December 4, 2024 • 3hr 3min
#2238 - John McPhee
The Joe Rogan Experience
Key Takeaways
- Military Experience & Mindset: John McPhee served as a "singleton" operator, conducting solo missions in Iraq and Afghanistan that required extreme adaptability, quick thinking, and comfort with chaos
- Training Philosophy: McPhee emphasizes the importance of proper technique and fundamentals before advanced skills, whether in shooting, martial arts, or military operations
- Leadership Lessons: Operating alone taught valuable lessons about decision-making, risk assessment, and the importance of being self-reliant while still working within a larger system
- Combat Sports: Discussion of evolution of martial arts, particularly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and how different cultures developed unique fighting styles
- Personal Growth: McPhee discusses his journey from military to civilian life, including his passion for teaching and continuing education through BJJ
Introduction
John McPhee, known as "The Sheriff of Baghdad," joins Joe Rogan to discuss his extensive military career, particularly his unique experience as a singleton operator, his transition to civilian life, and his current work teaching tactical skills and practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The conversation covers a wide range of topics from combat operations to martial arts philosophy.
Topics Discussed
Military Experience as a Singleton Operator (1:41:37)
McPhee shares his experiences conducting solo missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, a rare and dangerous assignment that required unique skills and mindset.
- First singleton mission involved gathering intelligence in Afghanistan while posing as a civilian
- Developed techniques for surviving alone in hostile territory, including:
- Acting mentally disabled to avoid suspicion at checkpoints
- Learning to navigate complex social situations
- Making quick decisions without support
- "I don't know if I can define confidence... but I could tell you this: if I taught you to rally race car drive and you got pretty good at it, if I taught you Jiu-Jitsu and you got pretty good at it... eventually you're going to gain confidence."
Evolution of Martial Arts (41:28)
Discussion of how different cultures developed unique fighting styles and how martial arts have evolved rapidly in recent decades.
- Muay Thai development through constant competition and betting culture
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu evolution through the Gracie family's innovations
- Modern MMA combining various disciplines
- "Martial arts have evolved more in the last 30 years than they have in the last 30,000 years."
Training Philosophy & Teaching (2:29:45)
McPhee discusses his approach to teaching tactical skills and martial arts.
- Importance of fundamentals before advanced techniques
- Focus on understanding rather than just memorizing moves
- Building confidence through progressive skill development
- "One percent better a day, just 1%. That's what I'm looking for today. If I can be 1% better today than I was yesterday, well, that's 365% by the end of the year."
Personal Growth & Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (2:40:41)
Discussion of McPhee's journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and personal development.
- Training at multiple dojos while traveling
- Relationship with Hickson Gracie as his instructor
- Competition experience at Masters Worlds
- "I'm so glad the Jiu-Jitsu world is so welcoming these days... I don't have to show up and fight."
Conclusion
The conversation provides unique insights into military operations, martial arts, and personal growth through the lens of someone who has operated at the highest levels in multiple domains. McPhee's experiences as a singleton operator and his transition to civilian life teaching tactical skills and practicing martial arts demonstrate the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and maintaining a growth mindset regardless of age or experience level.
