Fighting Matters

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](https://bjjmentalmodels.com) - Stephan Kesting — [https://grapplearts.com](https://grapplearts.com) - Eric Lowe — [https://crossroadsswords.com](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 is 04:11 — The history of far right infiltration in HEMA 05:29 — John Clements and the "North Korea of HEMA" 09:17 — Viking martial arts and the white supremacist appeal 11:15 — The Warriors of Ashe: Viking pagans who reject Nazis 13:39 — Why how you signal your school matters 19:27 — Symbolism in BJJ vs HEMA 23:10 — The fantasy every martial art sells 27:45 — What positive masculinity actually looks like 37:30 — Building masculine identity without the far right 40:51 — Who gets to own masculinity 45:36 — Dueling culture and honour violence 52:43 — The performative side of all martial arts 01:00:17 — Preserving tradition without white supremacy 01:03:56 — Why women in HEMA matter for everyone 01:05:36 — 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](https://bjjmentalmodels.com) • Matt Tansey — [https://matthewtansey.com](https://matthewtansey.com) • Daniel Millstein — [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/daniel-millstein-boston-ma/1239597](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 Daniel 02:48 — Types of mental health practitioners 06:43 — Can jiu-jitsu be therapeutic? 12:31 — Competence, confidence, and the Dunning-Kruger trap 23:49 — When jiu-jitsu actually helps 26:12 — Overselling jiu-jitsu 28:31 — Trauma, PTSD, and proper disclosure 36:44 — What therapists can't say (but coaches can) 42:57 — Dudes will do anything except go to therapy 50:48 — Ethics, credentials, and the unregulated advice problem 01:00:17 — 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](https://www.phlbjj.com) • Saybrook University — [https://www.saybrook.edu](https://www.saybrook.edu) ