JRE MMA Show #173 with Benny "The Jet" Urquidez & William "Blinky" Rodriguez
In this episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, martial arts pioneers Benny Urquidez and William "Blinky" Rodriguez discuss the development of full-contact karate and kickboxing in America during the 1960s and 70s. They share their experiences creating essential training equipment like shin guards and specialized gloves, which emerged from the need to adapt to various fighting styles in an era of unstandardized rules.
The conversation explores how the Jet Center Gym became a transformative space for at-risk youth and former gang members through disciplined training and mentorship. Urquidez and Rodriguez also discuss the evolution of martial arts from a discipline of honor to a commercialized sport, and Urquidez details his plans for a new gym that will integrate physical, mental, and spiritual development through innovative training equipment.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jan 21, 2026 episode of the The Joe Rogan Experience
Sign up for Shortform to access the whole episode summary along with additional materials like counterarguments and context.
1-Page Summary
Martial Arts, Kickboxing, and MMA History in the US
In this episode, Joe Rogan explores the evolution of martial arts in America with pioneers Benny Urquidez and William "Blinky" Rodriguez. These martial artists were instrumental in developing full-contact karate and kickboxing during the 1960s and 70s, facing challenges like no-rules tournaments and unfamiliar Muay Thai techniques.
Innovation Through Necessity
Urquidez and Rodriguez proved to be innovators in martial arts equipment design. They created the first shin guards to prevent damage from traditional training methods, and developed the three-finger glove for striking and grabbing in 1973. These innovations emerged from the necessity to adapt to various fighting styles and the absence of standardized rules.
Community Impact and Personal Growth
The Jet Center Gym, co-owned by Rodriguez and his brother, became a transformative hub for at-risk youth and former gang members. Urquidez and Rodriguez developed training methods that helped students confront their emotions and "mirror their truth." Through mentorship and disciplined training, the center helped redirect many lives from violence to positive achievements, as exemplified by Alex's journey from incarceration to winning a silver medal at the World Games.
The Evolution of Martial Arts Culture
Urquidez and Rogan discuss how martial arts has transformed from a discipline rooted in honor and respect to a more commercialized sport. They note that while MMA and UFC have gained popularity, some traditional values and principles have been diminished in favor of profit-driven entertainment.
Future Vision: Benny's New Gym
Urquidez shares his plans for a new gym that will integrate physical, mental, and spiritual development. He has designed nine pieces of unique equipment and five machines to enhance overall endurance and self-awareness. Building on the Jet Center's legacy, the gym aims to be a global destination for those seeking a transformative martial arts experience.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can explore the history of martial arts to appreciate its evolution by visiting local martial arts academies and asking instructors about the transition from traditional practices to modern styles. This will give you a sense of how martial arts have changed over time and what values have been retained or lost in the process.
- Start a personal development journal to mirror the mental and spiritual aspects of martial arts training, focusing on how physical discipline can lead to emotional growth. Reflect on your daily experiences, how you handle conflict, and where you find discipline in your life, drawing parallels to martial arts principles.
- Create a simple workout routine inspired by martial arts to improve your physical fitness and mental focus, using household items as improvised equipment. For example, fill a backpack with books for weight resistance during squats or use a broomstick for balance exercises, emulating the innovation in martial arts equipment.
Get access to the context and additional materials
Martial Arts, Kickboxing, and MMA History in the US
Joe Rogan explores the rich history of martial arts in the US and the innovations that have been made due to the absence of unified rules.
Martial Arts Pioneers: Urquidez & Rodriguez's Impact on MMA
Pioneers Benny and Blinky In 1960s-70s Full-Contact Karate and Kickboxing
Benny Urquidez and William "Blinky" Rodriguez stand out as two of the pioneers who helped introduce kickboxing to the world. They were deeply involved with Full Contact Karate during the 1960s and 70s. Rodriguez shared a personal milestone mentioning that he and his former wife, Lily Rodriguez, were the first husband and wife to fight on the same boxing card.
Benny Urquidez discusses his experience training in full-contact karate in 1973, participating in tournaments in Hawaii with no rules and no weight divisions, and fighting multiple times in the span of two days. This was a time before martial arts were widely known or popular in the United States, with early practitioners playing foundational roles in their development.
Facing Opponents With Minimal Protective Gear and Unfamiliar Muay Thai Techniques
Benny speaks about his first fight with a Muay Thai fighter, expressing surprise at the unfamiliar techniques like leg kicks and clinching. This reflects the era when fighters in the US were not well-versed in Muay Thai, a style that was known for its fierceness due to knees, elbows, clinches, and leg kicks.
The different rule sets in martial arts competitions were a reflection of the diversity that existed in the styles of fighting, with WKA, founded by Benny's brother and Howard Hanson, including a wider array of techniques than the PKA, which was influenced by Bill Wallace's preference to protect his legs due to having one problematic knee.
Early Martial Arts' Rule Absence Spurred Innovation
Benny and Blinky Invented Shin Guards
Benny and Blinky designed homemade shin guards at a time when Muay Thai fighters traditionally trained by kicking banana trees, which posed the risk of shin damage. Concerned about the long-term effects of shin nerves and tissue damage, Benny led the innovation of creating shin guards.
In addition, they designed the first three-finger glove for striking and g ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Martial Arts, Kickboxing, and MMA History in the US
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can enhance your martial arts training by using protective gear that allows for more realistic sparring without the risk of injury. For example, if you practice martial arts, consider using padded equipment that simulates real-world conditions while minimizing the chance of harm, such as padded barriers to practice low kicks or soft helmets that allow for head movement and visibility.
- Explore the creation of a simple feedback tool for martial arts students to report safety concerns and suggestions. This could be a physical suggestion box in the dojo or a digital form on the school's website, encouraging students to contribute ideas for safety improvements or new training methods they'd like to see.
- Start a discussion group with fellow mar ...
Get access to the context and additional materials
Experiences and Perspectives of Martial Artists Benny Urquidez and William "Blinky" Rodriguez
Benny Urquidez and William "Blinky" Rodriguez are martial arts legends whose careers have been filled with pioneering fights, sometimes against all odds.
Benny and Blinky's Early Martial Arts and No-rules Tournaments
These two martial artists experienced the raw beginnings of martial arts tournaments in America, especially the no-rules environment.
Muay Thai Techniques New to American Martial Artists: Leg Kicks and Clinching
Joe Rogan, Benny Urquidez, and William "Blinky" Rodriguez discuss the early days of their martial arts careers, where Urquidez describes coming across Muay Thai for the first time. The introduction of Muay Thai brought new challenges with its techniques like leg kicks and clinching, which were unfamiliar to many American martial artists. Urquidez and Rodriguez recall having to adapt to these techniques and the importance of lateral movement to counter the traditionally linear approach of American kickboxing. Rodriguez reflects on his fight with Bill Wallace and emphasizes the importance of a diverse range of techniques including kicks to various body parts, illustrating that these were already international standards.
They also discuss the influence of "Stan the man" Longinides, whose intense leg kicks, once injuring Dennis Alexios, left a lasting impact on fighters like Rick Rufus who had to learn to deal with such powerful strikes. The conversation underlines how American fighters had to evolve their skills to incorporate leg checks and counters to these new Muay Thai techniques.
Urquidez shares anecdotes from his fighting days, such as when he fought alongside Blinky Rodriguez in Hawaii's no-rules tournaments, facing considerable challenges like the absence of weight divisions and the diversity of techniques from stomping and soccer kicking to submissions. Henderson brings up a fighter named Lily Rodriguez, the first woman to hold titles in boxing, martial arts, and kickboxing, showcasing a pioneering spirit in their shared journey.
Pioneers Overcame Challenges to Grow the Sport
The story of their ascendance is one of overcoming numerous obstacles, such as competing with limited support or popularity. For example, the LA team, which included Urquidez and Rodriguez, was part of an effort to cultivate the competitive martial arts scene, participating in tournaments for more than just financial rewards; love of the sport and th ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Experiences and Perspectives of Martial Artists Benny Urquidez and William "Blinky" Rodriguez
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- No-rules martial arts tournaments were early combat events with minimal or no restrictions on techniques, allowing strikes, grappling, and submissions. They tested fighters' adaptability across various fighting styles without weight classes or standardized safety rules. These tournaments influenced the development of modern mixed martial arts by highlighting the effectiveness of diverse techniques. The lack of rules often led to intense, unpredictable matches that pushed fighters to innovate and evolve.
