Benny "The Jet" Urquidez & William "Blinky" Rodriguez

Date: 2026-01-21 | Duration: 1h 59m

Episode Overview

Kickboxing legend Benny "The Jet" Urquidez and his longtime training partner William "Blinky" Rodriguez join Joe Rogan for a deep conversation on the history of full-contact karate and kickboxing, the legendary Jet Center training facility, and Benny's lifelong mission to use martial arts as a tool for community transformation. Joe opens by sharing that in 1994 he trained at the Jet Center — one of only two places he had to visit when he arrived in Los Angeles — where Benny ran an outreach program training gang members alongside civilians. Benny explains how the Jet Center's mission grew from a personal tragedy when drive-by violence came to his own community, prompting a calling to intervene generationally. He shares that he has film footage from 1969 to 1996 on 2mm, beta, and other obsolete formats that he's currently converting for a documentary about the no-rules full-contact era before regulated competition existed. The conversation covers concussions in fight training (fighters going into bouts already concussed from sparring), the devastating kicking power of Stan Longinidis (whose pad kicks gave Joe's friend Shuki Ron a hip replacement), Gene LaBelle's influence on Jiu-Jitsu in America, the humiliation elite strikers face when they can't land on a truly defensive fighter, and Benny's vision for a world-class training center where people travel from everywhere to learn, find purpose, and reconnect with their identity through martial arts.

About Benny "The Jet" Urquidez

Benny "The Jet" Urquidez is a legendary figure in the world of martial arts, renowned for his groundbreaking contributions as a retired kickboxer, martial arts choreographer, and actor. With an impressive record of 63 wins and only 5 losses, he is celebrated as a pioneer of American kickboxing and a multi-time world champion across various weight classes. Beyond his fighting prowess, Benny is known for his innovative choreography in film and television, showcasing his unparalleled skills to a global audience. His engaging presence and dedication to martial arts education have made him a beloved figure, not only in the ring but also as a mentor and community leader alongside his brother-in-law, William “Blinky” Rodriguez. Benny’s journey is a testament to the spirit of perseverance and innovation in the martial arts community.

About William "Blinky" Rodriguez

William "Blinky" Rodriguez is a distinguished kickboxer, martial arts instructor, and community leader, celebrated for his contributions to the martial arts community both inside and outside the ring. As a dedicated student of the legendary Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, Blinky has honed his skills not only as a competitor but also as a choreographer, blending artistry with athleticism in martial arts performances. Beyond his impressive fighting credentials, he is deeply committed to community service, advocating for youth empowerment and wellness through martial arts programs. Known for his infectious passion and genuine dedication to fostering resilience in others, Blinky continues to inspire the next generation of fighters and leaders.

Key Moments

– Jet Center History and Gang Member Outreach Program
– Benny's Calling After Drive-By Violence Hit His Community
– No-Rules Full-Contact Kickboxing Era (1969-1996)
– Documentary: 50 Years of Footage Being Restored
– Concussions in Fight Training Camp
– Stan Longinidis Kick Power: Hip Replacement from Pad Work
– Gene LaBelle's Influence on American Jiu-Jitsu
– Elite Defense: When Strikers Can't Land a Punch
– Vision for a World-Class Martial Arts Center
0:00:27 – Joe: Trained at the Jet Center in 1994 — Gang Members in the Class
0:00:56 – True Pioneers in Martial Arts — Legends, Gentlemen
0:01:28 – Drive-By Violence Came to Benny's Community — He Had a Calling to Act
0:09:56 – No-Rules Fight Footage: 2mm Film From 1969 to 1996 Being Converted for Documentary
0:24:44 – Stan Longinidis Kicking Pads So Hard He Gave Joe's Friend a Hip Replacement
0:44:52 – Fighters Going Into Bouts Already Concussed From Camp — Happens All the Time
0:59:55 – Gene LaBelle: Silvio Pimento Taught Joe Nasty Tricks Learned From LaBelle
1:19:50 – The Humiliation of Not Being Able to Hit Someone With Impeccable Defense
1:58:51 – Vision: A World-Class Martial Arts Center Where People Come to Find Purpose

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:01 Joe Rogan podcast, checking out. The Joe Rogan Experience. Train by day, Joe Rogan podcast by night, all day. Gentlemen, what's happening? Where do we begin? Where do you begin? Let me tell you, when I first came to Los Angeles in 1994, there was two places that I had to go. One of them was the Comedy Store, and the other one was the Jet Center. Starting point is 00:00:27 And I started training the Jet Center in 94 before you guys shut down because you had the earthquake and you had the roof damage. So I was there before that happened, and I took your classes. I took your kickboxing classes because I remember it was very scary because he had a bunch of gang members in there. Because you were doing that sort of outreach program where you're helping young gang members. So I had a spar with gang members. So I was training at the Jets Center until it shut down. And then I went briefly when you guys reopened in North Hollywood. I went to that place for a little bit too. Starting point is 00:00:56 Yeah. But then I started training at Majiro Gym, which is in the Valley. But legends. You guys are legends, man. Well, thank you, Joe. True pioneers in martial arts. For you to remember was really humbled me. Starting point is 00:01:11 You remembered, you mentioned my son and why I was starting that. Yes. And you don't even know what it's grown into since that day that you've seen what was going on. Tell the story about your son and how that whole thing started. Well, you know, unfortunately in some communities, Starting point is 00:01:28 drive-bys aren't uncommon and so when it becomes a generational curse you know and and kids are getting killed sometimes randomly that happened to me it came knocking on my door in a valley that's got two million people knocked on my door Starting point is 00:01:48 and I was just I'm going to put it this way I had a calling on my life to to do something about it because it became a situation where families and commun...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #10173?

Benny "The Jet" Urquidez & William "Blinky" Rodriguez was the guest on JRE #10173. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #10173?

On Joe Rogan Experience #10173 with Benny "The Jet" Urquidez & William "Blinky" Rodriguez, topics include Jet Center History and Gang Member Outreach Program, Benny's Calling After Drive-By Violence Hit His Community, No-Rules Full-Contact Kickboxing Era (1969-1996), and Documentary: 50 Years of Footage Being Restored.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #10173?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #10173 with Benny "The Jet" Urquidez & William "Blinky" Rodriguez is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.