Fighting Matters

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan is joined by Jesse Walker of Rough Hands BJJ to talk about Graham Platner, the Maine Senate candidate whose campaign has come apart under a run of scandals: a Nazi-associated tattoo, credible sexual assault allegations, and more. They use his collapse to get at a harder question that runs through both politics and jiu-jitsu: why we keep excusing disqualifying behavior from people we want to believe in, and what it costs us when we do.⸻👥 Featuring:- Steve Kwan — https://bjjmentalmodels.com- Jesse Walker — https://roughhandsbjj.com⸻🧠 Topics Discussed:- Who Graham Platner is and how his campaign fell apart- The Totenkopf tattoo and the "I didn't know what it meant" defense- AIPAC, the rise of antisemitism, and where criticism of Israel ends and conspiracy begins- Why we keep handing passes to people with disqualifying histories- "Due process trolls" and why a courtroom standard isn't the bar for who we associate with- How tolerating bad behavior normalizes it, and the Trump parallel- The same rot in jiu-jitsu: protecting bad actors because they win or teach well- Term limits, aging politicians, and elevating grassroots talent over big names⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 — Why Fighting Matters isn't a left-wing podcast01:11 — Who is Graham Platner?03:24 — The Totenkopf tattoo and the "I didn't know" defense05:23 — A campaign in freefall09:15 — AIPAC, antisemitism, and drawing the line14:11 — Nazi tattoos are disqualifying, even accidental ones16:38 — Two sets of rules and the Fetterman problem20:00 — Purity tests vs. keeping your moral compass24:10 — The jiu-jitsu parallel: bad teammates and PEDs25:54 — Due process trolls32:02 — Mamdani and elevating outsider talent44:34 — Supporting bad actors in jiu-jitsu (Josh Saunders)49:24 — Being good at jiu-jitsu is not a competitive edge53:29 — Geriatric politicians and term limits59:07 — Wrapping up: accountability in practice

In this episode of the Fighting Matters podcast, Steve Kwan is joined by Jesse Walker of Rough Hands BJJ and Mike Mahaffey of Old Bastard BJJ on the eve of America's 250th Fourth of July. They open with whether there's anything left to celebrate and end up somewhere harder: the same instinct to look away that got the country here is alive in jiu-jitsu too. The clearest example is Izaak Michell, invited to ADCC while wanted in Texas on sexual assault warrants, and the string of accused and convicted men the sport keeps platforming anyway.🔗 Links Mentioned:- The Find Out Podcast, "Ex-MAGA influencer explains why he abandoned Trump" — https://youtu.be/ylPlpgQygdU- Magic BJJ — https://magicbjj.com⸻👥 Featuring:- Steve Kwan — https://bjjmentalmodels.com- Jesse Walker — https://roughhandsbjj.com- Mike Mahaffey — https://instagram.com/oldbastardbjj⸻🧠 Topics Discussed:- America's 250th and the state of the July 4th "celebration"- Rebuilding the country instead of defending the old institutions- The normalization that links national politics to jiu-jitsu- Izaak Michell, his ADCC invite, and the Texas arrest warrants- Josh Saunders, Nazi salutes, and the "keep it non-political" excuse- Why "innocent until proven guilty" doesn't settle the ethics- How the sport risks going radioactive the way MMA once did- Redemption tours, silence, and what speaking up actually does⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 — Big heads, Ace of Bass, and July 4th02:40 — America's 250th: did the country even make it?06:33 — Rebuilding the country, not restoring it10:29 — Mask-off politics, the courts, and the truth18:23 — How a MAGA influencer's fever broke20:36 — Holding your nose, in politics and on the mats24:10 — Who is Izaak Michell, and why ADCC invited him30:01 — Josh Saunders and "keep it non-political"35:34 — "Innocent until proven guilty" isn't a free pass40:15 — What happened to MMA could happen to jiu-jitsu44:47 — What will you tell your grandkids?49:19 — No clean leagues left for ethical athletes51:44 — The redemption tour: Tyson, McGregor, and ADCC53:07 — What we can actually do about it56:50 — Closing thoughts and where to find everyone

In this episode of Fighting Matters, co-hosts Jesse Walker and Mike Mahaffey take on Conor McGregor's UFC comeback and the media tour selling it: a man found civilly liable for sexual assault, platformed on Jimmy Fallon like none of it happened, with no apology and no amends. They get into what redemption actually requires, why comedians stopped holding power to account, and the jiu-jitsu community's own habit of looking the other way when the person on the podium has hurt people.⸻🔗 Links Mentioned:- Old Bastard BJJ on Patreon — https://patreon.com/oldbastardbjj- Old Bastard BJJ on Instagram — https://instagram.com/oldbastardbjj⸻👥 Featuring:- Jesse Walker — https://roughhandsbjj.com- Mike Mahaffey — https://magicbjj.com⸻🧠 Topics Discussed:- Conor McGregor's UFC comeback and the media tour behind it- Why the media keeps platforming people who have caused harm- What real redemption requires, and why owning the harm is the price of it- Whether some actions put someone past the point of a comeback- How late-night hosts and comedians stopped holding power to account- What your attention and your money actually endorse- The jiu-jitsu community's habit of platforming people it shouldn't⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 — Welcome and teeing up the topic01:16 — McGregor's comeback, and how he got here04:47 — Turning MMA trash talk up to eleven08:25 — Pro wrestling, except the harm is real10:27 — The fall and the Hollywood comeback13:23 — Does anyone deserve a comeback?15:27 — Redemption means owning the harm20:43 — What Mike learned in vocational rehab26:12 — Our court jesters are failing us32:36 — When "comedy is back" means punching down36:37 — No redemption, and whose pocket you fill47:33 — The IBJJF problem, and being a thoughtful consumer55:38 — Where to find Jesse and Mike

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan is joined by Jesse Walker of Rough Hands BJJ to talk about the fallout from UFC Freedom 250, the fight card staged on the White House lawn for America's 250th anniversary. Neither of them watched it, because the fights were never the issue. They get into the corruption, the crypto payouts, the comment aimed at Michelle Obama, and why "keeping politics out of fighting" was never a real argument once the President turned the country's 250th birthday into his own fight night.⸻👥 Featuring:- Steve Kwan — https://bjjmentalmodels.com- Jesse Walker — https://roughhandsbjj.com⸻🧠 Topics Discussed:- Why UFC Freedom 250 was a problem even if the fights were good- The difference between promoting a sport and running a propaganda event- Crypto payouts and the "company store" comparison- The comment aimed at Michelle Obama, and why it was deliberate- Free speech absolutism as a dodge- The alleged Daniel Cormier and Eric Trump text exchange about fixed fights- The paradox of tolerance and why you can't platform extremists- What the UFC would have to do to win fans like Steve and Jesse back⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 — What UFC Freedom 250 actually was05:05 — A for-profit event on the people's lawn09:10 — Defending the UFC as legitimate sport14:48 — Propaganda, grift, and crypto payouts16:40 — The Obama basketball tournament test22:29 — Was it worth it for the UFC?27:05 — MMA is an immigrant story31:05 — The Michelle Obama comment was deliberate41:26 — Free speech absolutism as moral cowardice45:52 — The alleged Cormier and Eric Trump texts51:54 — You can't break bread with extremists59:33 — What would fix the UFC?01:07:56 — Where to find Jesse Walker

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Jeff Shaw is joined by Jesse Walker, Mike Mahaffey, and Stephan Kesting to take apart UFC Freedom 250, the card being staged on the White House South Lawn on June 14th. Four martial artists who spent decades loving this sport walk through why an event at the people's house, held on the president's birthday and billed as a celebration of America's 250th, leaves them cold. They get into the spectacle, the money, the sportswashing angle, and the version of this card that could have meant something.⸻🔗 Links Mentioned:- Old Bastard BJJ Pride Month Fundraiser — https://patreon.com/oldbastardbjj- Salus Center — https://www.saluscenter.org- Growing Veterans — https://growingveterans.org⸻👥 Featuring:- Jeff Shaw — https://bellinghambjj.com- Jesse Walker — https://roughhandsbjj.com- Mike Mahaffey — https://instagram.com/oldbastardbjj- Stephan Kesting — https://grapplearts.com⸻🧠 Topics Discussed:- Why a UFC card at the White House reads as fascist spectacle- The June 14th birthday timing and the "America 250" cover story- The "keep politics out of sports" double standard- Empty seats, military tickets, and who foots the bill- Cage fights as diplomacy, and what sportswashing really is- Theodore Roosevelt, immigration, and the event this could have been- What MMA lost when it stopped being outsider art⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 — Introducing the panel02:40 — Fascism, spectacle, and macho posturing04:30 — A birthday dressed as an anniversary07:05 — Theater and a regime that believes in nothing10:16 — Dead enthusiasm and a tourism slump14:09 — Empty seats, military tickets, and June heat16:32 — Rogan ringside and bread and circuses18:53 — Who pays, and who gets held accountable25:41 — But Roosevelt did it too30:06 — Cage fights as diplomacy and sportswashing34:53 — How you'd do it right, and why they can't40:13 — Can this work at the White House at all?46:18 — Outsider art and what's been lost

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan talks with Mike Mahaffey of Old Bastard BJJ about the trans hate pouring out of combat sports, and the fighters who have figured out it pays. They start with Sean Strickland's AI video of himself beating up a trans woman, then get into why guys like Strickland and Jake Shields keep posting this stuff: it riles up a certain kind of fan, and that attention is the product. Recorded during Pride Month, it is also about what the jiu-jitsu community owes its trans members, who take the brunt of this.🔗 Links Mentioned:- Old Bastard BJJ on Patreon (buy "Introduction to Base" in June, all proceeds go to the Salus Center) — https://patreon.com/oldbastardbjj- Salus Center, Lansing — https://www.saluscenter.org⸻👥 Featuring:- Steve Kwan — https://bjjmentalmodels.com- Mike Mahaffey — https://instagram.com/oldbastardbjj⸻🧠 Topics Discussed:- Sean Strickland's anti-trans AI video and the threat behind it- How the "fairness in women's sports" debate gets used as cover for violence- Active clubs, fascism, and the far right's foothold in fight sports- Mike's advocacy work and the threats it brings- The harassment trans grapplers face just for showing up to train- Why fighters profit from anti-trans content- Why "keep politics out of jiu-jitsu" is a cop-out- Raising a trans daughter and changing minds through storytelling⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 — Welcome and why a Pride episode02:26 — The Strickland video and the "fairness" cover08:47 — Active clubs and the far right in fight sports11:20 — Mike's advocacy and the threats it draws17:46 — Spite-based activism and trans grapplers under attack22:30 — Why fighters monetize trans hate30:04 — Staying neutral is a choice, and the politics myth34:08 — Pride, gender, and changing norms40:17 — You don't have to get it to defend it42:36 — Mike on supporting your trans friends and family47:35 — Why martial artists have to speak up51:06 — Mike's fundraiser for the Salus Center

In this episode of the Fighting Matters podcast, Steve Kwan is joined by Jeff Shaw of Bellingham BJJ, Mike Mahaffey of Old Bastard BJJ, and Dr. Clayton Green, a board-certified dermatologist and BJJ practitioner. They get into what happened at UFC BJJ when Mikey Musumeci defended his title against Kevin Dantzler with an active staph infection, went back to the hospital right after the match, and defended the decision by saying he had covered the infection with spats. The conversation covers why staph is more dangerous than people realize, how the UFC has stopped fights like this before but didn't this time, and what gyms and competitors can actually do to be safer.🔗 Links Mentioned:- NFHS Wrestling Skin Lesion Form — https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1022696/x/87b3155d73/2025-26-nfhs-wrestling-skin-lesion-form-final-april-2025.pdf⸻👥 Featuring:- Steve Kwan — https://bjjmentalmodels.com- Jeff Shaw — https://bellinghambjj.com- Mike Mahaffey — https://www.instagram.com/oldbastardbjj- Dr. Clayton Green⸻🧠 Topics Discussed:- What happened at UFC BJJ and Mikey's hospital readmission- Why "I covered it with spats" isn't a defense- How close Ben Askren came to dying from MRSA- Whether BJJ is losing community knowledge about infection risk- How pandemic-era science denial is showing up in jiu-jitsu- How the UFC stopped fights like this before, and didn't this time- The wrestling skin check form and how gyms can use it- Institutional accountability vs dogpiling on the athlete⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 — Introducing the panel02:39 — What happened at UFC BJJ05:16 — Spats aren't condoms10:09 — How dangerous staph actually is18:08 — Are we losing community knowledge about infection risk?25:21 — Why didn't the UFC stop this?26:34 — Pandemic-era science denial in BJJ33:13 — The wrestling skin check form36:45 — How gyms model and enforce safer behavior40:48 — Advice for young competitors under pressure50:22 — Institutional accountability vs dogpiling the athlete53:02 — Closing thoughts

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan is joined again by Dr. David Riedman: 17-year jiu-jitsu practitioner, MIT-trained data analyst, and PhD researcher whose dissertation focused on measuring the accuracy of large language model outputs. David is also the author of the Riedman Report, one of the most popular Substacks on risk, AI, education, and security. The conversation is broken into three parts. Part one is a broad explanation of what modern AI actually is and how it works. Part two covers the cultural and social impact of AI on public life. Part three is about how AI will affect the business of jiu-jitsu and the people who train and run gyms. Steve walks out of the conversation with a take he didn't expect: martial artists may be in a stronger position than people working in tech.⸻🔗 Links Mentioned:- The Riedman Report — https://riedmanreport.substack.com- K-12 School Shooting Database — https://k12ssdb.org⸻👥 Featuring:- Steve Kwan — https://bjjmentalmodels.com- Dr. David Riedman — https://riedmanreport.substack.com⸻🧠 Topics Discussed:- Why LLMs don't actually think, and why that matters- The political split on AI adoption and why both sides are partially right- Where AI genuinely helps a small business and where it creates risk- Model drift, context dilution, and how guardrails break down in long conversations- Why AI tutorials and AI video can't teach jiu-jitsu- What it means for a sport without a unified registry when anyone can fabricate credentials- The trillion-dollar lock-in: why we may be stuck with LLMs even if they don't work- Why human-service work like coaching may be more durable than tech work⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 — Reintroducing Dr. David Riedman03:25 — PART 1: What modern AI actually is15:39 — Why a confident-looking LLM output can still be wrong23:12 — PART 2: The cultural and social impact of AI35:09 — When the stakes are too high to outsource42:09 — When AI is used to plan a war50:54 — Model drift and how the guardrails erode58:23 — PART 3: AI and the business of jiu-jitsu01:03:11 — Automating the soul out of your gym01:14:20 — The trillion-dollar bet on a tool that may not work01:22:06 — Three futures and none of them are good01:29:46 — What gym owners and practitioners should actually do

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan is joined by Andrea Tang: novelist, brown belt at District Martial Arts, and host of BJJ Today on the BJJ Mental Models Premium Network. Three years ago, a serial home invader broke into Andrea's apartment at 4am and tried to sexually assault her in bed. She fought him off using day-one white belt basics. This is a conversation about that night, the years of court proceedings that followed, and what watching the BJJ community treat survivors has taught her about who actually has the courage to speak up.⸻👥 Featuring:- Steve Kwan — https://bjjmentalmodels.com- Andrea Tang — https://andreatangwrites.com⸻🧠 Topics Discussed:- Surviving a home invasion at 4am using basic jiu-jitsu- What the court process actually looks like for sexual assault survivors- Why women don't speak up, even with airtight cases- The "porcupine strategy" and why white belt basics matter most in real attacks- Why stranger violence and instructor abuse should not be treated as the same problem- The identity crisis that hits women martial artists when they become victims- How women in combat sports absorb toxic masculinity (and why it costs them)- Busting the "no woman could beat a man" myth⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 — Welcome and book plug02:29 — The night a stranger broke in06:02 — The aftermath and the marks it leaves09:26 — What the court process actually costs survivors12:52 — Why so few women ever speak up26:15 — When muscle memory wakes up before your brain does33:53 — The porcupine strategy: being a hard target39:50 — Stranger attacker vs. instructor abuser44:28 — When the victim is a martial artist48:56 — Toxic masculinity isn't a men's thing55:47 — What jiu-jitsu is actually for

After yet another sexual abuse case in the BJJ community, the Fighting Matters crew works through a question every grappler eventually has to answer: "What can I, as just a student, actually do about this?" They get into voting with your wallet, the black belt blackmail trap, why we're great at sweating into each other's eyeballs but terrible at conversations, and Mike's framework for delivering hard feedback without lighting the gym on fire.🔗 Links Mentioned:• Magic BJJ — https://magicbjj.com• Rough Hands BJJ — https://roughhandsbjj.com• BJJ Mental Models — https://bjjmentalmodels.com⸻👥 Featuring:• Steve Kwan — https://bjjmentalmodels.com• Jesse Walker — https://roughhandsbjj.com• Mike Mahaffey — https://instagram.com/oldbastardbjj⸻🧠 Topics Discussed:• Why stewardship of the culture isn't just the gym owner's job• Voting with your wallet when your coach is the problem• The black belt blackmail trap and how to leave anyway• Why jiu-jitsu people are terrible at having actual conversations• Mike's framework for delivering hard feedback without making it personal• When to take it to the coach vs. when to take it public• Jesse's "spectrum of seriousness" and why proportionality matters• Culture guardianship vs. mat enforcer culture• Why culture is what you tolerate, not what you preach⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 — A regular student's guide to fixing the sport02:29 — Stewardship doesn't require owning a school03:31 — Vote with your wallet07:56 — Weeks from black belt and the school is rotten11:17 — Belt blackmail and the myth of permanent lineage14:45 — Jesse's wild Rio re-belting story18:49 — We sweat together but won't talk to each other20:27 — The basic social skills problem in jiu-jitsu26:46 — Why exit interviews and gym feedback both fail28:34 — How to receive feedback without killing the next one30:49 — Jesse's conflict aversion confession32:04 — Mike's framework: name the behaviour, use I-statements38:59 — Going public vs. going to the coach first43:47 — The spectrum of seriousness50:53 — Spotlighting the good in the community54:48 — Culture guardianship, not mat enforcement59:39 — Culture is what you tolerate

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan is joined by Jesse Walker (Rough Hands BJJ), Mike Mahaffey (Old Bastard BJJ), and Niamh Bryn (Snowblind BJJ) for a recap of the recent Rough Hands spring camp in Louisville. The four of them argue that the best jiu-jitsu camps are not the ones that cram the most jiu-jitsu in, and that the celebrity instructor model has quietly priced out and burned out the people the sport depends on.🔗 Links Mentioned:- Gi to Sea (Jeff Shaw, Bernardo Faria, Dominyka Obelenyte) — https://bjjmentalmodels.com/events⸻👥 Featuring:- Steve Kwan — https://bjjmentalmodels.com- Jesse Walker — https://roughhandsbjj.com- Mike Mahaffey — https://www.instagram.com/oldbastardbjj- Niamh Bryn — https://www.instagram.com/snowblindbjj⸻🧠 Topics Discussed:- Why the best parts of a BJJ camp happen off the mat- The celebrity instructor model and how it prices out the average attendee- Why regional and lesser-known coaches often deliver more value- Filtering out bad actors, harassers, and extremists at camps and gyms- Cultural guardianship: why a head coach can't enforce culture alone- People who train jiu-jitsu instead of getting therapy- The collaborative camp format vs the one-marquee-instructor format- How travel and out-of-region training expose your blind spots⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 — Welcome and intros02:06 — Recap of the Rough Hands spring camp04:13 — Less jiu-jitsu, more community time05:21 — Niamh on jiu-jitsu peripheral events07:21 — Why getting out of your regional bubble matters09:15 — Mike: the friendships are why I keep training12:20 — The celebrity instructor problem20:54 — Reliable community as camp infrastructure26:34 — Healthcare, insurance, and traveling for jiu-jitsu28:36 — Filtering out the bad actors35:47 — What we actually mean by filtering41:00 — Niamh on training for the wrong reasons46:56 — Cultural guardianship at scale54:20 — The collaborative camp model58:07 — Plugs, outros, and where to find everyone1:00:53 — Plugging Gi to Sea with Jeff Shaw

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan is joined by Hannah Gais, a senior research analyst at the Southern Poverty Law Center who has tracked white nationalist and neo-Nazi movements since 2016 and also trains jiu-jitsu. They get into how active clubs and far-right groups use combat sports gyms as recruitment grounds, why most practitioners don't see it happening, and what coaches and gym owners can actually do about it.⸻🔗 Links Mentioned:- Southern Poverty Law Center — https://splcenter.org- Hannah Gais on Bluesky — https://bsky.app/profile/hannahgais.bsky.social- Louis Theroux Manosphere documentary — https://www.netflix.com/ca/title/81920687- Global Project Against Hate and Extremism — https://globalextremism.org⸻👥 Featuring:- Steve Kwan — https://bjjmentalmodels.com- Hannah Gais — https://splcenter.org⸻🧠 Topics Discussed:- How active clubs use gyms to recruit without revealing their intentions- The entryism playbook: how fringe movements infiltrate institutions- Warning signs that someone is testing the waters at your gym- Shifting the Overton window through sports and social media- Jake Shields, the Manosphere, and BJJ's far-right influencer problem- Where gym owners should draw the line- How people leave the movement, and what coaches can do to help⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 — Introducing Hannah Gais00:54 — Hannah's work at the SPLC04:18 — How big is the problem, really?07:01 — Why the movement has gone mainstream15:16 — The Overton window and how they shift it17:45 — Jake Shields and the sane-washing of extremists20:27 — Warning signs at your gym24:50 — Immigration as an entry point31:32 — What white nationalism actually means39:32 — Entryism: how they build from within43:05 — What gym owners should watch for47:57 — Hiding your power level53:31 — BJJ's far-right influencer problem55:35 — Where to draw the line01:00:21 — How people leave the movement01:03:54 — Hannah's links and the Manosphere documentary

