In a recent video clip that’s capturing attention across social media, podcast giant Joe Rogan revealed the deeply personal story behind one of his most meaningful tattoos – an artistic rendering of legendary Japanese swordsman Miyamoto Musashi adorning his right arm.
“I have a tattoo of Miyamoto Musashi because I read a quote when I was 16 years old when I was doing martial arts,” Rogan explained, pointing to the detailed artwork. The tattoo pays homage to the renowned samurai who lived in feudal Japan from 1584 to 1645 and is celebrated as perhaps the greatest swordsman in Japanese history.
Musashi’s reputation is legendary – according to historical accounts, he emerged victorious in 62 one-on-one combat duels, an almost unfathomable achievement even in an era where such confrontations were more commonplace. Beyond his martial prowess, Musashi’s lasting influence comes through his philosophical writings, particularly “The Book of Five Rings,” which Rogan cited as a formative text in his youth.
“He wrote this book, the Book of Five Rings, which was a book on strategy,” Rogan continued, before sharing the quote that has guided him since his teenage years: “Once you understand the way broadly, you can see it in all things.”
This philosophical principle from Musashi seems to have deeply resonated with Rogan throughout his multifaceted career as a comedian, UFC commentator, and now the host of one of the world’s most popular podcasts.
Expanding on how this wisdom has shaped his outlook, Rogan added, “I think that all difficult things are development, they aid you in developing your human potential, and you find a way to get out of your own way by getting good at all kinds of things.”
The tattoo serves as a permanent reminder of this philosophy – that mastery in one domain can reveal universal principles applicable across life’s various challenges. For Rogan, who began his journey in martial arts before expanding into comedy, broadcasting, and ultimately building a media empire, Musashi’s wisdom about finding “the way” clearly struck a chord.