- Muay Thai is a traditional martial art from Thailand known as "the art of eight limbs," using fists, elbows, knees, and shins. Leg kicks target the opponent’s thighs or calves to weaken their movement and balance. Clinching involves close-range grappling to control the opponent and deliver knee strikes or set up throws. These techniques were new to American fighters who were accustomed mainly to punching and linear kicking styles.
- American kickboxing's traditionally linear approach emphasizes straightforward, forward-and-back movement with direct punches and kicks. It often focuses on maintaining a strong, upright stance and delivering strikes in straight lines. In contrast, styles like Muay Thai use more circular and lateral movements, incorporating clinching and angled attacks. This lateral movement helps fighters evade attacks and create openings from different angles.
- "Stan the Man" Longinides was a renowned martial artist known for his powerful leg kicks. His aggressive style influenced American fighters to develop better defenses against leg strikes. He helped introduce and popularize Muay Thai techniques in the U.S. martial arts community. His impact pushed fighters to evolve beyond traditional kickboxing methods.
- Dennis Alexios and Rick Rufus are notable figures in American kickboxing history. Alexios was a respected competitor known for his toughness and technical skill. Rick Rufus was a prominent fighter who had to adapt to powerful leg kicks, like those from Stan Longinides, highlighting the evolution of defensive techniques in the sport. Both contributed to the development and popularization of kickboxing in the United States.
- Weight divisions are categories that group fighters by their body weight to ensure fair and safe competition. They prevent mismatches where a heavier, stronger opponent could have an unfair advantage over a lighter fighter. These divisions help maintain competitive balance and reduce the risk of injury. Without weight divisions, fighters of vastly different sizes may face each other, increasing unpredictability and danger.
- No-rules tournaments allowed a wide range of fighting techniques without restrictions, unlike traditional martial arts competitions. Stomping involves forcefully stepping or striking down on an opponent, often targeting limbs or the body. Soccer kicking is a powerful kick delivered to a downed opponent, similar to kicking a soccer ball. Submissions are techniques that force an opponent to concede defeat by applying joint locks or chokeholds, causing pain or risk of injury.
- Gene LeBell is a legendary martial artist known as the "Godfather of Grappling." He was a pioneer in blending judo, wrestling, and other martial arts, influencing modern mixed martial arts (MMA). LeBell trained many famous fighters and stuntmen, contributing to the development of realistic combat techniques. His teaching style combined toughness with humor, making him a respected and memorable instructor.
- During the 1960s and 1970s, martial arts in America w ...
Get access to the context and additional materials
Community, Mentorship, and Growth in Martial Arts
The Jet Center Gym stands as a transformative hub, providing a safe space and fostering growth through the discipline of martial arts for at-risk youth and those seeking personal redemption.
Jet Center Gym: A Transformative Hub for Troubled Youth
Martial Arts Safe Space for At-risk Youth and Gang Members
Joe Rogan reminisces about his time training at the Jet Center in 1994, highlighting its outreach program that helped young gang members by offering a sense of community through training. William Rodriguez, who co-owned the Jet Center with his brother Ben, explains how the gym served as a space for at-risk youth to aspire towards improvement and personal development. Rodriguez continues his work 36 years later, underlining the long-term commitment to the community.
Benny and Blinky Taught Techniques to Help Students Confront Emotions and "Mirror Their Truth."
Benny Urquidez talks about the success of the Jet Center in providing a nurturing environment where individuals could openly deal with their hidden emotions. William Rodriguez describes sparring sessions that transcended mere fighting, teaching life lessons about non-violence and confronting internal emotions. These sessions, Benny says, allowed students to "mirror their truth," assisting them in their personal growth journeys.
Martial Arts: A Tool for Personal Growth and Redemption
Training and Competition Build Confidence, Awareness, and Discipline
Joe Rogan affirms that martial arts training empowers individuals to tackle internal battles and learn from mistakes, thus building confidence, awareness, and discipline. The belt progression system symbolizes personal growth and accomplishment, instilling a sense of responsibility in the student. Rogan also comments on the diffusion of these skills into other life areas, suggesting that the discipline and willpower gained from martial arts make other life challenges more manageable.
Martial Arts at Jet Center Guide Students From Violence To a Positive Future
The synergy between martial arts training and personal development is f ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Community, Mentorship, and Growth in Martial Arts
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Joe Rogan is a well-known martial artist, comedian, and podcast host with a deep passion for martial arts. He trained extensively in disciplines like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Taekwondo, and kickboxing, gaining respect in the martial arts community. Rogan's connection to the Jet Center Gym highlights his early involvement in martial arts and its role in shaping his philosophy on discipline and personal growth. His experiences there reflect the gym's impact on fostering community and transformation through martial arts.
- Benny Urquidez is a legendary martial artist and kickboxing champion known for his technical skill and innovative fighting style. He has influenced martial arts training worldwide through his emphasis on discipline, emotional control, and mental toughness. His teachings at the Jet Center focus on using sparring to confront and understand emotions, which aids personal growth beyond physical fighting. This approach helps students develop self-awareness and resilience, making his role crucial in the gym’s mentorship philosophy.
- "Mirror their truth" means using sparring as a way to reflect and confront one's genuine emotions and inner struggles. It involves recognizing personal fears, anger, or vulnerabilities that surface during training. This reflection helps students understand themselves better and promotes emotional honesty. Ultimately, it supports healing and personal growth through self-awareness.
- The Jet Center's outreach program for gang members involved targeted recruitment of at-risk youth from local communities. It provided structured martial arts training combined with mentorship to promote discipline and positive social connections. The program included regular classes, sparring sessions, and life skills workshops designed to replace gang involvement with constructive activities. It emphasized building trust and offering alternatives to violence through consistent support and community engagement.
- The belt progression system in martial arts represents a student's journey from beginner to advanced levels. Each belt color signifies a stage of skill, knowledge, and personal growth. It motivates students by marking milestones and encouraging continuous improvement. The system also teaches discipline, patience, and respect for the art and its traditions.
- The Diamond Belt is a prestigious martial arts title awarded in certain combat sports, symbolizing high-level achievement and skill. The Golden Glove is a renowned amateur boxing tournament award, recognizing outstanding fighters at regional or national levels. Both awards signify significant competitive success and dedication in their respective disciplines. Winning these titles often opens opportunities for further advancement and recognition in martial arts and boxing.
- The World Games are an international multi-sport event featuring sports not included in the Olympic Games. They showcase disciplines like martial arts styles that may not be part of the Olympics, providing global competition opportunities. Success at the World Games is highly respected and can elevate an athlete's status in their sport. This makes winning a medal there a significant achievement in martial arts.
- Sparring sessions simulate ...
Get access to the context and additional materials
From Honor and Discipline to Commercialized Martial Arts Competition
The transition from martial arts as a way of life, characterized by honor and discipline, to a more commercialized competitive sport is discussed with concern by Benny Urquidez, Joe Rogan, and others.
Martial Arts: A Way of Life in Honor, Respect, and Personal Growth
Benny Urquidez reflects nostalgically on the early days of martial arts, which were marked by an "honor system" and "Bushido," stressing the importance of honor, dignity, and respect. He believes that martial arts is not solely about fighting but also about living a principled life, where warriors engage with dignity and honor.
Sport's Popularity Led To a Commercial, Competitive Model, Losing Traditional Values
Urquidez and Rogan discuss the evolution of martial arts, observing how it has shifted from a focus on self-defense and honor to emphasizing striking and aggression due to commercial influences. Rogan remarks on the development of kickboxing in the US, influenced by television and marketing, lamenting that it has not become as popular as MMA due in part to its poor promotion in the 1980s. The shift from being martial artists to identifying solely as kickboxers, Muay Thai fighters, or UFC fighters reflects progression towards commercialization, which has diminished traditional values and codes of honor.
MMA and UFC Shift Martial Arts Culture and Priorities
The transition towards commercialization with the rise of MMA and UFC affects the original spirit of martial arts. Rogan talks about the global influence on martial arts in the US, with practitioners adapting to new techniques and changing the culture of martial arts.
Benny Was Uncomfortable With the Focus on Ground-And-Pound and "Thrashing" Tactics, Feeling It Went Against His Learned Principles
Urquidez expresses discomfort with the MMA focus on ground-and-pound tactics, feeling it goes against the principles he learned, which emphasized standing techniques and artistry. He notes that audiences still express a desire to see fighters get up, sug ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
From Honor and Discipline to Commercialized Martial Arts Competition
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Bushido is the traditional code of conduct for samurai warriors in Japan, emphasizing virtues like loyalty, honor, and discipline. It shaped martial arts by promoting ethical behavior and respect beyond physical combat. The code influenced the spiritual and moral development of practitioners, not just fighting skills. Understanding Bushido helps explain why early martial arts valued character and integrity alongside technique.
- Benny Urquidez is a legendary martial artist and kickboxing champion known for his skill and influence in promoting martial arts as a disciplined practice. Joe Rogan is a comedian, commentator, and former martial artist who gained prominence as a UFC commentator, shaping public perception of MMA. Both have deep experience and respect in martial arts, giving them authority to discuss its cultural shifts. Their perspectives highlight the tension between traditional martial arts values and modern commercialized competition.
- Traditional martial arts emphasize personal development, discipline, and ethical values alongside physical techniques. Modern competitive forms like kickboxing, Muay Thai, MMA, and UFC focus primarily on effective fighting strategies and winning matches under specific rules. These sports often prioritize entertainment, aggression, and commercialization over the philosophical and cultural aspects of martial arts. The shift reflects a move from a holistic lifestyle practice to a performance-driven, spectator-oriented competition.
- "Ground-and-pound" in MMA refers to a fighting strategy where a competitor takes their opponent to the ground and then delivers strikes, usually punches or elbows, while maintaining a dominant position. "Thrashing" tactics describe aggressive, often uncontrolled movements aimed at overwhelming the opponent with continuous strikes or attempts to improve position. These approaches focus more on physical dominance and damage rather than traditional martial arts techniques or forms. They contrast with stand-up striking and the disciplined, artistic aspects of martial arts.
- Kickboxing emerged in the 1970s and 1980s as a hybrid martial art combining elements of karate, boxing, and Muay Thai. In the 1980s, it gained some popularity through televised events but lacked consistent, widespread promotion compared to other combat sports. Unlike MMA, kickboxing did not develop a unified global organization or major media presence, limiting its commercial growth. This hindered its ability to attract large audiences and mainstream recognition during that era.
- Martial arts as a "way of life" emphasizes personal development, ethical behavior, and spiritual growth beyond physical fighting skills. It involves practicing discipline, respect, and self-control in daily life, reflecting philosophies like Bushido. In contrast, competitive sport focuses on winning matches, physical performance, and entertainment, often prioritizing effectiveness over tradition. This shift can reduce the emphasis on moral values and holistic growth originally central to martial arts.
- Traditional martial arts are deeply rooted in Eastern philosophies like Bushido, the samurai code emphasizing loyalty, honor, and self-discipline. Practitioners are taught to respect their opponents and use martial arts for self-improvement, not aggression. The "honor system" means following ethical conduct without external enforcement, valuing integrity and humility. These values aim to develop character and harmony, beyond physical fighting skills.
- Commercial ...
Counterarguments
- Commercialization has increased accessibility to martial arts, allowing more people to learn and benefit from the practice.
- The competitive aspect of martial arts can inspire practitioners to improve their skills and achieve higher levels of physical fitness and technical proficiency.
- Modern martial arts competitions have established clear rules and safety measures that protect athletes, which may not have been as standardized in traditional settings.
- The evolution of martial arts into a spectator sport has created new career opportunities for athletes, coaches, and others involved in the industry.
- The blending of different martial arts styles in MMA has led to innovation and the development of more well-rounded martial artists.
- The focus on entertainment value in martial arts competitions can help preserve these arts by keeping them relevant and engaging to contemporary audiences.
- Some martial arts organizations and schools still maintain a strong emphasis on traditional values, discipline, and respect, alongside competitive success.
- The commercial success of martial art ...