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan and Stephan Kesting sit down with Eric Lowe, a 13-year HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) instructor and school founder. HEMA had a serious white supremacist problem, and they actually did something about it. Eric walks through what worked, what didn't, and what BJJ and MMA can steal from the playbook.⸻👥 Featuring:- Steve Kwan — https://bjjmentalmodels.com- Stephan Kesting — https://grapplearts.com- Eric Lowe — https://crossroadsswords.com⸻🧠 Topics Discussed:- How HEMA's early days were dominated by a near-Nazi gatekeeper (and how the community rejected him)- Why your gym's website and signaling matter more than you think- The Warriors of Ashe: Viking pagans with 30% transgender membership who keep turning away white supremacists- What "welcoming" actually means when your school has real beliefs- Constructing a version of masculinity the far right can't co-opt- Why every martial art sells a fantasy, and how that fantasy either attracts or repels extremists- What HEMA borrowed from Filipino martial arts (and why that matters)- Preserving European martial tradition without white supremacy⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 — Introducing Eric Lowe and what HEMA is04:11 — The history of far right infiltration in HEMA05:29 — John Clements and the "North Korea of HEMA"09:17 — Viking martial arts and the white supremacist appeal11:15 — The Warriors of Ashe: Viking pagans who reject Nazis13:39 — Why how you signal your school matters19:27 — Symbolism in BJJ vs HEMA23:10 — The fantasy every martial art sells27:45 — What positive masculinity actually looks like37:30 — Building masculine identity without the far right40:51 — Who gets to own masculinity45:36 — Dueling culture and honour violence52:43 — The performative side of all martial arts01:00:17 — Preserving tradition without white supremacy01:03:56 — Why women in HEMA matter for everyone01:05:36 — Where to find Eric

Today, Jesse, Mike and Stephan discuss the impact of war on everyday life, particularly how the ongoing war in Iran could affect gas prices and essential goods if it continues. Conflicts in the Middle East can turn luxury activities into financial burdens, forcing people to prioritise their spending and making jiu-jitsu training and other leisure activities unaffordable as the cost of everyday living rises.

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan is joined by Matt Tansey and Daniel Millstein: two licensed mental health professionals who also train jiu-jitsu. They attack one of the most repeated claims in the sport ("jiu-jitsu is my therapy"), what's actually true about it, what isn't, and why the distinction matters more than most people think.⸻👥 Featuring:• Steve Kwan — https://bjjmentalmodels.com• Matt Tansey — https://matthewtansey.com• Daniel Millstein — https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/daniel-millstein-boston-ma/1239597⸻🧠 Topics Discussed:• What therapists actually do (and how they differ from coaches)• Why jiu-jitsu can be therapeutic without being therapy• The Dunning-Kruger effect and black belt overconfidence• How jiu-jitsu can help and harm people with trauma• Why male practitioners avoid therapy but embrace pseudoscience• SSRIs, psychedelics, stem cells, and the jiu-jitsu bro health pipeline⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 — Introducing Matt and Daniel02:48 — Types of mental health practitioners06:43 — Can jiu-jitsu be therapeutic?12:31 — Competence, confidence, and the Dunning-Kruger trap23:49 — When jiu-jitsu actually helps26:12 — Overselling jiu-jitsu28:31 — Trauma, PTSD, and proper disclosure36:44 — What therapists can't say (but coaches can)42:57 — Dudes will do anything except go to therapy50:48 — Ethics, credentials, and the unregulated advice problem01:00:17 — Psychedelics, stem cells, and anti-SSRI bros

In this episode of the Fighting Matters podcast, host Steve Kwan sits down with Valerie Worthington: BJJ black belt, professor of educational psychology, and one of the sport's most thoughtful voices on culture and ethics. They dig into why the people doing the most good in jiu-jitsu are also the least visible, what it would actually take to fix BJJ's culture problems, and why opening a gym means signing up for a job nobody prepared you for. This is a conversation about leadership, accountability, and the quiet work of making the sport better.🔗 Links Mentioned:• Gracie Philly — https://www.phlbjj.com• Saybrook University — https://www.saybrook.edu⸻👥 Featuring:• Steve Kwan — https://bjjmentalmodels.com• Valerie Worthington — https://instagram.com/worthingtonvalerie⸻🧠 Topics Discussed:• Why the good people in BJJ stay invisible• The reality distortion field inside the gym• Why governing bodies might make things worse• Voting with your wallet and saying it out loud• What BJJ never teaches its future gym owners⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 — Introducing Valerie Worthington06:33 — Why the good in BJJ stays invisible12:58 — Should BJJ have a governing body?21:17 — The reality distortion field inside the gym33:18 — How the algorithm buries the good stuff39:28 — Voting with your wallet43:27 — Modeling the culture you want to see51:54 — Dunbar's Number and BJJ communities53:35 — What BJJ never teaches gym owners

Stephan Kesting and Jeff Shaw explore the terrifying consequences of MAGA coopting Christianity and using misinterpretations of biblical ideas like the rapture, the apocalypse, and end times theology as justification for going to war with Iran. We also look into Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's religious denomination and find some truly disturbing details.

School violence researcher and Homeland Security expert David Riedman joins Steve and Jesse to break down the radicalization pipeline feeding modern school shootings. David covers how isolated kids get pulled into nihilistic violence through deregulated social media, grooming on Roblox, and private Discord servers, and why your BJJ gym might be one of the most powerful interventions available.🔗 Links Mentioned:• Riedman Report (Substack) — https://riedmanreport.substack.com• K-12 School Shooting Database — https://k12ssdb.org• Difference Between Political Violence, Mass Shootings, and Terrorism — https://riedmanreport.substack.com/p/difference-between-political-violence• Rise of Purposeless, Non-Ideological Gun Violence by Young American Men — https://riedmanreport.substack.com/p/rise-of-purposeless-non-ideological• Riedman Report Ep 43: Forensic Psychologist Explains the Nashville School Shooter's Journals — https://riedmanreport.substack.com/p/ep-43-forensic-psychologist-explains• Riedman Report Ep 33: Let Kids Fight (Safely) with Guardian Founder Ben Kovacs — https://riedmanreport.substack.com/p/ep-33-let-kids-fight-safely-with⸻👥 Featuring:• Steve Kwan — @bjjmentalmodels (Host)• Jesse Walker — @roughhandsbjj (Host)• David Riedman — https://riedmanreport.substack.com (Guest)⸻🧠 Topics Discussed:• The Tumbler Ridge shooting and the pattern behind it• How the True Crime Community radicalizes teens online• Roblox as a grooming and recruitment platform• The Discord pipeline from mainstream social media to extremism• Trans shooters and what the data actually says• Nihilism vs. ideological terrorism• Why expelling a troubled kid can make things worse• How BJJ gyms provide the belonging that prevents violence⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 — Introduction00:35 — Meet David Riedman02:13 — Tumbler Ridge and the True Crime Community08:02 — Understanding nihilistic violence10:17 — Extremism, terrorism, and how to tell them apart14:15 — Active clubs and decentralized radicalization18:40 — Trans shooters: what the data says22:23 — The Nashville manifesto breakdown27:51 — Has social media changed anything?31:45 — The Roblox grooming pipeline38:40 — Can martial arts gyms use these same tactics for good?41:53 — Everything that feels new is really old49:58 — Warning signs for parents and gym owners54:43 — Closing thoughts

