In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan (BJJ Mental Models) is joined by Tim Lee Peterson for a candid conversation about the UFC’s growing alignment with far-right politics. They discuss how combat sports are being used as a cultural vehicle for political extremism, including the visible support of authoritarian figures and the platforming of openly fascist athletes.

The discussion explores how these developments impact the broader martial arts community, the role of disinformation, and the danger of normalizing political violence and exclusionary ideologies in a sport that should be about inclusion, discipline, and mutual respect.

🎙️ Follow Steve: @bjjmentalmodels on Instagram and Threads
🎙️ Follow Tim: @timothyleepeterson on Instagram and Threads

The word fascism gets thrown around a lot, but words have meanings and fascism does not mean “ all the things that I don’t like”. in this video, I go through the 10 pillars of fascism as laid out by Jason Stanley in his book, How Fascism Works.

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan (BJJ Mental Models), Jesse Walker (Rough Hands BJJ), and Mike Mahaffey (Magic BJJ) discuss the backlash to a recent viral post about Jiu-Jitsu’s historical links to fascism, and how that history continues to shape the culture of the sport today.

They also talk about Joe Rogan’s evolving role in martial arts media, the influence of the manosphere, and the challenges of having honest conversations in a polarized environment.

Topics include:
– Why critiques of Jiu-Jitsu history often feel personal
– Whether and how to separate the art from its founders
– Joe Rogan’s influence and responsibility as a media figure
– The impact of social media, tribalism, and identity
– The manosphere’s reach into martial arts culture
– What it might take to build a more open and inclusive community

#BJJ #JoeRogan #JiuJitsu #Manosphere #MartialArts #FightingMatters #BJJPodcast

Is Jiu-Jitsu just about choking people—or can it actually make the world better?

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan (BJJ Mental Models), Jeff Shaw (Bellingham BJJ), Jesse Walker (Rough Hands BJJ), and Mike Mahaffey (Old Bastard BJJ) dive into how martial artists are stepping up to support their communities during turbulent times. From running charity seminars for LGBTQ+ and immigrant groups, to facing political backlash and online trolls, the crew lays it all out—with jokes, passion, and a bit of Moon Knight cosplay.

🌀 What does “conservatism” mean on the mats?
🔥 What happens when martial artists use their platforms to fight for more than just submissions?
🤝 How can YOU make a difference in your gym, even if you’re “just” a white belt?

Drop a comment with your own stories or ideas. Let’s build something better—together.

#BJJCommunity #FightingMatters #JiuJitsuForGood #MartialArtsPodcast #SteveKwan #JeffShaw #JesseWalker #MikeMahaffey #BJJFundraisers #TransRights #ImmigrantSupport #BJJMentalModels #BJJPodcast

Stephan Kesting, Mike Mahaffey, Jeff Shaw, and Jesse Walker have an unfiltered, deeply personal conversation about the growing political divide in the combat sports world.

They discuss recent developments with Conor McGregor, Dana White, Andrew Tate, and Cain Velasquez, and the reaction of the MMA community to those events.  They also address how hero fantasies can have negative and unintended consequences, how children of all nationalities should be protected, and how real change requires genuine commitment and action from individuals.

👉 Like, share, and subscribe if you want to see more honest conversations like this.

📌 Featuring:
 • Stephan Kesting (Grapplearts)
 • Mike Mahaffey (Old Bastard BJJ)
 • Jeff Shaw (Bellingham BJJ)
 • Jesse Walker (Rough Hands BJJ)

#BJJ #Politics #JiuJitsu #MMA #MartialArts #Fascism #ProgressiveJiuJitsu #CombatSports #BJJMentalModels

In this special roundtable episode, Stephan Kesting, Steve Kwan, Jeff Shaw, and Jesse Walker for an unfiltered, deeply personal conversation about the growing political divide in the combat sports world.

They tackle tough questions:
 • Why has far-right ideology gained traction in Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, and pro wrestling?
 • Is it really possible—or responsible—to “keep politics out of the gym”?
 • How do we support vulnerable communities and still create welcoming, inclusive spaces on the mats?
 • What does it actually mean to be a responsible coach, gym owner, or practitioner in 2025?

This isn’t just a political rant—it’s a call to action for those who still believe martial arts can be a force for good.

👉 Like, share, and subscribe if you want to see more honest conversations like this.

📌 Featuring:
 • Stephan Kesting (Grapplearts)
 • Steve Kwan (BJJ Mental Models)
 • Jeff Shaw (Bellingham BJJ)
 • Jesse Walker (Rough Hands BJJ)

#BJJ #Politics #JiuJitsu #MMA #MartialArts #Fascism #ProgressiveJiuJitsu #CombatSports #BJJMentalModels

Why do so many women quit Jiu-Jitsu—and what can we do to fix it?

In this candid and eye-opening episode, Fighting Matters sits down with Shelby York of Rough Hands BJJ to talk about the real reasons women leave the sport. From casual misogyny to unsafe training environments, Shelby shares the often overlooked struggles women face in martial arts—and what coaches, training partners, and gym owners can actually do to make things better.

Also featuring hosts Steve Kwan, Jesse Walker, and Mike Mahaffey.

✅ Topics include:
 • The subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways women are pushed out
 • Why some gyms feel unsafe—and how to fix that
 • How to build a culture where women want to train
 • The difference between intimacy and sexualization on the mats
 • Shelby’s own stories of navigating the martial arts world as a coach

👉 Whether you run a gym or just want to be a better training partner, this conversation is a must-listen.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions
02:23 Women in Martial Arts: Experiences and Challenges
07:07 Shelby's Martial Arts Background and Perspectives
10:29 The Misogyny Problem in Martial Arts
16:13 Navigating Gender Dynamics in the Gym
24:41 Addressing Subtle Forms of Misogyny
26:09 Understanding Victim Blame in Self-Defense
27:16 The Role of Physical Attributes in Martial Arts
28:11 Gaslighting in Martial Arts Training
30:14 Communication Styles in Self-Defense Training
32:19 Addressing Sexual Assault in Self-Defense
35:07 The Importance of Women's Voices in Martial Arts
36:45 Recognizing Trusted Aggressors
39:14 The Reality of Self-Defense Situations
40:21 Empowering Women to Speak Up
42:26 Navigating Male Receptivity in Conversations
47:45 Creating a Safe Training Environment
53:02 Challenging Gender Stereotypes in Sports
55:04 Navigating Gender Dynamics in Training
57:53 Empowerment and Consent in Martial Arts
01:00:14 Creating Safe Spaces in Jiu-Jitsu
01:03:01 Building an Inclusive Gym Culture
01:10:10 The Importance of Genuine Interactions

#jiujitsu #bjj #womensbjj #martialarts #selfdefense #grapplingculture #fightingmatters

🎙️ A candid roundtable on tariffs, economic disruption, and the fight to preserve Jiu-Jitsu communities during hard times.

In this episode of Fighting Matters, co-hosts Steve Kwan, Jesse Walker, and Jeff Shaw take a hard look at how Trump’s tariff policies and looming economic challenges are threatening Jiu-Jitsu gyms across North America. Drawing from their experiences as gym owners, content creators, and lifelong martial artists, they explore how Jiu-Jitsu businesses can survive—and even thrive—through solidarity, long-term thinking, and real community-building.

This conversation isn’t about partisan politics. It’s about practical survival strategies for the martial arts world—and why now, more than ever, community must come first.

⸻

👥 Featuring:

Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬
Jesse Walker ‪@roughhandsbjj‬
Jeff Shaw ‪@bellinghambjj‬

⸻

🧠 Topics We Cover:

• How tariffs and border restrictions threaten Jiu-Jitsu gyms
• Why wealth concentration hurts martial arts communities
• How to recession-proof your academy today
• The hidden risks of economic downturns for small businesses
• Why Jiu-Jitsu must become more than just a sport
• How generosity, community, and loyalty can save your gym
• Practical ways to support students and staff through hardship

⸻

📖 Chapters:

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and WrestleMania Discussion
05:06 Impact of Current Events on Jiu-Jitsu Businesses
09:56 Challenges Faced by Gym Owners
15:08 Community Building and Brand Loyalty
20:03 Economic Insights and Strategies for Survival
25:01 Opportunities in Crisis
30:04 Concluding Thoughts on Wealth and Responsibility
41:42 Navigating Economic Challenges in Jiu Jitsu
48:24 Building Community Through Jiu Jitsu
57:45 Long-Term Thinking in Business
01:03:19 Supporting Local Businesses Over Corporations
01:04:11 Addressing Misogyny in Jiu Jitsu

⸻

💬 Notable Quotes:

“You don’t save a gym by cutting your people.” – Jeff
“Generosity is the strongest brand you can build.” – Steve
“Investing in your community pays bigger dividends than saving pennies.” – Jesse

⸻

🎯 For Listeners Who:

• Own or manage a martial arts gym
• Want to protect their community from economic shocks
• Believe small businesses are worth fighting for
• Are looking for real-world survival strategies for martial arts
• Value leadership, loyalty, and resilience over short-term profits

⸻

💬 Your thoughts matter—join the conversation in the comments below.

