Lifestyle

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/

On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss what is a legitimate black belt. We chat about the recent story of "Derek Moneyberg," who received a BJJ black belt in 3.5 years by doing only private lessons. Chewy shares a couple stories of teaching students who only wanted to do private lessons and wanted to get promoted, the limitations of only doing private lessons, "celebrity belts," why knowledge doesn't always equal skill, the characteristics of a legit black belt, and what Chewy looks for in a black belt. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Athlethc" at https://athlethc.com/ and use the code Chewjitsu10 to get 10% off of your order of hemp-derived THC performance mints. Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to **https://bit.ly/chewjitsu30** and use the promo code Chewjitsu30 to get 30% off of your total purchase. Epic Roll BJJ. Check out https://epicrollbjj.com/ and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off of your total purchase. Check out podcast exclusives including conversations with guests, Q&A sessions, and tons more at https://patreon.com/thechewjitsupodcast

In this episode, Steve Kwan is joined by Rosie Miller to explore the concept of the “tryhard hobbyist” in Jiu-Jitsu: someone who trains seriously and with intention, even if they don’t pursue the sport professionally. Rosie, a brown belt out of Atos HQ and founder of The Grappler’s Lab, shares her journey of evolving goals, identity, and self-worth within the sport. Together, they discuss the emotional and mental challenges hobbyists face, including impostor syndrome, burnout, risk management, and the struggle to balance ambition with sustainability. Rosie offers a values-based framework to help practitioners define their goals, align training with life priorities, and find long-term fulfillment in Jiu-Jitsu, regardless of competitive aspirations. Follow Rosie on Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/rosierollz](https://www.instagram.com/rosierollz) Work with Rosie @ The Grappler's Lab: [https://www.thegrapplerslab.com/](https://www.thegrapplerslab.com/) **Mental models discussed in this episode:** - Cognitive Dissonance [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/cognitive-dissonance/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/cognitive-dissonance/)- Prioritize Longevity [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/prioritize-longevity/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/prioritize-longevity/)- Return on Investment [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/return-on-investment/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/return-on-investment/)- Reframing [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/reframing/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/reframing/)- Flow [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/flow/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/flow/)- Impostor Syndrome [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/impostor-syndrome/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/impostor-syndrome/)- Self-Competition [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-competition/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-competition/) **Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium!** If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at **a fraction of the cost of a single private.** Sign up here for a free trial: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?** Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/) Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/) Follow us on social: [https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/) [https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/) Music by Enterprize: [https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/](https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/) ⚠️**NEW course from BJJ Mental Models!** **MINDSET FOR BETAS,** our new Jiu-Jitsu audio course with Rob Biernacki, is now available on BJJ Mental Models Premium! For a limited time, get your first month FREE at: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta)

Big night on the mats! We celebrated well-earned Jiu Jitsu promotions and leveled up our wrestling class with a surprise appearance by none other than Ronaldo Jr. Watch as our team gets promoted, rolls hard, and picks up world-class tips from one of the best in the game. Huge thanks to Ronaldo Jr for sharing his time and skills — you won’t want to miss this one! 🔥 Highlights: ✅ Jiu Jitsu belt promotions ✅ Wrestling drills & live rounds ✅ Special guest Ronaldo Jr dropping knowledge ✅ Team vibes & real mat talk Like, comment, and subscribe for more behind-the-scenes action, technique breakdowns, and special guest sessions!

If someone tells you to stop using/drilling a move because "it's a low percentage move", what do you do? Is tradition a thing of the past in BJJ? Sure, some of us only do nogi and like to get in and get out, but what about the culture that jiu jitsu was built on? A couple of BANGER questions on today's QNA one coming from good friend Samoan Strongman. If you wanna leave a question for the boys, click this link and scroll down -https://bulletproofforbjj.com/podcast ---------------------- BULLETPROOF SHIRTS: https://www.fanwear.com.au/products/core-bullet-proof-for-bjj-classic-tee ---------------------- Increase athleticism, reduce injuries and build a grapplers physique with the Bulletproof for BJJ App. Start your FREE 14 Day Trial today: iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bulletproof-for-bjj/id6444311790 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bulletproofforbjj&utm_source=na_Med Stay Hydrated with Sodii the tastiest electrolytes in the Game! Get 15% OFF: BULLETPROOF15 https://sodii.com.au/bulletproof