In this Presidents Day episode, Fighting Matters connects two explosive stories: Gordon Ryan’s inappropriate DMs and the growing fallout from the Epstein file releases. We debate accountability, conspiracy culture, institutional corruption, and whether justice can survive political power. The conversation turns to Jiu-Jitsu’s own culture, red flags in gyms, and what responsibility communities have when systems fail.⸻👥 Featuring:• Stephan Kesting — @stephankesting (Host)• Mike Mahaffey — @oldbastardbjj (Host)• Jesse Walker — @roughhandsbjj (Host)⸻🧠 Topics Discussed:• Gordon Ryan DM controversy• The Epstein file releases and redactions• Conspiracy culture vs. evidence• Civil vs. criminal accountability• Power dynamics in martial arts• Red flags when choosing a gym⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 — Presidents Day cold open02:17 — Gordon Ryan controversy03:30 — The Epstein files breakdown21:27 — Justice, collapse & consequences32:03 — Jiu-Jitsu governance debate52:03 — Would you recommend Jiu-Jitsu to women?01:01:50 — Closing thoughts

In this episode of the Fighting Matters podcast, hosts Steve Kwan and Jesse Walker are joined by Joshua Peters: martial arts instructor, former school teacher, and current candidate for Anne Arundel County Council. They explore why local politics matters, how martial arts and civic duty intersect, and why “keeping politics out of Jiu-Jitsu” is a myth. This is a conversation about courage, participation, and standing up for your community.🔗 Links Mentioned:• Joshua Peters Campaign — https://friendsofjoshuapeters.com• Combat Principles MMA — https://combatprinciplesmma.com• Run for Something — https://runforsomething.net⸻👥 Featuring:• Steve Kwan — https://bjjmentalmodels.com• Jesse Walker — https://roughhandsbjj.com• Joshua Peters — https://friendsofjoshuapeters.com⸻🧠 Topics Discussed:• Why local politics is more powerful than you think• The overlap between martial arts and civic responsibility• Running for office without “main character syndrome”• Virtue signaling, participation, and public courage• Supporting your community beyond the mat⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 — Introducing Joshua Peters05:35 — From teaching to running for office11:30 — Why local government matters18:42 — Losing, competing, and civic courage24:25 — Politics inside the Jiu-Jitsu gym29:49 — “Keep politics out of Jiu-Jitsu?”35:14 — What it actually takes to run43:35 — Virtue signaling and public participation01:03:00 — How to get involved locally

In this episode of Fighting Matters, hosts Stephan Kesting and Jeff Shaw are joined by Tyson LaRone (The Warrior Philosopher) to unpack the renewed push for Alberta separatism, its connections to Trump and MAGA, and the growing influence of U.S. political forces in Canadian domestic affairs. 🔗 Links Mentioned:• Fighting Matters Linktree — https://linktree.com/fightingmatters⸻👥 Featuring:• Stephan Kesting — https://www.grapplearts.com• Jeff Shaw — https://bellinghambjj.com• Tyson Larone — https://www.tiktok.com/@thewarriorphilosopher⸻🧠 Topics Discussed:• The Alberta Prosperity Project and separatist rhetoric• U.S. political influence and destabilization narratives• Economic myths around equalization and the “Alberta advantage”• Oil, foreign ownership, and who actually benefits• Grievance politics vs. evidence-based policy• Why martial arts spaces are vulnerable to political radicalization⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 — Introductions & Alberta separatism overview01:40 — How real is the threat of separation?07:20 — U.S. politics, propaganda, and destabilization12:40 — Economic myths and equalization explained31:40 — The “Alberta advantage” under scrutiny52:20 — American corporate interests and oil profits01:03:00 — Parallels with Ukraine and foreign interference01:04:50 — Martial arts, gurus, and political influence

This interview is an excerpt from Dark Martial Arts History, an 8-part audio documentary chronicling the history and rise of extremism in martial arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA. The rest of the documentary is available on BJJ Mental Models Premium, but this piece is relevant to current events, so we're publishing it here for free.In the sixth episode of Dark Martial Arts History, hosts Ben Van Doren and Eva Schubert are joined by longtime Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu educator and commentator Stephan Kesting. The conversation explores how conspiracy thinking, social-media incentives, and institutional silence have normalized authoritarian and extremist rhetoric within MMA and BJJ. The panel discusses the role of major platforms, the responsibility of fans and businesses, and the challenges practitioners face when harmful ideologies appear inside gyms themselves. Rather than treating extremism as an external threat, this episode asks what the martial arts community has tolerated, and what it must confront moving forward.Learn from Stephan online at Grapplearts:https://www.grapplearts.comFollow Stephan Kesting on Instagram:https://instagram.com/stephan_kestingFollow Ben Van Doren on Instagram:https://instagram.com/deepbluebrazilianjiujitsuFollow Eva Schubert on Instagram:https://instagram.com/evaschubert⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!The world's LARGEST library of Jiu-Jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free:https://bjjmentalmodels.comNeed more BJJ Mental Models?Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletterLearn more mental models in our online database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/databaseFollow us on social:https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodelshttps://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodelshttps://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.socialhttps://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels

The allegations against Andre Galvao, and subsequent collapse of Atos, have sent shockwaves through the Jiu-Jitsu world. In this episode, Steve Kwan and Jesse Walker unpack the allegations against Atos leadership, the victim statements that triggered a mass exodus, and why this moment feels different from past scandals. We explore abuse of power in martial arts, why competition success can’t excuse ethical failure, and what real accountability could look like, beyond statements and social media posts.🔗 Links Mentioned:• Fighting Matters Linktree — https://linktr.ee/fightingmatters• Fighting Matters Substack — https://fightingmatters.substack.com• "You’re Picking Your Jiu-Jitsu Gym Wrong" (Jesse Walker) — https://roughhands.substack.com/p/youre-picking-your-jiu-jitsu-gym⸻👥 Featuring:• Steve Kwan — @bjjmentalmodels• Jesse Walker — @roughhandsbjj⸻🧠 Topics Discussed:• Allegations against Atos leadership and the resulting collapse• Why this scandal triggered a rapid, unprecedented response• Abuse of power and hierarchy in martial arts culture• DARVO, victim silencing, and why convictions aren’t the only standard• How gyms, athletes, and platforms enable bad actors• Rethinking what "the best" Jiu-Jitsu gym actually means• Economic pressure and collective action as accountability tools⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 — Why this episode had to happen02:45 — Victim statements and breaking news05:10 — Why this collapse feels different09:25 — Predators, power, and Jiu-Jitsu culture15:55 — Choosing gyms: competition vs. ethics20:15 — Why legal standards aren’t enough26:18 — Accountability beyond statements33:10 — Platforms, money, and moral responsibility43:55 — What real action could look like47:45 — Where the community goes next

