Joe Rogan might be the only man alive who is both underground and mainstream at the same time.

Somehow, he manages to be both low-key and high-drama.

I would argue that his ability to balance both comes down to his lifelong practice of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He started at 15 and never let up. Martial arts are not just something he does. They are the foundation of who he is and how he moves through the world.

What fascinates me about Rogan is not just his success, but the way he stays centred while the world spins around him.

No matter what people say or the attacks thrown his way, he continues having the conversations he wants to have, unwavering in discussing the topics that interest him and with whomever he wants.

He doesn’t get swept up in the drama or adjust his course based on the latest outrage. Instead, he is consistently steady, balanced, likeable, and neutral.

My question is how?

I believe this mental fortitude and emotional stability stems directly from his martial arts practice. There’s something profound about regularly putting yourself in challenging physical situations, learning to stay calm under pressure, and embracing the humility that comes with getting tapped out on the mat.

A martial art practice builds a kind of internal compass that helps you navigate life’s challenges without losing your centre.

Personal Journey in the Ring

I’ve had this assumption about Rogan for a long time so recently I decided to test it out for myself by immersing myself in Muay Thai and boxing, and I can report that the cognitive benefits are real!

Beyond the obvious physical gains, I’m discovering a whole new level of mental sharpness.

Learning complex combinations challenges my brain in ways that running on a treadmill or doing weights in a gym never could.

My balance has improved, my reflexes are quicker, and I’ve developed a deeper awareness of my body and how I move through space.

Think about it – every time you learn a new combination or defensive move, the brain is literally creating new neural pathways.

Each sparring session forces you to think on your feet, stay present, and adapt in real-time. It’s neuroplasticity in action, and it’s keeping our brains young and adaptable.

Plus, there’s the intensity factor.

A good Muay Thai session is essentially high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on steroids. It’s an incredible cardiovascular session while the controlled impact helps maintain bone density – something particularly important as we age.

The Martial Arts Spectrum

The beauty of martial arts is its diversity. Doesn’t matter which discipline you choose, any one of them will do.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu isn’t just about grappling – it’s a physical chess match that teaches you to remain calm and strategic even when someone’s trying to choke you. This translates directly to handling life’s stressful situations with grace.

Karate‘s emphasis on form and precision builds mental discipline that carries over into every aspect of life. The focus required to perfect a single move can enhance your ability to concentrate in any situation.

Kung Fu’s flowing movements and philosophical underpinnings offer a moving meditation that can bring balance to our often chaotic lives.

Judo teaches you to use your opponent’s energy against them – a principle that has profound applications beyond the mat.

Aikido‘s focus on harmony and energy redirection can transform how you approach conflict in your daily life.

Krav Maga‘s practical self-defence builds not just physical capability but unshakeable confidence.

Way Beyond Just Physical Fitness

Practicing martial arts goes way beyond movement. These practices change the way you handle challenges, sharpen your presence, and refine how you move through the world.

Step into a practice and you feel it immediately. The noise in your head fades. The weight of the day disappears.

Whether you are flowing through a kata, holding a stance, or locked in live training, the effect is the same. There is no space for hesitation. No overthinking. Just the next move.

Training like this builds control. It sharpens focus in a way that carries over into everything. You walk out of the gym, the dojo, or the training hall and the world feels different. Your body listens. Your instincts sharpen. You stop second-guessing.

Stress loses its grip because you have trained yourself to stay steady under pressure. Resistance stops being something to avoid. It becomes part of the process.

Then there is the training itself. The repetition. The failure. The slow and deliberate mastery of movement. You push through and at some point, something shifts. You move differently. You carry yourself with certainty. You take up space.

Once you have tested yourself against a real challenge, whether through speed, endurance, precision, or control, you do not need external validation. You carry that knowing in your body.

Get Started

As we move into the new year, I encourage you to explore martial arts as a path to both physical and mental strength. The specific style matters far less than the commitment to show up.

Do not let preconceptions about age, fitness level, or experience hold you back. Most martial arts schools welcome beginners with open arms.

This guy makes a great case for starting a martial arts practice no matter how old you are, or how old you might feel.

The entire practice is built on repetition. Important foundational movements are drilled constantly. More advanced techniques are layered in as you progress.

There is no barrier to entry. Just start.

Moving Forward

Whether you want a sharper mind, a stronger body, or a way to burn off the static that modern life builds up, martial arts will get you there. It is not about self-improvement in the way that phrase gets thrown around. It is about pressure testing yourself in real time, stripping away hesitation, and training your body and mind to move as one.

The hardest part is showing up. Everything else happens on its own. Your body learns. Your instincts sharpen. You stop thinking and start knowing.

So do not overanalyse. Do not wait for the perfect moment. Just step in and start moving.

Your future self will not just thank you.

Fighters Who Use Functional Mushrooms

This is not just theory. Some of the best in the game are already using functional mushrooms as part of their supplementation routine.

Former UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman has spoken about incorporating mushroom extracts into his routine. Rashad Evans, a former Light Heavyweight Champion, swears by Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, and Turkey Tail for mental clarity and overall resilience.

Aaron Chalmers, ahead of his fight with Floyd Mayweather, used functional mushrooms to push his conditioning further.

These athletes leave nothing to chance. They are constantly testing, refining, and using whatever keeps them sharp. Functional mushrooms are becoming part of that arsenal.

The best in the world are using compounds that fit their lifestyle and training demands. If you are serious about pushing limits, staying sharp, and playing at the edge of your potential, it is time to upgrade.

Be sure to choose functional mushrooms that are dually extracted and highly bioavailable such as our Mushroom Essential Complex which includes a perfect blend of Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Cordyceps and Reishi.

I can’t wait to see you in action!

As always, 

Shine bright. Do good. Flow strong. 

Asha ✨

Asha Sultana

I believe in the power of mushrooms and in the innate intelligence of our bodies. Fungi support human health like none other. Personally, I have used a wide variety of mushrooms to restore my health from heavy metal poisoning and its consequences. Currently living in Cape Town while raised in Canada and born in Romania. My travels have deepened my connection to natural medicines and my commitment to balanced living.