How "active clubs" use MMA to spread white supremacist hate

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 @BJJMentalModelsStephan Kesting @grappleartsMike Mahaffey @OldBastardBJJMike 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 Conversation02:31 Understanding the Rise of Far-Right Extremism06:33 The Historical Context of White Supremacy11:00 The Role of Authority in Normalizing Extremism13:16 The Impact of Political Rhetoric on Extremism16:14 Law Enforcement's Response to White Supremacy20:54 The Pervasiveness of White Supremacy in Law Enforcement24:25 The Modern Face of White Supremacy28:11 Free Speech vs. Hate Speech41:44 Combating Hate and Supporting Vulnerable Communities45:56 Understanding the Organization of White Supremacist Groups51:03 The Role of the Internet in Extremism56:41 Law Enforcement and Political Will01:01:52 The Paradox of Tolerance in Communities01:05:17 Effective Strategies Against White Supremacy01:11:59 Reclaiming Masculinity and Community Space