The idea of “keeping politics out” is no longer tenable, especially in Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts communities. Against the backdrop of escalating political violence, institutional breakdowns, and global instability, we explore the civic responsibility of gym owners, coaches, and athletes, and why silence increasingly amounts to complicity.🔗 Links Mentioned:• Fighting Matters Linktree — https://linktree.com/fightingmatters• Fighting Matters Substack — https://fightingmatters.substack.com• This Is Why We Fight (Jeff Shaw course) — https://bjjmentalmodels.com/fight⸻👥 Featuring:Steve Kwan — https://bjjmentalmodels.comStephan Kesting — https://www.grapplearts.comJeff Shaw — https://bellinghambjj.com⸻🧠 Topics Discussed:• Why “keep politics out of Jiu-Jitsu” is a thought-terminating cliché• Political violence, accountability, and the role of video evidence• Fascism, despair, and overreaction as a martial arts analogy• Civic responsibility for gym owners and community leaders• Why neutrality increasingly favors the status quo⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 — Welcome & January 2026 reality check04:40 — Political violence and media narratives13:30 — Why apolitical stances are collapsing24:00 — Global consequences and U.S. credibility31:00 — “Keep politics out of Jiu-Jitsu” examined45:10 — Martial arts, pressure, and overreaction54:40 — What regular people can actually do57:20 — Final thoughts and calls to action

Mother, poet, and US citizen Renée Good was shot by ICE on January 7, closely followed by the shooting of ICU Nurse and US citizen Alex Pretti on January 24th, apparently by members of the Border Patrol. Both Renée and Alex were immediately denounced as "domestic terrorists" by the US administration and an army of bots has been circulating a deluge of easily debunkable falsehood about the two victims.In this episode of Fighting Matters BJJ black belt Stephan Kesting is joined Tyson Larone, the Warrior Philosopher, to explore why this is all happening, who benefits from this, where is it likely to go, and how does it potentially end. We turn over every rock from the Epstein Files to suppressing the midterm elections to World War III.Follow Tyson on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thewarriorphilosopher and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thewarriorphilosopherigAnd please share this episode with someone it would help.

Racism, extremism, and exclusion aren’t abstract problems in martial arts. They show up in real gyms, affect real people, and shape who feels safe on the mats. In this episode of Fighting Matters, hosts Mike Mahaffey and Jesse Walker are joined by Deon Thompson and Stephen Hall for a candid, deeply personal conversation about how racism and hate groups intersect with Jiu-Jitsu culture, why “staying neutral” is not an option, and what responsibility coaches carry when they teach people how to fight.⸻🔗 Links Mentioned:• Fighting Matters Linktree — https://linktr.ee/fightingmatters • Ohio Brasa Jiu-Jitsu (Deon Thompson) — https://ohiobrasajiujitsu.com • Bioniq Brass Band (Stephan Hall) — https://www.instagram.com/bioniqbrassband⸻👥 Featuring: • Mike Mahaffey — @oldbastardbjj • Jesse Walker — @roughhandsbjj • Deon Thompson — @thompsonjiujitsu • Stephen Hall — @bioniqbrassband⸻🧠 Topics Discussed: • Racism and extremism in Jiu-Jitsu gyms • Why this isn’t “just politics” • Gym culture and accountability • Belt promotions as endorsements of character • Representation, safety, and who feels welcome • Why silence enables harm • The ethical responsibility of coaches⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 – Introduction02:10 – Why racism in Jiu-Jitsu can’t be ignored08:30 – Extremist groups and combat sports16:45 – Gym culture and leadership responsibility25:10 – Promotions, character, and accountability34:40 – Representation and who feels safe on the mats45:20 – Why neutrality enables harm57:30 – What coaches must be willing to confront1:08:00 – Final thoughts and closing remarks

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan and Stephan Kesting unpack the political chaos of early 2026 and its real-world consequences for martial artists. From international instability and economic shocks to propaganda, media capture, and rising authoritarianism, they discuss why “keeping politics out of jiu-jitsu” is no longer possible... and what individuals can actually do in moments like this.🔗 Links Mentioned:• Fighting Matters Linktree — https://linktr.ee/fightingmatters• BJJ Mental Models — https://bjjmentalmodels.com• Grapplearts — https://grapplearts.com⸻👥 Featuring:• Steve Kwan — @bjjmentalmodels• Stephan Kesting — @stephankesting⸻🧠 Topics Discussed:• Why global politics now directly affect martial arts• Authoritarianism, distraction, and media manipulation• Economic collapse, inflation, and gym sustainability• Voting with your dollars and leaving toxic gyms• Building unlikely coalitions in existential moments• Why silence and “staying apolitical” is no longer neutral⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 — Opening and Stephan’s rant03:30 — Distraction politics and global instability08:20 — Checks, balances, and institutional failure15:00 — Elections, force, and fear24:40 — Canada, China, and economic survival39:00 — Why martial artists can’t ignore this46:30 — What individuals can actually do56:10 — Coalitions, Rogan, and strange bedfellows01:04:40 — Voting with your dollars01:07:15 — Final thoughts and calls to action

This episode of Fighting Matters closes out the year with a no-holds-barred look at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2025. The hosts break down the biggest wins, deepest disappointments, and most important moments that shaped the sport—on and off the mats. From cultural flashpoints to genuine bright spots, this is BJJ’s year in review, warts and all.🔗 Links Mentioned:• Fighting Matters Linktree — https://linktr.ee/fightingmatters• Fighting Matters Substack — https://fightingmatters.substack.com⸻👥 Featuring:Steve Kwan — @bjjmentalmodelsMike Mahaffey — @oldbastardbjjJesse Walker — @roughhandsbjj⸻🧠 Topics Discussed:• The biggest controversies in BJJ in 2025• Sexual misconduct and accountability in the sport• Extremism, grifters, and bad actors in Jiu-Jitsu• Disappointments and missed opportunities• The year’s most positive moments and standout contributors⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 — Intro & framing BJJ’s year in review02:45 — The worst of BJJ in 202518:40 — Accountability, abuse, and culture problems41:10 — Transition to the best of 202546:30 — Positive standouts and hopeful trends58:40 — Final thoughts and looking ahead to 2026

In this episode of the Fighting Matters podcast, hosts Steve Kwan, Mike Mahaffey, and Jesse Walker confront the relentless bullying and scapegoating of transgender athletes, especially within combat sports. They unpack how bad-faith arguments, misinformation, and moral panic have turned a tiny minority into a political and cultural punching bag, and discuss what gym owners, coaches, and training partners can do to create safer, more inclusive spaces.🔗 Links Mentioned:• Fighting Matters Linktree — https://linktree.com/fightingmatters• BJJ Mental Models (Steve Kwan) — https://bjjmentalmodels.com• Old Bastard BJJ (Mike Mahaffey) — https://instagram.com/oldbastardbjj• Rough Hands BJJ (Jesse Walker) — https://roughhandsbjj.com⸻👥 Featuring (Hosts):• Steve Kwan — @bjjmentalmodels• Mike Mahaffey — @oldbastardbjj• Jesse Walker — @roughhandsbjj⸻🧠 Topics Discussed:• How trans athletes became a political and cultural scapegoat• Bullying vs. good-faith discussion around sports and fairness• Why hate movements target small, vulnerable groups• Misogyny, fear, and propaganda in combat sports culture• What gym owners can do to make their spaces safer and inclusive⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 — Why trans athletes are being targeted03:30 — Scapegoating and bad-faith arguments07:45 — Why this problem must be addressed by gym culture13:10 — Sports, fairness, and fabricated moral panics21:00 — Propaganda, fear, and political exploitation42:30 — What coaches and gyms can do differently54:10 — Final thoughts on dignity, accountability, and inclusion

The Fighting Matters crew is joined by Shaun Benson from The Boys to talk about about the show and how it relates to the state of the world right now.  Along the way we explore the blurring of lines between credible information and disinformation, the rise of Fascism, and the real bad guy responsible for evil in both The Boys and the real world.Follow Shaun on Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@shaunybenso and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shaunmbenson/

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan and Jesse Walker talk with writer Adrian Nathan West about his New York Times piece on Craig Jones, exploring how trolling, politics, and culture collide in modern Jiu-Jitsu.🔗 Links Mentioned:• The NYT Article — https://nyti.ms/3Y1N6oz• Nate West’s Website — https://anathanwest.com• The Baffler — https://thebaffler.com⸻👥 Featuring:Steve Kwan — https://bjjmentalmodels.comJesse Walker — https://roughhandsbjj.comAdrian Nathan West — https://anathanwest.com⸻🧠 Topics Discussed:• Why Craig Jones is a uniquely effective internet troll• Gordon Ryan’s influence on young grapplers• How Jiu-Jitsu intersects with politics• The importance of fact-checking in modern media• The future of independent journalism• Whether trolling can actually shift culture in BJJ⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 — Welcome & Introductions02:00 — How the NYT Article Came Together06:30 — Craig Jones’ Online Persona12:45 — Gordon Ryan’s Political Influence18:00 — Why Athletes Shape Public Opinion25:10 — Left, Right, and Populism in BJJ32:00 — Fact-Checking for the NYT38:30 — The Rise of Independent Media45:20 — AI’s Impact on Journalism53:00 — Should We All Be Trolls?57:20 — Where to Find Nate’s Work

In this episode of the Fighting Matters podcast, hosts Steve Kwan, Stephan Kesting, and Jesse Walker break down how bad BJJ coaches trap students with rank. They explore how belt pressure becomes a tool for fear and control, why some gyms drift into cult-like behavior, and how to spot red flags before you get stuck.🔗 Links Mentioned:• Grapplearts Black Friday Sale — https://www.grapplearts.com• BJJ Mental Models Premium — https://bjjmentalmodels.com• Rough Hands BJJ — https://roughhandsbjj.com⸻👥 Featuring:Steve Kwan — @bjjmentalmodels Stephan Kesting — @StephanKesting Jesse Walker — @roughhandsbjj ⸻🧠 Topics Discussed:• How bad coaches use rank as leverage• Why students feel trapped in toxic gyms• How cult dynamics show up in BJJ• When to leave and how to stay safe• Why character matters more than belts⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 Intro02:10 Why rank becomes a trap10:45 When coaches cross the line22:30 Cult signs inside BJJ gyms35:40 How to get out safely47:20 Why character matters most59:00 Final thoughts and deals

In this episode of the Fighting Matters podcast, hosts Steve Kwan, Mike Mahaffey, and Jesse Walker talk about the recent political shift of Marjorie Taylor Greene (MTG) and her public apology regarding her past rhetoric and actions. They explore the implications of her apology, the need for accountability, and the potential for redemption in politics.🔗 Links Mentioned:• Fighting Matters Linktree — https://linktree.com/fightingmatters• Fighting Matters Food Drive (direct link) — https://teamfeed.feedingamerica.org/teams/7625• Fighting Matters Substack — https://fightingmatters.substack.com⸻👥 Featuring:Steve Kwan — https://bjjmentalmodels.comMike Mahaffey — http://oldbastardbjj.comJesse Walker — https://roughhandsbjj.com⸻🧠 Topics Discussed:• Marjorie Taylor Greene's recent apology is a rare moment in politics.• The need for accountability and consequences for past actions is crucial.• Creating off-ramps for defectors from harmful ideologies is important.• Empathy and understanding can help bridge political divides.• Misinformation plays a significant role in shaping beliefs and actions.• The rise of extremism poses a serious threat to political discourse.• Finding common ground is essential for moving forward.• Public apologies can pave the way for political redemption.• The importance of community initiatives in addressing social issues.• Engaging in face-to-face conversations can foster understanding. ⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Light Banter01:24 Marjorie Taylor Greene's Political Shift06:15 The Complexity of Apologies in Politics10:01 Navigating Human Rights and Political Accountability17:01 The Role of Redemption in Politics20:58 Consequences and the Future of Political Figures28:04 The Need for a Reckoning in Politics35:14 Navigating Extremism and Hate Groups37:51 The Dangers of Normalizing Hate39:22 The Complexity of Redemption41:30 Assessing Paths to Redemption44:34 Creating Off-Ramps for Extremists48:42 The Political Landscape Shift53:16 Finding Common Ground01:01:28 Community Action and Food Drives

MMA analyst Luke Thomas joins the Fighting Matters crew to discuss fixing fights in the UFC in particular, and MMA in general.  We look at which specific type of fighter is being targeted, who might be behind it, and the role of the FBI in investigating the UFC.More Luke Thomas MMA analysis on his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/lukethomasLuke Thomas gets political: https://www.youtube.com/@LukeThomasGetsPoliticalFollow Luke Thomas on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukethomasnewsLuke Thomas on Substack: https://lthomas.substack.com/

In this episode, Steve Kwan, Jeff Shaw, and Jesse Walker break down how the ongoing SNAP and ACA shutdown could devastate working-class Americans, and why Jiu-Jitsu gyms will be hit especially hard. They unpack how food assistance and healthcare subsidies keep communities afloat, why cutting them is both illegal and economically disastrous, and how martial artists can take action through solidarity, food drives, and conscious spending.🔗 Links Mentioned:• Fighting Matters Food Drive — https://teamfeed.feedingamerica.org/teams/7625• Fighting Matters Substack — https://fightingmatters.substack.com• BJJ Mental Models — https://bjjmentalmodels.com⸻👥 Featuring:Steve Kwan — https://bjjmentalmodels.comJeff Shaw — https://bellinghambjj.comJesse Walker — https://roughhandsbjj.com⸻🧠 Topics Discussed:• What the SNAP shutdown really means for Americans• How ACA cuts raise healthcare costs for everyone• The ripple effect on gyms and small businesses• SNAP’s economic multiplier and why it matters• Why “the cruelty is the point” in U.S. politics• Building community resilience through action⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 Introduction02:15 What SNAP Really Does05:20 How Food Assistance Fuels the Economy09:40 Why Jiu-Jitsu Gyms Will Feel the Pain12:30 Launching the Fighting Matters Food Drive18:10 Debunking SNAP Myths24:30 The Affordable Care Act Fallout28:40 Real Stories of Rising Premiums33:10 Tax Cuts, Inequality, and Stagnation40:00 Jiu-Jitsu Analogies for a Broken Economy45:20 What Gym Owners Can Do50:10 Voting With Your Wallet52:00 Final Thoughts: Stay Strong as a Community

In this episode, Steve Kwan sits down with journalist Michael Colborne of Bellingcat to expose how far-right movements use aesthetics and martial arts culture to recruit young men. They discuss the origins of the “active club” network, the rise of far-right fashion and fitness subcultures, and how hate groups weaponize masculinity and community to spread extremism. Michael also shares how visual literacy can help parents, coaches, and martial artists identify warning signs and resist radicalization within their own gyms.🔗 Links Mentioned:• Michael Colborne’s work — https://www.bellingcat.com/⸻👥 Featuring:Steve Kwan — @BJJMentalModelsMichael Colborne — https://colborne.bsky.social/⸻🧠 Topics Discussed:• How “active clubs” exploit MMA and gym culture• The far-right’s obsession with aesthetics and branding• Recognizing coded extremist symbols and fashion• How online propaganda turns into real-world violence• What parents and coaches can do to push back⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 Introduction03:00 What Are Active Clubs?10:00 The Three F’s: Fashion, Fitness, Fighting18:00 Symbols, Codes, and Far-Right Aesthetics28:00 How Hate Groups Recruit38:00 Warning Signs for Parents and Coaches53:00 Countering Radicalization in Martial Arts01:07:00 Humor, Awareness, and Pushing Back

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan sits down with UK political video essayist JimmyTheGiant and Truth Collective founder Chris Ingram to unpack how billionaire networks, social media algorithms, and post-truth politics are reshaping democracy across the globe.Links mentioned:• JimmyTheGiant on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTheGiant• The Truth Collective — https://truthcollective.global• BJJ Mental Models — https://bjjmentalmodels.com⸻👥 Featuring:Steve Kwan — @BJJMentalModelsJimmyTheGiant — @JimmyTheGiantChris Ingram — The Truth Collective⸻🧠 Topics Discussed:• How online radicalization targets young men• The billionaire networks funding global disinformation• Project 2025 and the “post-truth” political era• The rise of rent-seeking capitalism and tech feudalism• Why social isolation fuels extremism• How independent media can fight back⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 Introduction02:00 Jimmy’s journey out of the alt-right pipeline09:30 How billionaires weaponized media and politics18:00 The global export of MAGA conservatism30:00 Why fascism is resurging worldwide43:00 The tech economy, AI, and rent-seeking capitalism56:00 How misinformation thrives in the attention economy1:10:00 Rebuilding truth through independent media1:23:00 Closing thoughts and next steps

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.comSonia Sillan on Instagram — @combatartsacademy⸻👥 Featuring:Hosts:Steve Kwan — @bjjmentalmodelsStephan Kesting — @stephankestingJesse Walker — @roughhandsbjjGuest:Sonia Sillan — @combatartsacademy⸻🧠 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⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 Introductions & Gym Culture04:20 Why Jiu-Jitsu Needs Beginner Programs09:45 The Myth of Mat Enforcers16:00 Emotional Regulation and Rolling Intensity27:00 Speaking Up to Power33:40 When Coaches Fail Their Students36:45 Handling Abuse and Reporting It44:00 How to Build Safe Gym Culture53:00 Gaslighting and Victim Blaming in Jiu-Jitsu1:10:00 Leadership, Integrity, and Doing What’s Right

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/⸻👥 Featuring:Karen Attiah — Journalist @, The Golden Hour, author, Muay Thai silver medalistJeff Shaw — @BellinghamBJJSteve Kwan — @BJJMentalModelsMike Mahaffey — @OldBastardBJJ⸻🧠 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⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Karen Attiah01:50 Karen's Journey in Journalism04:15 The Impact of Social Media on Journalism10:58 The Incident Leading to Termination14:19 Free Speech and Its Implications18:48 The Role of Media Ownership24:03 The Legacy of Jamal Khashoggi30:41 The Intersection of Combat Sports and Politics36:09 The Double Standards in Free Speech43:27 Lessons from Combat Sports45:37 The Power of Wrestling in Storytelling48:07 Wrestling and Politics: A Cultural Connection51:56 Martial Arts: A Personal Journey59:03 The Intersection of Martial Arts and Politics01:06:01 Finding Strength in Community and Self-Awareness01:12:02 The Future of Independent Media and Personal Agency

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.⸻👥 Featuring:Stephan Kesting — Grapplearts, Essential WildernessSteve Kwan — BJJ Mental ModelsJesse Walker — Rough Hands BJJ⸻🧠 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⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Fighting Matters01:02 Round Robin: The Week’s Most Insane News06:43 Charlie Kirk’s Assassination & Fallout15:20 Stephen Miller’s Speech vs. Nazi Parallels20:14 Capitulation, Propaganda, and Corporate Cowardice27:02 Speech vs. Violence: Where’s the Line?33:45 Social Media, Disinformation, and Civil War Rhetoric40:01 Free Speech Absolutism Debunked47:35 The Charlie Kirk Memorial as Propaganda Theater54:35 RFK Jr., Autism, and Attacks on Science01:01:12 Polio, Vaccines, and the Return of Preventable Diseases01:05:30 Cognitive Dissonance and the MAGA Movement01:09:00 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.⸻👥 Featuring:Derek Jones — BJJ black belt, social innovator, philosopherSteve Kwan — @BJJMentalModelsJesse Walker — Rough Hands BJJ⸻🧠 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?⸻📖 Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Fighting Matters01:01 Meet Derek Jones: Black Belt & Philosopher03:15 What Is a Meme, Really?07:13 How Memes Shape Personality and Culture09:53 Why Anyone Can Now Create Viral Propaganda14:10 AI and the Future of Meme Warfare20:14 Memes, Overton Windows, and Shifting Norms23:55 The Plausible Deniability of Sharing Memes28:23 Comedy as Cover: From Pepe to Rogan33:43 The Joker, Fascism, and Mocking the System37:51 Memes as News and the COVID Meme Boom41:36 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 Dystopia55:49 Human Responsibility in an Automated World59:09 Can Memes Still Be Used for Good?01:02:26 Levity, Connection, and Fighting Back with Humor01:03:08 Closing Thoughts

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 Culture06:04 The Deep Historical Roots of the Anti-Vax Movements08:50 COVID Denialism and Its Roots11:40 The Role of Individualism in Health Beliefs14:47 How MAHA Has Dismantled Health Tracking Data17:40 Data Integrity and COVID Death Counts23:37 Why RFK's approach Is a Disaster for People Who Aren't Rich26:42 The Profit Motive in Wellness37:57 The Ethics of Supplement Marketing41:34 The Dangers of Misinformation in Health45:46 Contradictions in MAHA and MAGA Public Health Messaging51:54 The Role of Personal Responsibility in Health56:20 The Impact of Wellness Influencers01:01:22 The Appeal of Common Sense Solutions01:03:55 The Challenge of MisinformationFollow the Conspirituality Podcast on all channels or go to https://www.conspirituality.netKeep 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, 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 — @JeffShawBJJMike 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 Matters01:09 Distinguishing Fighting from Violence04:20 The Complexity of Consent in Martial Arts09:41 Normalizing Consent in Training12:39 The Role of Fear in Martial Arts and Life20:04 Confronting Denial and Fear in Society28:15 Fascism and MMA: A Growing Concern30:20 The Complexity of Combat Sports and Society33:37 The Rise of Oligarch Masculinity in Martial Arts36:18 The Fairness of Competition in Sports41:20 Play, Creativity, and Martial Arts50:59 The Role of Martial Arts in Combating Authoritarianism

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, 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 @BJJMentalModelsJesse Walker @RoughHandsBJJMike Mahaffey @OldBastardBJJEric 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 Scene02:26 Addressing the Left's Challenges03:01 Purity Testing and Circular Firing Squads07:41 The Paradox of Control in Movements10:58 Language and Intent in Political Discourse19:24 Finding Common Ground and Moving Forward24:15 Respecting Identity and Pronouns27:16 Freedom of Expression and Identity29:22 Language and Its Impact on Identity31:29 Advocacy and Consent33:58 Navigating Identity and Representation38:10 Purity Tests and Identity42:49 Criticism from Within the Community50:00 Language as an Obstacle to Progress50:59 The Challenge of Political Unity53:50 Bridging the Divide: Empathy in Politics59:05 Navigating Flawed Leadership01:01:58 The Stakes of Political Compromise01:04:42 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

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