Wiz Khalifa, the renowned hip-hop artist, has embarked on a transformative journey into the world of martial arts. Best known for his hit songs and cannabis empire, Khalifa has also dedicated himself to physical fitness and MMA training. This article delves into his motivations, training regimen, and the impact of martial arts on his life and career.
Wiz Khalifa performs at the Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival.
The Motivation Behind MMA Training
Khalifa's foray into mixed martial arts was driven by a desire to learn how to fight after years of playful sparring with his cousins.
He explained, “My cousins train jiu-jitsu and stand-up as well. I just got tired of getting my ass whooped, so I figured I would learn how to fight.”
His cousins, with their larger builds and need to manage anger, had inadvertently become his early sparring partners. "They needed to manage that anger. So they started taking it out on other people, and then they started to take it out on me and my friends too."
These experiences fueled his determination to learn self-defense techniques.
The Transformation: From 140 to 175 Pounds
In the years between studio albums, Wiz Khalifa underwent a significant physical transformation, gaining 35 pounds as a result of his passion for mixed martial arts.
Khalifa, who would rap about his weight on previous albums, reportedly went from 140 pounds to 175 pounds because of the work he put in at the gym.
Once known for his slender frame, Khalifa embraced the change. "I was cool with being skinny before. But as a 30-year-old man, I like myself with more weight," he noted.
This physical change has not only boosted his confidence but also influenced his stage presence.
Training with the Best
Khalifa's training began with Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Rigan Machado, an eighth-degree red and black belt. "The first person I went to go see was [Brazilian jiu-jitsu eighth-degree red and black belt] Rigan Machado. I did jiu-jitsu with him for like a month or two, which was cool."
He then transitioned to Unbreakable Performance, a gym in Los Angeles, where he delved into muay thai. "Then I started going to Unbreakable, which is a gym in L.A. That's where I became a muay thai [fighter]…that's when my mind changed to like, 'OK, this is what I want to do.'"
At Unbreakable, he trained under Jay Glazer and Ernie Reyes Jr., who further solidified his interest in muay thai. "The way that Jay works is that he mixes everything up. You do wrestling, f--king jits, f--king stand-up. You do everything. He mixes it all up. It was a couple of the other trainers, like [actor and martial artist] Ernie Reyes Jr., who really sold my mind on muay thai s--t."
Wiz Khalifa MMA Training.
A Typical Day in the Gym
Khalifa's training routine is rigorous and disciplined.
He described his daily regimen: "I wake up in the morning, eat some food. I'd go to Unbreakable around like noon because I'm an afternoon worker. I'd stay there for about two to three hours. Then get a shake and eat. I'd go home and smoke some weed, hit the studio, be awesome."
His workouts include weight training for an hour, followed by an hour of mixed martial arts. "We do different muscle groups every day, so I do weight training for an hour, then mixed martial arts for another hour. Afterwards I stretch, and then I like to have a protein shake and smoke a fat-ass joint."
This structured routine is a significant departure from his previous lifestyle. "When was the last time you've had such a strict routine? Never. Ever ever."
Impact on Music and Lifestyle
The discipline and mental clarity gained from martial arts have positively influenced Khalifa's music and overall lifestyle.
He explained, "Being in the gym helps me get the f--k out the studio. It clears my mind to do something totally different that I'm passionate about. Then I can go back to it with a fresh mind. I go to the gym five days a week. So when I'm at the gym and studio, it's a perfect balance."
Moreover, his increased appetite and focus on healthy eating have helped him maintain his weight gain. "Smoking a ton of pot makes me hungry, so I gain more weight," he shared, noting that he avoids junk food and focuses on eating balanced meals.
The MMA Community and Future Prospects
Khalifa has found a welcoming and supportive community within the world of martial arts. "The fighting community is really cool. All of the fighters that I meet, or anybody that I train with, they're super forward with the knowledge and really cool as far as teaching technique and combos."
He has formed relationships with notable fighters like Tyron Woodley, the Diaz brothers, Uriah Hall, and Chuck Liddell. "Tyron Woodley. The Diaz brothers [Nate and Nick]. Uriah Hall is cool with me. Chuck Liddell; I went to [Electric Daisy Carnival] with him. I partied in Vegas with that fool (laughs). Hell yeah."
While he remains noncommittal about stepping into the Octagon, Khalifa is focused on continuous improvement. "Do I think about it? Nah. I just think about getting better every time I train, learning new techniques and stuff. When I've got to apply it, I'll use everything I know."
Whether he chooses to compete professionally or not, his dedication to martial arts has undoubtedly transformed his life.
How Wiz Khalifa Started Training Martial Arts and Gained 40 lbs!! | Joe Rogan
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Advice for Aspiring Black Men
For Black men looking to improve their health and fitness, Khalifa offers practical advice.
Exercise definitely helps me focus, slow things down, work on the smaller things, and be more patient. And when I have injuries, smoking puts my mind in a good place to heal the right spots and get better.
Wiz Khalifa's Priorities
You're a father, businessman, son, and musician. Rank those four in terms of importance to you and your life? Father first. Everything else can go wherever it wants.
My biggest inspirations are my dad, my son, and myself.
Wiz Khalifa is an example of how dedication to fitness and martial arts can impact one's life positively.
YOKKAO x Khalifa Kush Collection.