🎧 Subscribe to Fighting Matters for open, honest dialogue on martial arts, community, and survival in a changing world.

#JiuJitsu #MartialArts #Tariffs #Recession #BJJCommunity #FightingMatters #SmallBusiness #CommunityBuilding #BJJPodcast #TrumpTariffs #MartialArtsTalk

🎙️ A candid roundtable on tribalism, culture wars, and the struggle to preserve community in Jiu-Jitsu and beyond.

In this episode of Fighting Matters, co-hosts Steve Kwan, Mike Mahaffey, Jesse Walker, and Timothy Lee Peterson take a hard look at how identity politics and ideological polarization are affecting the martial arts world. Drawing from their own experiences as coaches, practitioners, and community leaders, they explore how social division is creeping onto the mats—and how we can push back with empathy, respect, and clarity.

⸻

👥 Featuring:

Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬
Mike Mahaffey ‪@OldBastardBJJ‬
Jesse Walker ‪@roughhandsbjj‬
Timothy Lee Peterson ‪@timothyleepeterson‬

⸻

🧠 Topics We Cover:

• Why identity has become central to modern conflict
• How online behavior and purity tests are dividing gyms
• The difference between ignorance and harm
• How to handle mistakes without driving people away
• Why modeling values is more powerful than policing language
• Creating psychologically safe spaces for real learning and growth
• How martial arts can teach us to communicate across ideological lines

⸻

📖 Chapters:

00:00 Exploring Identity in Political Discourse
05:53 The Impact of Tribalism on Communication
11:00 Navigating Conversations with Empathy
17:36 The Role of Language in Identity
22:26 Building Bridges Through Understanding
36:35 Navigating Identity and Respect
39:16 Mistakes and Forgiveness in Communication
40:37 Bridging Divides Through Understanding
42:36 The Importance of Interests Over Positions
46:00 Creating a Culture of Tolerance for Mistakes
50:18 Psychological Safety in Conversations
54:10 Modeling Behavior for Change
01:00:15 The Power of Language in Understanding
01:04:06 Asking the Right Questions to Understand Perspectives

🎙️ A deep dive into how Trump’s anti-Canada rhetoric flipped the Canadian election—and what it means for martial artists on both sides of the border.

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan is joined by longtime friend and grappling legend Stephan Kesting for a raw, unfiltered conversation about Canada’s 2025 federal election. They unpack how the rise of MAGA-style politics north of the border sparked a national backlash, ultimately reshaping Canadian leadership—and exposing fractures in the martial arts world.

⸻

👥 Featuring:

Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬
Stephan Kesting ‪@StephanKesting‬

⸻

🧠 Topics We Cover:

• Why Trump’s threats to Canada changed the outcome of the election
• The rise—and rejection—of MAGA politics in Canadian culture
• How COVID and the Freedom Convoy broke the Jiu-Jitsu community
• What American martial artists need to understand about their influence abroad
• Whether Canada can still trust its southern neighbor

⸻

📖 Chapters:

00:00 Canadian Elections and Political Landscape
09:08 Trudeau's Downfall and the Rise of Mark Carney
17:58 The Freedom Convoy and Its Impact on Society
32:58 The Division in the Martial Arts Community
35:12 The Impact of Information Bubbles
39:32 Reality Check: The Pandemic's Influence
43:15 Political Dynamics in Canada
50:05 The Future of Canadian Politics
57:25 Cross-Border Relations and Travel Concerns
01:02:09 Understanding Perspectives: The Info Bubble Challenge

Nate Quarry fought in MMA, including The Ultimate Fighter and the UFC, between 2001 and 2010.  He's currently involved in suing the UFC for anticompetitive and monopolistic practices.  He joins us on the Fighting Matters podcast to discuss manhood, responsibility, self worth, and standing up for other people.

🎙️ A powerful conversation about identity, inclusion, and resilience in the martial arts community.

In this episode of Fighting Matters, co-hosts Steve Kwan and Mike Mahaffey are joined by special guest Molly Reis, a three-stripe black belt and one of the most senior trans women in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Molly shares her journey through the sport, from competing every weekend in Texas to finding belonging in Seattle’s queer BJJ scene. She opens up about the challenges of transitioning mid-career, navigating concern trolling, and why visibility in leadership is key to true inclusion.

⸻

👥 Featuring:

Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬
Mike Mahaffey ‪@OldBastardBJJ‬
Molly Reis

⸻

🧠 Topics We Cover:

• What it’s like to transition after earning your black belt
• How hormone therapy impacts physical performance
• Creating safer spaces and inclusive gyms for queer athletes
• Concern trolling, etiquette, and rolling while trans
• Why allyship in BJJ must go beyond tolerance

⸻

📖 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Diversity in Jiu-Jitsu
03:01 Molly's Journey in Jiu-Jitsu and Transition
06:02 Experiences of Support and Rejection
09:19 Navigating the Jiu-Jitsu Community as a Trans Woman
11:59 The Impact of Transition on Jiu-Jitsu
14:52 Understanding Hormone Therapy and Its Effects
18:17 Life Changes Post-Transition
21:04 Adapting Jiu-Jitsu Techniques After Transition
23:56 Creating Inclusive Spaces in Jiu-Jitsu
26:59 The Role of Community in Supporting Trans Athletes
30:11 Conclusion and Future Perspectives
45:40 Mindset and Gender Dynamics in Jiu-Jitsu
47:02 Creating Inclusive Spaces in Martial Arts
47:52 The Power of Representation in Leadership
49:27 Celebration vs. Tolerance in the Community
51:08 Navigating Political Sensitivities in Jiu-Jitsu
52:11 The Role of Allies in Supporting Trans Rights
56:26 Understanding Concern Trolling
01:01:11 Debunking Myths About Trans Athletes
01:05:31 Engaging in Good Faith Conversations
01:10:58 The Hypocrisy of Gender Politics in Sports
01:18:45 Encouragement for Trans and Queer Athletes
01:19:49 Finding Community and Resources in Jiu-Jitsu

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan, Jesse Walker, and Shelby York react to the breaking news that B-Team Jiu-Jitsu has officially banned Jay Rod. The team discusses the statements made by both B-Team and Jay Rod and the implications for gym culture.

⸻

👥 Featuring:

Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬
Jesse Walker ‪@roughhandsbjj‬
Shelby York @roughhandsog

⸻

🧠 Topics We Cover:

• What B-Team’s statement actually said
• How Jay Rod responded and what it reveals
• Why Craig Jones’s reaction surprised us
• The importance of protecting victims
• What other gyms should learn from this
• The broader problem of abuse in Jiu-Jitsu

🎙️ The UFC has become more than a fight promotion—it’s a political statement.

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Jeff Shaw, Stephan Kesting, and Steve Kwan sit down with journalist Albert Samaha to unpack his explosive Washington Post article, “Two Nights in Vegas with the Fan-Bros of the UFC.” What begins as a story about fandom becomes a deep dive into the cultural and political forces shaping fight sports today.

From MAGA hat sightings to Dana White’s unwavering support for Trump, the crew explores how the UFC became a haven for right-wing ideology—and what that means for the young men growing up in its orbit.

This conversation isn’t about partisan politics. It’s about understanding how power, masculinity, and media converge in the cage—and what kind of future we’re fighting for.

⸻

👥 Featuring:

Albert Samaha – Journalist & Author
Jeff Shaw ‪@BellinghamBJJ‬
Stephan Kesting ‪@StephanKesting‬
Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬

⸻

🧠 Topics We Cover:

• Why the UFC embraced Trumpism
• The blurred lines between sport, spectacle, and propaganda
• How fight sports influence young men’s identities
• The grifter economy and “hustle culture” in MMA
• What responsibility promoters have in shaping culture

⸻

📖 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Conversation
02:55 The Intersection of Sports and Politics
06:17 Understanding the UFC Fanbase
09:14 The Role of Authenticity in Politics
12:04 Masculinity and the Appeal of Simplicity
14:56 The Complexity of Political Messaging
17:54 The Andrew Tate Phenomenon
21:07 Human Stories in Fight Sports
24:12 The UFC's Political Landscape
27:13 Conclusion and Reflections on the Future
33:25 UFC's Controversial Support for Problematic Figures
36:08 The Shift in UFC's Image and Strategy
40:21 The Wrestling Influence on UFC's Marketing
44:36 Free Speech and the UFC's Ethical Dilemmas
47:13 Economic Class and Masculinity in the UFC
01:01:47 Navigating Modern Masculinity and Influencer Culture

🎙️ Jay Rod was removed from B-Team. The community response was just as revealing as the offense.

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan, Jesse Walker, and Jeff Shaw dissect the fallout from the Jiu-Jitsu world after Jacob “Jay Rod” Rodriguez was kicked out of B-Team following revelations of inappropriate behavior. While the gym acted swiftly and decisively, parts of the community rushed to defend him—and that’s where the real conversation begins.

This isn’t about legal definitions or criminal charges. It’s about what kind of culture we’re building on the mats—and why so many in Jiu-Jitsu still treat predatory behavior with a shrug, if not outright support.

The team breaks down the incident, the excuses, and what it says about power, values, and safety in martial arts spaces.

⸻

👥 Featuring:

Jeff Shaw ‪@BellinghamBJJ‬
Jesse Walker ‪@RoughHandsBJJ‬
Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬

⸻

🧠 Topics We Cover:

• Why B-Team made the right call
• The myth of “he didn’t break the law”
• How power dynamics warp gym culture
• Why community pushback matters more than you think
• The real cost of prioritizing athletes over safety

⸻

📖 Chapters:

00:00 Community Reaction to Jay Rod's Removal
02:48 Understanding Inappropriate Conduct in Jiu-Jitsu
06:07 The Impact of Power Dynamics in Gyms
08:55 Moral Standards vs. Legal Standards
11:42 Consequences and Redemption in the Jiu-Jitsu Community
14:50 The Path Forward for Jay Rod

Historian Daniele Bolelli joins us to define fascism and authoritarianism, break down the historical context of fascism, and explain the alliance between oligarchs and fascist governments, the role of fear and propaganda, and the potential role of martial arts in combatting authoritarianism.  

Catch Daniele's excellent History on Fire podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts or check out his site: https://historyonfirepodcast.com/

Follow him on Substack: https://danielebolelli.substack.com/

And check out his book, On the Warrior's Path: https://www.amazon.com/Warriors-Path-Second-Philosophy-Mythology/dp/158394219X

Jesse Walker, Jeff Shaw, and Steve Kwan are joined by longtime martial artist, educator, and activist D’Juan Owens. Together, they examine how self-defense training often overlooks the realities of abuse, how martial arts culture can enable victim blaming, and what it really means to create a safe, accountable training environment.

⸻

👥 Featuring:
 • D’Juan Owens – Martial artist, educator, activist
 • Jesse Walker – @RoughHandsBJJ
 • Jeff Shaw ‪@BellinghamBJJ‬
 • Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬

⸻

🧠 Topics We Cover:

• Why most self-defense seminars miss the mark
• The myth of the stranger in the alley
• How martial arts culture can enable abuse
• The importance of teaching consent and boundaries
• What it means to build a safer gym culture

⸻

📖 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to D’Juan Owens and His Work
00:50 The Journey into Gender-Based Violence Advocacy
09:22 Teaching Self-Defense and Positive Masculinity
11:00 Understanding Privilege and Victim Blaming
13:06 The Complexity of Privilege and Systemic Issues
18:37 Understanding Privilege and Responsibility
21:20 The Psychology of Self-Defense
22:14 Misconceptions in Self-Defense Training
23:25 The Reality of Assaults
26:56 Accountability and Cultural Norms
28:25 The Fallacy of Both Sides
30:11 Moral Cowardice in Jiu-Jitsu
34:07 The Role of Messengers in Self-Defense
37:04 Setting Boundaries and Consent
42:21 The Importance of Power and Responsibility
48:35 Understanding Risk and Personality in Young Adults
49:32 The Importance of Mixed Gender Seminars
51:20 Creating a Toolkit for Situational Awareness
53:13 The Role of Consent in Self-Defense Training
58:27 Navigating Consent and Communication in Martial Arts
01:01:58 Challenging Toxic Masculinity in Martial Arts
01:09:00 Addressing Misconceptions About Women in Jiu Jitsu
01:13:17 Cultural Sensitivity in Self-Defense Training

Luke Thomas just appeared on The Daily Show with Jordan Klepper to talk about how the UFC has become a tool of radicalisation for the MAGA movement, so we invited him onto Fighting Matters to dig a little deeper. You can watch the original segment on Jordan Klepper Fingers the Pulse: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePbMNq8m7Jw

Follow Luke Thomas on his Morning Kombat show here: https://www.youtube.com/c/MorningKombat

And check out Luke's Substack here: https://lthomas.substack.com/

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan and Stephan Kesting are joined by scientist and author Kristi Charish to investigate how Jiu-Jitsu became a hotbed for pseudoscience, supplement scams, and influencer grifts.

We explore how a culture of male insecurity and anti-intellectualism has opened the floodgates to misinformation—fueled by algorithm-chasing gurus and podcast personalities more interested in profit than truth. From testosterone fads and supplement sponsors to sunning your testicles (yes, really), we unpack the deep societal forces that make grapplers uniquely vulnerable to snake oil.

If you’ve ever been told that breathing through one nostril will double your growth hormone, this episode is for you.

⸻

👥 Featuring:

Kristi Charish – Scientist & Novelist
Stephan Kesting ‪@StephanKesting‬
Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬

⸻

🧠 Topics We Cover:

• Why Jiu-Jitsu is especially vulnerable to pseudoscience
• The myth of the supplement “quick fix”
• How science actually works (and why grifters hate it)
• Why confidence sells better than expertise
• The parasocial trap of podcast influencers
• What “adaptogens” actually mean (hint: nothing)

⸻

📖 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:06 Kristi's Science Background and Transition to Fiction
04:25 The Challenge of Science Misinformation
10:03 The Role of Influencers in Misinformation
16:02 Regulation of Supplements vs. Prescription Drugs
24:03 Understanding Scientific Research and Publication
38:32 The Nature of Expertise and Certainty in Science
46:54 The Risks of Superfoods and Supplements
48:46 Trust in Science and Misinformation
50:19 The Dangers of Distrust in Institutions
53:13 The Impact of Influencers on Health Perception
01:02:47 Misinformation Targeting Young Men
01:09:44 The Dangers of Male Beauty Standards
01:19:27 Improving Science Literacy in Society

We're doing this episode in light of Ben Askren's battle with MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan from BJJ Mental Models sits down with Jeff Shaw of Bellingham BJJ and Dr. Clayton Green, a board-certified dermatologist and microbiologist, to dig into one of the scariest health threats in combat sports: MRSA.

Why are otherwise healthy grapplers winding up hospitalized with life-threatening infections? Why does doing “everything right” still not guarantee safety? And what can we learn from modern medicine to actually prevent this from happening?

With pro athletes like Ben Askren and John Moxley getting sidelined by staph—and regular gym-goers like Jeff fighting it off with IV antibiotics—this conversation goes beyond hygiene to tackle culture, misinformation, and the war between science and bro science.

⸻

👥 Featuring:

Dr. Clayton Green – Dermatologist & Microbiologist
Jeff Shaw ‪@BellinghamBJJ‬
Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬

⸻

🧠 Topics We Cover:

• How MRSA actually works (and why it’s deadly)
• Why your gym might still be dangerous, even if it’s clean
• The science behind colonization and contamination
• Best practices for prevention and decolonization
• Why “doing your own research” is making you sick
• What science communicators can learn from pro wrestling

⸻

📖 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Staph Infections in Combat Sports
02:44 Understanding Staph and MRSA: The Basics
05:33 The Ecology of Staph: Colonization and Transmission
08:30 Identifying Staph Infections in Gyms
11:17 Best Practices for Prevention and Hygiene
13:56 Antibiotics and Treatment: What You Need to Know
16:37 Decolonization: Challenges and Strategies
19:28 Prophylactic Antibiotics: Risks and Considerations
22:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
25:39 The Importance of Advocacy in Medicine
28:12 Understanding Staph Infections and Their Risks
37:15 Probiotics and Antibiotics: What You Need to Know
44:20 Communicating Science Effectively to Combat Misinformation
51:51 The Goalkeeper Syndrome in Society
53:09 The Impact of Denialism on Health
54:25 The Importance of Vaccination and Public Health
56:57 The Role of Emotion in Persuasion
58:25 Urgent Care and Access to Healthcare
01:03:14 The Privilege of Health and Misinformation
01:06:48 The Challenges of Chronic Illness and Research
01:10:35 Community Outreach and the Medical Profession

Neo-Nazis are infiltrating Jiu-Jitsu—and most of us don’t even know it’s happening.

In this episode of Fighting Matters, we’re joined by investigative journalist Mack Lamoureux to expose the rise of “active clubs”: decentralized extremist groups using martial arts like Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai as recruiting tools for white supremacist and neo-Nazi causes.

Mack spent nearly a decade reporting on far-right extremism for VICE News and now works with the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, tracking extremist movements around the world. He explains how these groups organize in secret, how they weaponize the power of community, and how they’re already competing in tournaments and running covert training groups in cities across North America.

This conversation is a wake-up call for anyone who thinks Jiu-Jitsu is immune to radicalization—and a roadmap for how we push back.

⸻

👥 Featuring:

Mack Lamoureux – Investigative Journalist
Jesse Walker ‪@RoughHandsBJJ‬
Mike Mahaffey ‪@OldBastardBJJ‬
Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬

⸻

🧠 Topics We Cover:

• What are active clubs—and how do they recruit?
• How extremist groups use martial arts to radicalize
• Why community is both a powerful tool and a dangerous weapon
• The terrifying overlap between fight culture and fascism
• What coaches and gym owners can do to fight back

⸻

📖 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Conversation
01:28 Understanding Active Clubs
05:11 Recruitment Tactics of Active Clubs
08:33 Training for a Race War
10:50 The Nature of Active Clubs
13:31 Community and Cult-like Tactics
15:29 Evolution of Active Clubs
20:41 Decentralized Structure and Terrorism
23:08 Identifying Active Clubs
26:27 The Power of Community Influence
31:14 Normalization of Extremism in Jiu-Jitsu
33:20 The Ethical Decline in Society
35:43 Understanding the Overton Window
41:13 The Role of Community in Combatting Extremism
49:46 Mental Health and Coping with Dark Subjects
54:48 The Power of Local Influence

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan from BJJ Mental Models is joined by Jesse Walker of Rough Hands BJJ, Mike Mahaffey of Old Bastard BJJ, and mental health advocate David Figueroa-Martinez to challenge the outdated definitions of masculinity still thriving in the Jiu-Jitsu world.

Why are men in Jiu-Jitsu still afraid to talk about emotion?
What’s the cost of performative toughness on and off the mats?
And how can coaches reshape gym culture to support real growth—for everyone?

This isn’t about making BJJ "softer." It’s about making it stronger, by fostering vulnerability, empathy, and honesty in an often hypermasculine sport.

⸻

👥 Featuring:

• Jesse Walker ‪@RoughHandsBJJ‬
• Mike Mahaffey ‪@OldBastardBJJ‬
• David Figueroa-Martinez ‪@dfm.2099‬
• Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬

⸻

🧠 Topics We Cover:

• Why emotional repression hurts male athletes
• The damage done by “fake toughness” in Jiu-Jitsu
• Why coaching is about more than just technique
• How to build mentally healthy gym culture
• The double standard for male vs female emotion
• Why acknowledging weakness is a sign of strength

⸻

📖 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
02:58 Exploring Men's Mental Health
05:59 Emotional Intelligence in Men
08:49 Generational Perspectives on Emotions
11:53 The Impact of Media on Masculinity
14:44 The Role of Vulnerability in Leadership
17:35 Navigating Grief and Loss
20:29 The Dichotomy of Progress and Pushback
23:30 The Importance of Authenticity in Coaching
37:28 The Performative Coach
38:55 Vulnerability in Coaching
39:25 The Evolving Stigma of Mental Health
40:39 Public Figures and Mental Health
41:38 Emotional Vulnerability in Leadership
43:41 Relatability in Leadership
45:30 The Mask of Professionalism
47:47 The Role of Jiu-Jitsu in Mental Health
49:03 Emotional Intelligence and Anger
51:15 The Dangers of Anger
53:21 Generational Challenges
56:35 Cultural Backlash and Representation
58:03 The Impact of Social Media
01:00:55 Cyberbullying and Youth Challenges
01:03:41 The Role of Jiu-Jitsu Coaches
01:05:17 Authenticity in Coaching
01:07:22 The True Essence of Coaching
01:09:15 Redefining Success in Coaching
01:11:01 Closing Thoughts on Authenticity

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan from BJJ Mental Models sits down with Mike Mahaffey of Old Bastard BJJ and Jesse Walker of Rough Hands BJJ for a raw conversation about why it matters—now more than ever—for Jiu-Jitsu practitioners to speak out.

Why do so many people say “keep politics out of the gym”? What does it really mean to use your platform responsibly? And how can community, not conflict, be the most powerful form of resistance?

From running inclusive gyms to dealing with trolls, threats, and the myth of “virtue signaling,” this episode is a call to action for anyone who believes that Jiu-Jitsu should stand for something more than just fighting.

⸻

👥 Featuring:

Mike Mahaffey – ‪@oldbastardbjj‬
Jesse Walker – ‪@roughhandsbjj‬
Steve Kwan – ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬

⸻

🧠 Topics We Cover:

• Why speaking out doesn’t hurt your business—sometimes it builds it
• How to use privilege as a force for good
• What “virtue signaling” really means (and why it’s a lazy critique)
• How to build a gym that welcomes everyone
• Why moderating your community isn’t censorship—it’s care
• What to do if you’re “just a white belt” but still want to help

⸻

📖 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Fighting Matters and the Hosts
01:02 Addressing Criticism in Martial Arts Advocacy
05:07 Personal Experiences and Advocacy in BJJ
11:06 Creating Inclusive Spaces in Martial Arts
15:39 The Impact of Speaking Up on Business and Community
20:47 Countering Virtue Signaling Criticism
26:32 The Importance of Resistance and Community Building
32:48 Finding Your Voice in the Community
38:14 The Importance of Intention
52:02 Courage to Speak Up
56:24 Building Connections and Community

Stephan, Jesse, and Shelby are joined by Eva Schubert from the popular Villains and Virgins Podcast to discuss tactics used by all authoritarian states regardless of whether they are theocratic, fascist, or communist in nature.  They examine Margaret Atwood's 'The Handmaid's Tale' in the context of today's political climate and address the need for protests and collective action in combating these issues while emphasising the need for empathy and humanity in the face of adversity.

Check out Eva's podcast at https://www.villainsandvirgins.com and on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnOZJsYzx1k&list=PLteESDDVIavTfrljkgjFpLlrlCuC3I2dV

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan from BJJ Mental Models is joined by Stephan Kesting (Grapplearts), Jesse Walker (Rough Hands BJJ), and the incomparable Giles Garcia (Ronin Grappling) for a raw, unscripted deep dive into the political and cultural fault lines running through the Jiu-Jitsu world.

From media manipulation to fascist creep in martial arts, Giles brings the fire with unfiltered commentary on how the right hijacked the narrative, why conspiracies thrive in the fight scene, and what it really means to stand for something as a coach and leader.

If you’ve ever wondered why “just stick to Jiu-Jitsu” is a cop-out, or what role you play in the bigger fight, this one’s for you.

⸻

👥 Featuring:

Giles Garcia – Ronin Grappling
Stephan Kesting – Grapplearts
Jesse Walker – Rough Hands BJJ
Steve Kwan – BJJ Mental Models

⸻

🧠 Topics We Cover:

• The rise of fascism in martial arts culture
• Why conspiracy theories thrive in Jiu-Jitsu
• Media consolidation and fake neutrality
• How coaches can lead without preaching
• Culture war vs. class war in BJJ
• Giles responds to Nazi commenters (for real)
• What real leadership looks like in hard times

⸻

📖 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions
02:50 The Role of Martial Arts in Society
05:36 Personal Stories and Experiences with Organizations
08:43 Global Perspectives on Societal Threats
11:51 Media Control and Government Overreach
14:41 The Illusion of Left and Right Politics
17:54 Conspiracies and Their Impact on Society
20:24 The Influence of Popular Media Figures
23:11 The Fight Community and Its Dynamics
26:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
36:00 The Rise of New Media and Its Impact
39:02 The Challenge of Truth in Media
42:10 Understanding the Left's Struggles
47:01 The Need for a Political Reset
48:49 Addressing Real Concerns in Society
52:53 Navigating Power Dynamics in Coaching
58:40 The Importance of Safe Spaces in Training
01:01:45 Responding to Controversial Comments

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan from BJJ Mental Models is joined by Jesse Walker of Rough Hands BJJ and attorney/mediator Andrew Burcham for a deep dive into the legal minefield of free speech, particularly how it intersects with combat sports culture and the internet.

What does the First Amendment actually protect? Can private companies limit your speech? Why do so many fighters and fans misunderstand their rights, and what happens when “free speech” is weaponized to shield bigotry?

From Dana White to Gordon Ryan, from hate speech to stochastic terrorism, this episode explores how legal frameworks shape behavior online and on the mats—plus what it means for those navigating both the Jiu-Jitsu community and public discourse today.

⸻

👥 Featuring:

Andrew Burcham – Attorney & Mediator
Jesse Walker ‪@RoughHandsBJJ‬
Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬

⸻

🧠 Topics We Cover:

• What the First Amendment actually says
• Why free speech doesn’t mean freedom from consequences
• The legality of hate speech in the U.S. vs. Canada
• Stochastic terrorism, incitement, and internet mobbing
• Citizens United and how money became “speech”
• How lawfare, venue shopping, and religious freedom collide
• What Jiu-Jitsu can learn from better civic literacy

⸻

📖 Chapters:

00:00 – Intro: Meet Andrew Burcham, attorney & Jiu-Jitsu practitioner
01:15 – Free speech in the U.S. vs. Canada
03:55 – Bryce Mitchell, Dana White, and the misuse of “free speech”
06:24 – What the First Amendment really protects
10:00 – The cake maker case: religion vs. discrimination
14:41 – How venue shopping influences legal outcomes
17:23 – U.S. vs. EU: why American law varies state to state
20:08 – The illusion of blind justice and stacking the courts
25:14 – Social media, incitement, and Brandenburg v. Ohio
29:59 – Internet mobs: the Gordon Ryan effect
32:18 – Stochastic terrorism and platform accountability
35:07 – Hate speech laws in Canada vs. the U.S.
39:37 – Can employers fire you for what you say online?
42:00 – Protected classes colliding: religion vs. gender identity
46:16 – Weaponizing religion in legal challenges
51:18 – Citizens United: when corporations got free speech
55:25 – Buying political power: Elon Musk, TrumpCoin & ROI
58:45 – Cuts to Medicaid: real-world consequences in rural America
01:02:33 – Why Americans misunderstand free speech
01:06:34 – The myth of “free speech absolutism”
01:09:13 – Why some grapplers can’t speak out
01:10:36 – Final thoughts: Be kind, question power, fight for truth

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Stephan Kesting of Grapplearts and Jeff Shaw of Bellingham BJJ sit down with clinical psychologist, author, and BJJ black belt Dr. David Ley to challenge everything you think you know about gender.

Is “alpha male” behavior really about dominance and strength? Or is it just bad psychology wrapped in influencer hype? Dr. Ley breaks down the biological, psychological, and cultural science behind gender norms, toxic masculinity, and the emotional hunger many men bring to the Jiu-Jitsu mat.

From PowerSlap to Jordan Peterson to NoFap, we explore how pseudoscience and insecurity get weaponized—and how grappling can offer men a healthier, evidence-based path forward.

⸻

👥 Featuring:

Dr. David Ley – Clinical Psychologist, Author, BJJ Black Belt
Jeff Shaw @BellinghamBJJ
Stephan Kesting @StephanKesting

⸻

🧠 Topics We Cover:

• The real psychology of “alpha males”
• How hostile masculinity leads to loneliness and harm
• Why BJJ helps men form healthy, platonic bonds
• The gender equality paradox: more freedom, more difference
• Is toughness always a virtue—or just a blunt force fantasy?
• Why touch, teamwork, and problem solving matter more
• How pseudoscience fuels fascist masculinity movements
• What “white knighting” critics get completely wrong
• The role of Jiu-Jitsu in reshaping modern masculinity

⸻

📖 Chapters:

00:00 Defining Masculinity
06:09 Cultural Constructs of Masculinity
12:05 Toxic Masculinity vs. Healthy Masculinity
18:43 The Role of Jiu-Jitsu in Masculinity
25:32 Problem Solving and Masculinity
28:03 Healthy Masculinity in Sports
30:06 Protecting the Vulnerable: A Discussion on Masculinity
32:19 The Role of Empathy and Pretending
34:02 Masculinity and Femininity as a Spectrum
35:55 The Alt-Right and Masculinity Influencers
38:20 Cuckolding and Masculinity
41:23 Toxic Femininity: A Counter Perspective
44:50 Guidance for Healthy Masculinity

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan of BJJ Mental Models and Jeff Shaw of Bellingham BJJ examine the sweeping consequences of Trump’s newly passed “Big Beautiful Bill,” and how it threatens the future of Jiu-Jitsu in America.

This legislation is poised to eliminate healthcare for millions, deepen economic inequality, and significantly expand the power of ICE—all while cutting vital programs that support working-class families. For the Jiu-Jitsu community, the downstream effects will be substantial: rising medical costs, gym closures, reduced access to training, and increased barriers to international movement and competition.

This conversation explores how the bill will reshape the landscape of martial arts and what practitioners, gym owners, and supporters can do in response.

⸻

👥 Featuring:

Steve Kwan @BJJMentalModels
Jeff Shaw @BellinghamBJJ

⸻

🧠 Topics We Cover:

• Why rising healthcare costs endanger Jiu-Jitsu practitioners
• The economic pressures forcing students to leave the mats
• How this bill isolates American Jiu-Jitsu from the global community
• The collapse of public services and what it means for gym owners
• The dramatic expansion of ICE and its impact on international athletes
• How political instability is already affecting travel and tourism
• The risk of long-term damage to Jiu-Jitsu infrastructure
• What community leaders can do to prepare and respond

⸻

📖 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction: The Bill and Its Implications
04:10 Understanding the Scope of the Legislation
08:30 Healthcare Losses and Medical Debt in Jiu-Jitsu
12:55 Wealth Transfers and the Erosion of Social Support
18:20 Disposable Income and the Future of Gym Memberships
23:47 Impacts on Jiu-Jitsu Schools and Their Students
28:15 ICE Funding and Deportation Risks
33:05 Border Restrictions and Athlete Movement
38:10 The Broader Economic Downturn
41:00 Comparing U.S. and Canadian Healthcare Access
45:50 First-Hand Experiences with Medical Systems
48:30 Civil Liberties, Surveillance, and Detention Centers
52:15 “Alligator Alcatraz” and Escalating Immigration Policy
57:00 Practical Advice for the Jiu-Jitsu Community
01:03:00 Final Thoughts on Civic Responsibility and Solidarity

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan of BJJ Mental Models and Jeff Shaw of Bellingham BJJ uncover the forgotten history of Jiu-Jitsu in America, and how none other than President Theodore Roosevelt played a pivotal role in its rise.

Between 1900 and 1906, Roosevelt brought Jiu-Jitsu into the White House, trained with Japanese masters, and helped spark a nationwide media craze that once made Jiu-Jitsu a household name. But the movement was derailed by xenophobia, racism, and short-sighted politics, costing the U.S. what could have been a century-long head start in martial arts.

This conversation explores what Roosevelt’s story tells us about inclusion, politics, and what Jiu-Jitsu might have become if America had embraced its potential.

