Standing just 5’11” with a 71-inch reach, Mike Tyson might have seemed at a disadvantage against much taller and longer-reached opponents like Mitch Green and Donovan Ruddock. However, rather than being discouraged, Tyson used this as motivation. He refined his skills and overcame physical limitations. His journey to becoming one of the most feared heavyweights in boxing history began at Cus D’Amato‘s legendary Catskills Gym. His boxing technique was a key component of his success. But it was only half the story.

The other half was Tyson’s unmatched physical conditioning. Over the years, he honed his fitness to an extraordinary level. He became a powerful, ripped, and muscular force in the ring. His imposing physique alone was enough to intimidate even the toughest fighters. One particularly striking feature of Tyson’s body was his neck, which became a vital tool in his fighting style and durability. A strong neck allowed him to absorb some of the heaviest punches, helping him survive brutal fights and secure victory. This often-overlooked aspect of Tyson’s training recently came into focus during Mark Zuckerberg‘s conversation with Joe Rogan.

Mark Zuckerberg, Jiu-Jitsu, and the Importance of a Strong Neck

The CEO of Meta appeared on a recent episode of ‘The Joe Rogan Experience.’ During their conversation, the two discussed various aspects of health and fitness. Joe Rogan praised Zuckerberg’s visible physical transformation and attributed it to his commitment to Jiu-Jitsu training.

“You got into Jiu-Jitsu because that had an effect on you. You look different. When you walked in here today, you looked thicker. You look like a different guy…You look like a Jiu-Jitsu guy now. It’s funny; I saw your neck. I’m like, His neck’s bigger; your neck is bigger,” said Joe Rogan. He expressed curiosity about whether Mark Zuckerberg had been using the ‘iron neck’ technique.

Zuckerberg confirmed that he had incorporated it into his training. He is running a company and is in a responsible position. Hence he has to take care of his health and avoid any long-term damage. So, besides having good training partners, he prioritizes strengthening techniques, such as the ‘iron neck,’ as a safety measure and for longevity in training.

Rogan emphasized the critical role of a strong neck in martial arts. In Jiu-Jitsu, the neck acts as a ‘weapon,’ essential for techniques like head-and-arm chokes and for defense and stability. For striking, however, Rogan pointed to Mike Tyson as the ultimate example. “In his prime he had a f**king 20-inch neck,” said the JRE host, prompting Zuckerberg to add, “It’s crazy; his neck is like bigger than his face.”

Rogan then recalled an iconic photo of a prime Tyson in a suit. He marveled at how Tyson’s neck appeared. Starting right below his ears, it extended straight down, creating a tank-like appearance.

The Science Behind Mike Tyson’s Neck Training

A cornerstone of Tyson’s neck training was the neck bridge exercise. Lying on his back, he would use his neck muscles to lift and move his body in a controlled motion, repeating the movement to build strength and endurance. The purpose was straightforward: to prevent the whiplash effect caused by punches. For fighters without proper neck conditioning, such impacts could lead to knockout losses or, worse, severe injuries.

By building a powerful neck, Tyson could absorb devastating punches without losing balance or focus, giving him a critical edge in the ring. This training technique remains a key example of how even the smallest details in an athlete’s preparation can lead to legendary performance.

Do you incorporate neck training into your fitness routine? Whether you’re into boxing, Jiu-Jitsu, or general fitness, strengthening your neck can play a vital role in improving your overall stability and resilience. Share your thoughts and experiences with us!