In this week's mini-episode we discuss **the Red Queen effect,** a hypothesis based on a quote from Alice in Wonderland that is oddly applicable to science and Jiu-Jitsu! It teaches us that sometimes we need to keep moving just to maintain our position. The Red Queen effect helps explain why we don't feel like we're getting better at Jiu-Jitsu when we compare ourselves to our training partners. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro) **Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium!** If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at **a fraction of the cost of a single private.** Sign up here for a free trial: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?** Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/) Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/) Follow us on social: [https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/) [https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/) ⚠️**NEW course from BJJ Mental Models!** **MINDSET FOR BETAS,** our new Jiu-Jitsu audio course with Rob Biernacki, is now available on BJJ Mental Models Premium! For a limited time, get your first month FREE at: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta)

**Is Jiu-Jitsu really a community—or just a bunch of cliques in gis pretending to be one?** **In this episode, Josh rants on the myth of unity in BJJ, calls out the gatekeepers, and makes a case for a more creative, open, and fun future for the art we all love.** **You’ll hear why the idea of “real Jiu-Jitsu” is holding us back, how the culture is becoming more rigid, and what we can do to keep Jiu-Jitsu weird, inclusive, and worth showing up for.** Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) [BJJ Mental Models](https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/isuck) [Kicksite FREE 30 Day Trial](https://kicksite.com/josh-mckinney/) [Datsusara](https://www.dsgear.com/) 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK” [Master ANY Position](https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/6) in 6 Weeks Join[⁠ISAJJ PRO](https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/suck) (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place) Join the[Gi Gazette](https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/GG) Follow the show on[⁠ Instagram⁠](https://www.instagram.com/isuckatjiujitsushow) [⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠](https://www.youtube.com/@JoshMcKinney)

Do you want to be the best in the world? Maybe you want your game to emulate Gordan Ryan, or Jozef Chen, or any of these top tier performers... But are you willing to make the sacrifices these guys make day in and day out? ---------------------- BULLETPROOF SHIRTS: https://www.fanwear.com.au/products/core-bullet-proof-for-bjj-classic-tee ---------------------- Increase athleticism, reduce injuries and build a grapplers physique with the Bulletproof for BJJ App. Start your FREE 14 Day Trial today: iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bulletproof-for-bjj/id6444311790 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bulletproofforbjj&utm_source=na_Med Stay Hydrated with Sodii the tastiest electrolytes in the Game! Get 15% OFF: BULLETPROOF15 https://sodii.com.au/bulletproof

Today let's learn from sports psychologist Dr. Haley Perlis, who delves into the competition mindset, developing mental toughness, managing stress, avoiding burnout, the psychology of extreme sports, and how your core values shape your life and sport. Find out more about Dr Perlis at https://drhaleyperlus.com/ And to get a glimpse into the mental aspect of dealing with suffering and self doubt check out my book, Perseverance, Life and Death in the Subarctic at https://www.amazon.com/Perseverance-Death-Subarctic-Stephan-Kesting/dp/1639368612/ Thanks! Stephan Kesting

In this quick chat, they share why they joined, what they love about training, and what keeps them coming back. Welcome to the team! Sign up now for a free trial: https://linktr.ee/ampbjj #AMPBJJ #BJJCommunity #NewMemberInterview #JiuJitsuLife #BJJFamily no copyright infringement intended.