⸻

👥 Featuring:

Steve Kwan @BJJMentalModels
Jeff Shaw @BellinghamBJJ

⸻

🧠 Topics We Cover:

• How Roosevelt’s training popularized Jiu-Jitsu in early 1900s America
• Why his support nearly created a U.S. black belt generation a century early
• The role of xenophobia in driving Yamashita out of the country
• How women like Fude Yamashita and Misawa Soga shaped early Jiu-Jitsu
• Why the art was more inclusive in 1905 than it often is today
• What the media got right (and wrong) about Jiu-Jitsu at the time
• The forgotten roots of Jiu-Jitsu as a progressive political tool
• What Roosevelt’s vision can teach today’s Jiu-Jitsu leaders
• How exclusion and short-term thinking still threaten the sport’s future
• The myth of “keeping politics out” of martial arts

⸻

📖 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Jiu-Jitsu History
02:47 The Role of Media in Jiu-Jitsu's Evolution
06:06 The Impact of Theodore Roosevelt on Jiu-Jitsu
08:51 The Confusion Between Judo and Jiu-Jitsu
11:50 The Arrival of Judo in America
15:04 Yamashita's Influence and the Military Connection
17:59 The Political Landscape and Jiu-Jitsu's Growth
20:54 The Consequences of Racism and Nativism
23:55 The Hypothetical Impact of a Strong Jiu-Jitsu Presence
26:43 Politics and Jiu-Jitsu's Historical Context
30:58 The Politics of Jiu Jitsu
34:15 Challenging Gender Norms in Jiu Jitsu
36:34 Historical Contributions of Women in Jiu Jitsu
46:16 The Evolution of Jiu Jitsu Training
58:27 Lessons from History for the Future of Jiu Jitsu

Stephan Kesting and Jeff Shaw are joined by Tyson LaRone (the "Warrior Philosopher" from TikTok) to look at the rise of fascism in modern times. Tyson shares his insights on the characteristics of fascist regimes, drawing parallels between historical figures like Mussolini and contemporary political leaders. We also explore the role of social media in shaping political discourse and whether it's possible to engage in meaningful dialogue in a polarized world. Tune in for a deep dive into the intersection of politics, social commentary, and martial arts.

Check out the audio-only version of Fighting Matters on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fighting-matters/id1808797073) and Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3vfCZvqKUeh0MTrPI9tCU0)

Check out Tyson Larone on Tiktok (https://www.tiktok.com/@thewarriorphilosopher) and/or train with him at https://ironsidemartialarts.ca/

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan of BJJ Mental Models and Jesse Walker of Rough Hands BJJ are joined by wrestling historian David Wolf to unpack how Donald Trump turned American politics into a pro wrestling storyline.

From Trump’s long history with Vince McMahon and WWE, to the political weaponization of kayfabe, we dig into how the tactics of the squared circle, like manufactured rivalries, inflated numbers, and outrageous storylines, became the blueprint for his rise.

We also explore the deep parallels between wrestling promotions and political campaigns, how “alternative facts” mirror scripted outcomes, and why the UFC’s current culture war isn’t far removed from WWE’s most controversial angles.

⸻

👥 Featuring:

Steve Kwan @BJJMentalModels
Jesse Walker @RoughHandsBJJ
David Wolf

⸻

🧠 Topics We Cover:

• How Trump’s WWE career shaped his political persona
• The carny roots of pro wrestling and the art of the “work”
• Why politics may be more scripted than wrestling
• The role of kayfabe in manufacturing enemies and controlling narratives
• WWE’s history of exploiting controversy for attention
• Sportwashing: how regimes use combat sports to launder their image
• Why UFC’s embrace of MAGA mirrors WWE’s heel/face booking
• What Trump’s obsession with ratings tells us about his decision-making

⸻

📖 Chapters:

00:00 The Relevance of Professional Wrestling Today
02:29 The Evolution of Professional Wrestling
06:57 The Politics of Wrestling and Real Life
11:06 The Montreal Screwjob: A Case Study in Politics
15:37 Donald Trump: A Product of Wrestling Culture
19:58 The Performance of Politics and Wrestling
25:28 Sport Washing and the Role of Combat Sports
29:19 Wrestling's Controversial Storylines and Their Impact
37:11 The Disgust with Age and Politics in Wrestling
38:00 Creative Descent in WWE: The Triple H Era
39:29 The Evolution of Wrestling: From Morality Plays to Audience Participation
40:50 The Political Leanings of Wrestling Audiences
42:01 The Shift in Women's Representation in Wrestling
43:17 The Changing Dynamics of Wrestling Fans
45:40 The Role of Storytelling in Wrestling and Politics
46:10 The Schizophrenic Nature of WWE's Leadership
47:40 The Contradictions of WWE's Political Stance
49:02 Kayfabe in Politics: The Performative Nature of Governance
50:53 The Wild Card: Donald Trump in Politics and Wrestling
52:31 CM Punk: A Political Wrestling Narrative
58:36 The Depravity of WWE's Business Decisions
01:00:56 The Need for a Heel: Cultural Reflections in Politics
01:04:47 The Reflection of Society in Professional Wrestling

The Fighting Matters crew gathers to discuss how Russian martial arts, such as Systema and Sambo, have been linked to far-right ideology and are being used by Russia as a tool for propaganda, recruitment, and spreading disinformation in foreign countries, including the US.

We also discuss the evolving Trump-Epstein situation, right-wing ideologies in Hollywood, and how to curate the culture of your club to avoid it becoming a fascist hotbed.

Thanks to Steve Koepfer from New York Combat Sambo (https://www.instagram.com/sambosteve/) for joining us today!

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan of BJJ Mental Models and Jesse Walker of Rough Hands BJJ confront one of the most urgent challenges in martial arts today: the normalization of extremist rhetoric, abuse, and unethical behavior within the community.

From Derek Moneyberg’s questionable black belt promotion by Jake Shields, to the broader cultural rot represented by figures like Jeffrey Epstein and their enablers, we dig into how bad actors gain power, and why silence enables them.

We also tackle the rising presence of neo-Nazi recruitment in martial arts spaces, why UFC’s tolerance of far-right behavior sets a dangerous precedent, and how the Jiu-Jitsu community is at risk of losing its soul if we don’t act.

This conversation isn’t about clout, belts, or beef; it’s about what happens when a sport built on respect and discipline turns a blind eye to hate and abuse.

⸻

👥 Featuring:
Steve Kwan @BJJMentalModels
Jesse Walker @RoughHandsBJJ

⸻

🧠 Topics We Cover:
• Why Derek Moneyberg’s black belt isn’t just a belt, it’s a red flag
• Jake Shields’ slide into far-right extremism and what it means for Jiu-Jitsu
• The danger of giving platforms to bigots, grifters, and abusers
• What the Epstein case teaches us about power, silence, and complicity
• How neo-Nazis are using martial arts as a recruitment tool, and how to fight back
• Why “it’s not my problem” is the worst excuse you can make
• What gym owners, instructors, and students must do now

⸻

📖 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Gym Updates
01:52 Derek Moneyberg's Controversial Black Belt Promotion
06:09 Ethics of Black Belt Promotions
16:24 Debate on Normalizing Hate in Society
17:16 The Jubilee Debate Incident
30:58 The Impact of Extremism in Combat Sports
34:10 The Growing Problem of Extremism in Martial Arts
39:06 The Responsibility of Gym Owners and Instructors
44:17 The Challenges of Leaving Toxic Environments
49:04 Abuse of Power and the Fight for Justice
53:51 The Importance of Protecting Vulnerable Voices
01:00:01 Taking a Stand Against Normalization of Abuse

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan of BJJ Mental Models is joined by Stephan Kesting, Mike Mahaffey, and former FBI special agent Mike German to uncover the truth about “Active Clubs” — far-right extremist fight clubs infiltrating martial arts.

Mike German spent 16 years as an FBI undercover agent, including operations against neo-Nazi and militia groups. He explains how white supremacist networks operate, how they infiltrate sports like BJJ and MMA, and what the martial arts community can do to push back.

From FBI counterterrorism policy to the role of coaches in preventing radicalization, this is a candid, high-stakes conversation about one of the most dangerous threats facing combat sports today.

⸻

👥 Featuring:

Steve Kwan @BJJMentalModels
Stephan Kesting @grapplearts
Mike Mahaffey @OldBastardBJJ
Mike German — Author, Policing White Supremacy

⸻

🧠 Topics We Cover:

• What “Active Clubs” are and why they matter
• How white supremacists use martial arts for recruitment
• The FBI’s approach to investigating extremist networks
• Why far-right infiltration is a growing threat in BJJ and MMA
• Practical steps coaches and gym owners can take to keep hate out of their schools

⸻

📚 Resources & Links:

• Mike German’s book, Policing White Supremacy: https://thenewpress.org/books/policing-white-supremacy/
• Brennan Center for Justice: https://www.brennancenter.org/
• BJJ Mental Models: https://bjjmentalmodels.com
• Fighting Matters podcast archive: https://linktree.com/fightingmatters

⸻

📖 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Conversation
02:31 Understanding the Rise of Far-Right Extremism
06:33 The Historical Context of White Supremacy
11:00 The Role of Authority in Normalizing Extremism
13:16 The Impact of Political Rhetoric on Extremism
16:14 Law Enforcement's Response to White Supremacy
20:54 The Pervasiveness of White Supremacy in Law Enforcement
24:25 The Modern Face of White Supremacy
28:11 Free Speech vs. Hate Speech
41:44 Combating Hate and Supporting Vulnerable Communities
45:56 Understanding the Organization of White Supremacist Groups
51:03 The Role of the Internet in Extremism
56:41 Law Enforcement and Political Will
01:01:52 The Paradox of Tolerance in Communities
01:05:17 Effective Strategies Against White Supremacy
01:11:59 Reclaiming Masculinity and Community Space

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan of BJJ Mental Models, Jesse Walker of Rough Hands BJJ, and Mike Mahaffey of Old Bastard BJJ welcome special guest Eric Muntz to tackle one of the most self-destructive tendencies of the political left: the purity trap.

We’ve talked plenty about the dangers of the far right, but tonight we turn the mirror on ourselves. Why do progressive movements so often collapse into circular firing squads, language policing, and purity tests that alienate allies and shrink coalitions? And how can we build the kind of durable, inclusive movements needed to actually fight back against authoritarianism?

From South Park jokes and punk rock roots, to the paradox of control in Jiu-Jitsu and the paradox of tolerance in politics, this conversation draws surprising parallels between martial arts and activism. The takeaway: no coalition survives if everyone must already be perfect to join it.

⸻

👥 Featuring:
Steve Kwan @BJJMentalModels
Jesse Walker @RoughHandsBJJ
Mike Mahaffey @OldBastardBJJ
Eric Muntz

⸻

🧠 Topics We Cover:
• What purity testing and circular firing squads look like on the left
• The paradox of control in Jiu-Jitsu and politics
• Why the right builds coalitions while the left splinters
• Language policing, intent vs. words, and why it matters
• How to assume good faith and give people room to grow
• The risks of gatekeeping identity and belonging
• Strategies for building stronger, more inclusive movements

⸻

📖 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
02:26 Addressing the Left's Challenges
03:01 Purity Testing and Circular Firing Squads
07:41 The Paradox of Control in Movements
10:58 Language and Intent in Political Discourse
19:24 Finding Common Ground and Moving Forward
24:15 Respecting Identity and Pronouns
27:16 Freedom of Expression and Identity
29:22 Language and Its Impact on Identity
31:29 Advocacy and Consent
33:58 Navigating Identity and Representation
38:10 Purity Tests and Identity
42:49 Criticism from Within the Community
50:00 Language as an Obstacle to Progress
50:59 The Challenge of Political Unity
53:50 Bridging the Divide: Empathy in Politics
59:05 Navigating Flawed Leadership
01:01:58 The Stakes of Political Compromise
01:04:42 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of Fighting Matters, we're joined by "Jane Doe," who expands on her recent allegations surrounding Adam Zugec and ZUMA Martial Arts in Victoria, BC. "Jane" recaps her story of training at ZUMA, her experiences with misconduct and boundary violations, why she decided to go public, and how that experience has impacted her. We discuss the importance of consent, power dynamics in martial arts, and how gym culture can either protect or endanger its members.

We reached out to Mr. Zugec for comment but did not receive a response as of this episode’s publication.

⸻

Victoria Police investigate Zuma Martial Arts after complaints — Chek News:
https://cheknews.ca/victoria-police-investigate-zuma-martial-arts-after-complaints-1268049/

Original Reddit post from "Jane":
https://www.reddit.com/r/bjj/comments/1lxmz76/psa_women_athletes_should_not_train_at_zuma_it_is/

Contact "Jane" on Reddit:
https://www.reddit.com/user/Forsaken-Credit3963/

“We Deserve Safe Gyms” Open Letter:
https://openletter.earth/we-deserve-safe-gyms-an-open-letter-on-sexual-harassment-at-zuma-combat-and-social-club-in-victoria-bc-e8f9fca7

⸻

🧠 Topics We Cover:

• Jane’s personal story and why she left ZUMA
• Allegations of misconduct against Adam Zugec
• Why “no” must always be respected on the mats
• Cult-like power dynamics in martial arts communities
• How gym owners can build a culture of consent and safety

⸻

⚠️ Disclaimer: The experiences shared in this episode are our guest’s personal accounts and perspectives. They remain allegations. The individuals and organizations named are entitled to respond, and nothing in this discussion should be taken as a legal finding of guilt or liability.

✍️ Call to Action: We share these stories because we believe it’s in the public interest to discuss issues of safety and accountability in martial arts. If you or someone you know has been affected, please know you are not alone. Speak up, seek support, and help us build a martial arts community rooted in safety, respect, and accountability.

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Jeff Shaw (Bellingham BJJ) and Mike Mahaffey (Old Bastard BJJ) welcome special guest Jay O’Shea. Jay is a martial artist, scholar, and the author of Risk, Failure, Play: What Dance Reveals about Martial Arts Training. The team tackles one of the deepest questions in combat sports: what separates fighting from violence?

From the role of consent in Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense, to the rise of fascist fight clubs and the political stakes of play, this conversation explores how martial arts can shape culture far beyond the mat. Along the way, we dig into injuries, toughness, the gift of fear, and why rules and etiquette matter more than we realize.

The takeaway: martial arts aren’t just combat; they’re a practice of play, respect, and democracy.

⸻

👥 Featuring:

Jay O’Shea — https://janetoshea.com/
Jeff Shaw — @JeffShawBJJ
Mike Mahaffey — @OldBastardBJJ


⸻

🧠 Topics We Cover:

• Fighting vs. violence, and why consent makes the difference
• The culture of saying “no” on the mats
• Fear, denial, and the gift of fear in martial arts and politics
• MMA’s fascism problem and the politics of combat sports
• Martial arts as play: rules, etiquette, and respect
• Why collective culture beats hyper-individual heroism

⸻

📖 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Fighting Matters
01:09 Distinguishing Fighting from Violence
04:20 The Complexity of Consent in Martial Arts
09:41 Normalizing Consent in Training
12:39 The Role of Fear in Martial Arts and Life
20:04 Confronting Denial and Fear in Society
28:15 Fascism and MMA: A Growing Concern
30:20 The Complexity of Combat Sports and Society
33:37 The Rise of Oligarch Masculinity in Martial Arts
36:18 The Fairness of Competition in Sports
41:20 Play, Creativity, and Martial Arts
50:59 The Role of Martial Arts in Combating Authoritarianism

In this special reaction episode of Fighting Matters, Jesse Walker and Mike Mahaffey respond to the shocking assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk at a Utah event. While both hosts strongly condemn Kirk’s rhetoric as harmful and divisive, they emphasize that political violence is never the answer and only undermines progressive causes. They discuss the dangers of normalizing assassination as a political tool, the disproportionate fallout such acts will have on marginalized communities, and the urgent need to fight bad ideas with better ideas rather than bullets. Ultimately, they call for kindness, free speech, and a recommitment to democratic debate as the only sustainable way forward.

In this episode of Fighting Matters, hosts Stephan Kesting and Steve Kwan engage with Derek Beres, a health and science journalist and co-host of the Conspirituality podcast. They explore the role of RFK Jr and the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement's role in promoting conspiracy thinking, inaccurate health narratives, and spreading of misinformation about vaccines. Stephan, Steve and Derek examine the historical roots of the anti-vax movement, the role of individualism in health conspiracies, and the influence of wellness culture on public health. They discuss the challenges of misinformation, the financial motivations behind health narratives, and the need for systemic change in health policy.

00:00 The Intersection of Conspiracy and Wellness Culture
06:04 The Deep Historical Roots of the Anti-Vax Movements
08:50 COVID Denialism and Its Roots
11:40 The Role of Individualism in Health Beliefs
14:47 How MAHA Has Dismantled Health Tracking Data
17:40 Data Integrity and COVID Death Counts
23:37 Why RFK's approach Is a Disaster for People Who Aren't Rich
26:42 The Profit Motive in Wellness
37:57 The Ethics of Supplement Marketing
41:34 The Dangers of Misinformation in Health
45:46 Contradictions in MAHA and MAGA Public Health Messaging
51:54 The Role of Personal Responsibility in Health
56:20 The Impact of Wellness Influencers
01:01:22 The Appeal of Common Sense Solutions
01:03:55 The Challenge of Misinformation

Follow the Conspirituality Podcast on all channels or go to https://www.conspirituality.net

Keep up with Derek's analyses of the situation at https://www.derekberes.com or at https://bsky.app/profile/derekberes.bsky.social

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan (BJJ Mental Models), Jesse Walker (Rough Hands BJJ), and Stephan Kesting (Grapplearts) dive into the chaos of America’s accelerating news cycle. From Charlie Kirk’s assassination to Trump’s authoritarian rhetoric, from RFK Jr.’s war on science to the weaponization of “cancel culture,” the team unpacks why democracy feels like it’s collapsing in real time.

