcast reinforces the idea that true success in combat sports requires a balance between physical prowess, mental acuity, and emotional resilience.

15. The Future of MMA

    1. Condit and Rogan discuss the exciting future of MMA, acknowledging the sport’s growing popularity and influence.
    2. They explore the potential for new advancements in training, technology, and scientific understanding to further revolutionize the sport.
    3. The conversation highlights the importance of continuing to push boundaries, embrace innovation, and maintain the sport’s integrity.
    4. The podcast expresses optimism about the future of MMA, anticipating continued growth, innovation, and captivating moments for fans worldwide.

Memorable Quotes

1. “Normalcy is a silent killer. A lot of people are just extremely bored by their day to day routines. It kills them. It shrinks their comfort zone all the time. And it rubs their their their creativity, their their vitality because we’re not meant to live such predictable lives.” – Erwan Le Corre on the importance of challenging oneself to maintain adaptability.
2. “The number one reason why we have a brain from an evolutionary perspective is for movement. It’s not to discuss fine line or the history of art, which is great. But originally, it’s so that an animal can navigate through complex movement, through complex environments.” – Erwan Le Corre on the fundamental role of movement in brain development.
3. “Intensity is not necessarily raising the heart rate you know, going really hard and burning all over. Intensity can be in the mindfulness that you apply to intentionally perform movement very specifically with a high level of efficiency.” – Erwan Le Corre on the different forms of intensity in movement training.
4. “You can be in phenomenal fucking shape. ready to go 5 rounds and then step out and get knocked the fuck out of the circle.” – Carlos Condit on the importance of balancing physical preparation with mental and psychological readiness.
5. “I like to say that, you know, fight day, you know, that that night could be the best night of your life or or the worst, and you don’t know fucking which one.” – Carlos Condit on the intense emotional roller coaster experienced by fighters on fight night.