Get access to the context and additional materials
Benny's New Gym Plans: Mental, Physical, Spiritual Development
Benny Urquidez shares his multifaceted approach to martial arts training, aiming to create a unique gym that focuses on self-awareness and personal growth.
Benny Plans Martial Arts Gym to Help Students "Mirror Their Truth" and Confront Emotions
Urquidez envisions his new gym as more than just a training facility; it's a space where individuals can turn themselves inside out, confront their emotions, and realize their full potential. He takes pride in aiding people's transformation from meek and weak to strong and contributing positively to society.
Gym Offers Unique Equipment and Training For All-around Endurance and Self-Awareness
At the heart of his plan, Urquidez has already designed nine pieces of novel equipment and five unique machines. These inventions are intended not just for physical endurance but also to enhance mental and spiritual fortitude, taking individuals to the next level in their personal development.
Benny's Gym: A "Safe Haven" For Overcoming Challenges
Urquidez emphasizes that his gym will be a supportive environment, a "safe haven" where individuals can feel at ease to release emotions and explore their purpose. He aims to craft an atmosphere where his students can confront what they are doing with their lives in a secure and nurturing setting.
Benny's Vision: Martial Arts For Growth and Community Empowerment
Reflecting a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of martial arts, Urquidez hopes his gym will empower not only the individual but also the surrounding community.
Building On the Jet Center Legacy of Pioneering Spirit and Community Focus
Talking about his gym's philosophies, Urquidez recalls the Jet Center's ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Benny's New Gym Plans: Mental, Physical, Spiritual Development
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Benny Urquidez is a legendary martial artist and kickboxing champion known for his undefeated professional record. He pioneered full-contact karate and helped popularize martial arts in the United States and worldwide. Urquidez is also recognized for his contributions to martial arts choreography in films. His influence extends beyond competition to teaching and developing innovative training methods.
- The Jet Center was a renowned martial arts training facility founded by Benny Urquidez. It played a significant role in popularizing full-contact kickboxing and martial arts in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s. The center was known for its innovative training methods and fostering a strong sense of community among practitioners. It helped shape many fighters' careers and contributed to the growth of martial arts culture.
- "Mirror their truth" means using martial arts as a tool for self-reflection, revealing one's genuine emotions, strengths, and weaknesses. It encourages practitioners to confront their inner selves honestly. This process helps individuals understand their true character beyond physical skills. Ultimately, it fosters personal growth by aligning actions with authentic self-awareness.
- Martial arts training cultivates mental development by enhancing focus, discipline, and emotional regulation through consistent practice and overcoming challenges. It promotes spiritual growth by encouraging self-reflection, mindfulness, and a deeper connection to one's inner values and purpose. The physical practice often incorporates breathing techniques and meditation, which help balance mind and body. This holistic approach fosters resilience and a sense of inner peace beyond physical skills.
- A "safe haven" gym provides a non-judgmental, supportive space where individuals feel secure to expre ...
Counterarguments
- The focus on confronting emotions and self-awareness may not appeal to everyone seeking martial arts training, as some individuals may prefer a more traditional or purely physical approach.
- The effectiveness of the nine novel pieces of equipment and five unique machines has not been proven; traditional training methods have a long history and are well-established in their efficacy.
- The concept of a gym as a "safe haven" might not align with the competitive and combative nature of martial arts for some practitioners who seek to test their skills in a more challenging environment.
- While the gym aims to contribute to community empowerment, the actual impact on the community will depend on how it integrates with local initiatives and whether it is accessible to a diverse range of people.
- Attracting students worldwide is an ambitious goal that may face practical challenges such as travel costs, visa issues, and cultural differences that could limit the gym's accessibility and appeal.
- The idea of tran ...
Get access to the context and additional materials
1-Page Summary- Martial Arts, Kickboxing, and MMA History in the US
- Experiences and Perspectives of Martial Artists Benny Urquidez and William "Blinky" Rodriguez
- Community, Mentorship, and Growth in Martial Arts
- From Honor and Discipline to Commercialized Martial Arts Competition
- Benny's New Gym Plans: Mental, Physical, Spiritual Development
Create Summaries for anything on the web
Download the Shortform Chrome extension for your browser
