JRE MMA Show #173 with Benny "The Jet" Urquidez & William "Blinky" Rodriguez

Overview

This episode features martial arts legends Benny The Jet Urquidez and William Blinky Rodriguez, who discuss their pioneering roles in kickboxing, the evolution of martial arts, the spiritual and mental aspects of combat, and their ongoing efforts to inspire and uplift communities through martial arts and outreach programs.

Notable Quotes

- The power of forgiveness is more powerful than my left hook, and I had a good one. – William Blinky Rodriguez, on reconciling with his son's killer.

- Martial arts is high-level problem-solving with dire physical consequences. – Joe Rogan, on the essence of martial arts competition.

- I’ve always thought I was a better teacher than a fighter. – Benny The Jet Urquidez, reflecting on his passion for teaching.

🥋 The Pioneering Days of Kickboxing

- Benny and Blinky recount their early days in martial arts, including the creation of full-contact karate in the 1970s and their legendary fights in Hawaii and Japan.

- Benny shares how he unknowingly fought Muay Thai fighters without understanding the rules, leading to his invention of shin guards to protect against brutal leg kicks.

- They discuss the evolution of kickboxing into a global sport and their role in introducing it to the world, often fighting for little to no money, driven purely by passion.

🛡️ The Jet Center Legacy

- The Jet Center, co-founded by Benny and Blinky, became a legendary hub for martial arts training, attracting fighters from around the world.

- Joe Rogan recalls training there and describes it as the Mecca of kickboxing, emphasizing its focus on technique, discipline, and personal growth.

- Benny hints at plans to create a new gym designed as a safe haven for people to confront their inner truths and grow mentally, physically, and spiritually.

🙏 Forgiveness and Community Healing

- Blinky shares a deeply emotional story about meeting and forgiving the man who killed his son, emphasizing the transformative power of forgiveness.

- He highlights his 36 years of community work, including violence intervention programs, tattoo removal for former gang members, and creating opportunities for at-risk youth.

- Both men stress the importance of using martial arts as a tool for personal and community transformation.

⚔️ The Evolution of Martial Arts and MMA

- The guests reflect on how martial arts have evolved since their early days, with MMA now showcasing fighters who are proficient in all aspects of combat.

- Benny expresses mixed feelings about modern MMA, appreciating the technical skill but lamenting the loss of the traditional Bushido way of honor and respect.

- Joe Rogan discusses the technical advancements in MMA and the rise of young fighters who embody a new level of skill and versatility.

💡 Martial Arts as a Path to Self-Discovery

- Benny and Blinky emphasize martial arts as a journey of self-discovery, teaching discipline, humility, and resilience.

- They discuss how martial arts can help individuals overcome fear, anger, and frustration, providing a foundation for personal growth and success in all areas of life.

- Joe highlights the unique ability of martial arts to build silent confidence, making practitioners some of the nicest people you'll ever meet.