Together, they explore how “flooding the zone” with scandals makes it impossible to process events, why speech and violence aren’t the same but are getting dangerously blurred, and how propaganda is rewriting history before our eyes. Along the way, they connect politics back to the martial arts community, asking whether it’s even possible to “keep politics out of Jiu-Jitsu” when the very freedoms that allow us to train are under threat.

The takeaway: democracy doesn’t collapse in one big moment; it dies fast, in floods of outrage, distraction, and chaos.

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👥 Featuring:

Stephan Kesting — Grapplearts, Essential Wilderness
Steve Kwan — BJJ Mental Models
Jesse Walker — Rough Hands BJJ

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🧠 Topics We Cover:

• The “flood the zone” strategy and why chaos is the point
• Charlie Kirk’s assassination and his canonization into a martyr
• Trump’s public calls to prosecute political enemies
• Stephen Miller’s funeral speech vs. Joseph Goebbels’ rhetoric
• Speech vs. violence — where’s the real line?
• Jimmy Kimmel, the FCC, and government-driven censorship
• Free speech absolutism and its real limits
• The weaponization of propaganda inside martial arts spaces

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📖 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Fighting Matters
01:02 Round Robin: The Week’s Most Insane News
06:43 Charlie Kirk’s Assassination & Fallout
15:20 Stephen Miller’s Speech vs. Nazi Parallels
20:14 Capitulation, Propaganda, and Corporate Cowardice
27:02 Speech vs. Violence: Where’s the Line?
33:45 Social Media, Disinformation, and Civil War Rhetoric
40:01 Free Speech Absolutism Debunked
47:35 The Charlie Kirk Memorial as Propaganda Theater
54:35 RFK Jr., Autism, and Attacks on Science
01:01:12 Polio, Vaccines, and the Return of Preventable Diseases
01:05:30 Cognitive Dissonance and the MAGA Movement
01:09:00 Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Us

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan (BJJ Mental Models) and Jesse Walker (Rough Hands BJJ) welcome special guest Dr. Derek Jones. Derek is a BJJ black belt, innovation educator, and retired philosophy professor whose work bridges martial arts, culture, and political thought. Together, the team explores how memes evolved from internet jokes into one of the most powerful tools of propaganda in modern politics.

From Richard Dawkins’ Selfish Gene to AI-driven meme floods, from the shifting Overton Window to the weaponization of humor, this conversation digs into how memes shape culture, spread extremism, and even destabilize democracy. Along the way, we discuss comedy as cover, the dangers of nihilism, and whether memes can still be reclaimed for good.

The takeaway: memes aren’t harmless entertainment; they’re a frontline in the battle over culture, politics, and truth itself.

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👥 Featuring:

Derek Jones — BJJ black belt, social innovator, philosopher
Steve Kwan — @BJJMentalModels
Jesse Walker — Rough Hands BJJ

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🧠 Topics We Cover:

• What memes really are: from Dawkins to digital culture
• How memes spread faster than truth, and why they stick
• The Overton Window and cultural manipulation
• Comedy, plausible deniability, and “just joking” politics
• AI meme factories and the flood of propaganda
• The Joker, fascism, and the politics of nihilism
• Can memes be used for good?

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📖 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Fighting Matters
01:01 Meet Derek Jones: Black Belt & Philosopher
03:15 What Is a Meme, Really?
07:13 How Memes Shape Personality and Culture
09:53 Why Anyone Can Now Create Viral Propaganda
14:10 AI and the Future of Meme Warfare
20:14 Memes, Overton Windows, and Shifting Norms
23:55 The Plausible Deniability of Sharing Memes
28:23 Comedy as Cover: From Pepe to Rogan
33:43 The Joker, Fascism, and Mocking the System
37:51 Memes as News and the COVID Meme Boom
41:36 Is Society Getting Dumber, or Just Faster?
46:49 Offloading Memory to AI: Help or Harm?
53:37 Wall-E vs. Terminator: The Real AI Dystopia
55:49 Human Responsibility in an Automated World
59:09 Can Memes Still Be Used for Good?
01:02:26 Levity, Connection, and Fighting Back with Humor
01:03:08 Closing Thoughts

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan (BJJ Mental Models), Jeff Shaw (Bellingham BJJ), and Mike Mahaffey (Old Bastard BJJ) sit down with journalist and Muay Thai fighter Karen Attiah.

Karen was the founding editor of the Washington Post’s Global Opinions section and later a columnist covering race, gender, and culture. After 11 years at the Post, she was abruptly fired (by email) for “violating social media policy.” Her real offense? Speaking honestly about power, violence, and free speech in America.

Together, the panel explores what Karen’s story reveals about censorship, media ownership, and how corporate media is collapsing under the weight of its own contradictions. They dig into the chilling effect on journalists, the influence of billionaires over public discourse, and the uneasy marriage between combat sports and authoritarian regimes.

This is a conversation about free speech, courage, and what it means to fight inside and outside the ring.

Support Karen @ The Golden Hour on Substack:
https://karenattiah.substack.com/

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👥 Featuring:

Karen Attiah — Journalist @, The Golden Hour, author, Muay Thai silver medalist
Jeff Shaw — @BellinghamBJJ
Steve Kwan — @BJJMentalModels
Mike Mahaffey — @OldBastardBJJ

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🧠 Topics Discussed:

 • Why the Washington Post fired Karen Attiah
 • The death of free speech in corporate media
 • Saudi Arabia, sportswashing, and martial arts
 • How authoritarianism co-opts combat sports
 • Fighting as therapy, resistance, and truth-telling

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📖 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Karen Attiah
01:50 Karen's Journey in Journalism
04:15 The Impact of Social Media on Journalism
10:58 The Incident Leading to Termination
14:19 Free Speech and Its Implications
18:48 The Role of Media Ownership
24:03 The Legacy of Jamal Khashoggi
30:41 The Intersection of Combat Sports and Politics
36:09 The Double Standards in Free Speech
43:27 Lessons from Combat Sports
45:37 The Power of Wrestling in Storytelling
48:07 Wrestling and Politics: A Cultural Connection
51:56 Martial Arts: A Personal Journey
59:03 The Intersection of Martial Arts and Politics
01:06:01 Finding Strength in Community and Self-Awareness
01:12:02 The Future of Independent Media and Personal Agency

When gym leaders stay silent, people get hurt. In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan, Stephan Kesting, and Jesse Walker speak with guest Sonia Sillan of Combat Arts Academy about what happens when Jiu-Jitsu coaches fail to protect their students. Together, they unpack the culture of silence in martial arts, the myth of “mat enforcers,” and how real leadership means building safe spaces and speaking up when it matters most.

Combat Arts Academy — https://caaseattle.com
Sonia Sillan on Instagram — @combatartsacademy

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👥 Featuring:

Hosts:
Steve Kwan — @bjjmentalmodels
Stephan Kesting — @stephankesting
Jesse Walker — @roughhandsbjj

Guest:
Sonia Sillan — @combatartsacademy

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🧠 Topics Discussed:

• Why coaches must speak up about abuse
• The dangers of “mat enforcer” culture
• How to teach emotional regulation on the mats
• Creating a trauma-informed beginner program
• Breaking silence and rebuilding trust in Jiu-Jitsu

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📖 Chapters:

00:00 Introductions & Gym Culture
04:20 Why Jiu-Jitsu Needs Beginner Programs
09:45 The Myth of Mat Enforcers
16:00 Emotional Regulation and Rolling Intensity
27:00 Speaking Up to Power
33:40 When Coaches Fail Their Students
36:45 Handling Abuse and Reporting It
44:00 How to Build Safe Gym Culture
53:00 Gaslighting and Victim Blaming in Jiu-Jitsu
1:10:00 Leadership, Integrity, and Doing What’s Right