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

On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss 4 things that they learned through Jiu-Jitsu that impacted their lives. - Facing your fears - fear as part of the process and how to overcome the resistance to achieving your goals. - The cost of skill and progress - pick things that align with what you want. - Taking care of your body - get contrast through BJJ and create habits or better performance on the mats. - The power of repetition - developing technique in BJJ as well as the value of repetition in your life. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Athlethc" at https://athlethc.com/ and use the code Chewjitsu10 to get 10% off of your order of hemp-derived THC performance mints. Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to **https://bit.ly/chewjitsu30** and use the promo code Chewjitsu30 to get 30% off of your total purchase. Epic Roll BJJ. Check out https://epicrollbjj.com/ and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off of your total purchase. Check out podcast exclusives including conversations with guests, Q&A sessions, and tons more at https://patreon.com/thechewjitsupodcast

In this episode, Steve Kwan talks with elite competitor Elisabeth Clay about returning to Jiu-Jitsu after major life changes like pregnancy and injury. Clay shares her personal journey of Jiu-Jitsu and pregnancy, staying mentally engaged during time off, and the challenges of regaining physical performance post-layoff. Elisabeth also discusses the importance of staying immersed in the gym culture when not actively training, how community can combat isolation and depression, and navigating the Jiu-Jitsu world as a new mom. Follow Elisabeth on Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/elisabethclaybjj](https://www.instagram.com/elisabethclaybjj) **Mental models discussed in this episode:** - Stress and Recovery [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/stress-and-recovery/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/stress-and-recovery/)- Reframing [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/reframing/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/reframing/)- Compatible Intent [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/compatible-intent/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/compatible-intent/)- Consistency [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/consistency/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/consistency/)- Analysis Paralysis [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/analysis-paralysis/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/analysis-paralysis/)- Normalization [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/normalization/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/normalization/) **Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium!** If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at **a fraction of the cost of a single private.** Sign up here for a free trial: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?** Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/) Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/) Follow us on social: [https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/) [https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/) Music by Enterprize: [https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/](https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/) ⚠️**NEW course from BJJ Mental Models!** **MINDSET FOR BETAS,** our new Jiu-Jitsu audio course with Rob Biernacki, is now available on BJJ Mental Models Premium! For a limited time, get your first month FREE at: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta)

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

•Motor skills development during activities. •Social interaction improvement by working with specific partners. •Team work tactics and tasks as they work by themselves. •Decision making encouragement by giving them the freedom to explore the exercises. •Problem-solving abilities as they navigate through the stations. •Positive habits culture by cleaning up after themselves creating a sense of responsibility. •Proper takedowns breakdowns making easy the learning process. •Engaging and fun. Working alongside parents in the process of educating their children through the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. #bjj #hus #husa #independentplay #jiujitsu #kidsclasses #lakenokomis #martialarts #mendotaheights #minnehahafalls #kidsjiujitsu #twincities #saintpaulmn #haus021 #haus021us #martialartsforkids #jiujitsufamily #familyactivities #motorskills #funtime #bjj #selfdefense #brazilianjiujitsu #saintpaul #minnegrappler #motorskills #mendotaheightsmn #independentplay #fujimats #hyperice #kidsclasses #antibullying #drinklmnt

Ever wondered why you can't stay on the mats? We are telling you the three main causes of injury and how you need to fix them in yourself. ---------------------- BULLETPROOF SHIRTS: https://www.fanwear.com.au/products/core-bullet-proof-for-bjj-classic-tee ---------------------- Increase athleticism, reduce injuries and build a grapplers physique with the Bulletproof for BJJ App. Start your FREE 14 Day Trial today: iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bulletproof-for-bjj/id6444311790 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bulletproofforbjj&utm_source=na_Med Stay Hydrated with Sodii the tastiest electrolytes in the Game! Get 15% OFF: BULLETPROOF15 https://sodii.com.au/bulletproof

In this week's mini-episode we discuss the concept of **systematic abandonment,** a mental model co-opted from business strategists like Peter Drucker and Michael Porter. Systematic abandonment teaches us to periodically review and discard habits that are no longer useful, because deciding what *not* to do is often just as (if not more) important than deciding what to do. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro) **Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium!** If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at **a fraction of the cost of a single private.** Sign up here for a free trial: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?** Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/) Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/) Follow us on social: [https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/) [https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/) ⚠️**NEW course from BJJ Mental Models!** **MINDSET FOR BETAS,** our new Jiu-Jitsu audio course with Rob Biernacki, is now available on BJJ Mental Models Premium! For a limited time, get your first month FREE at: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta)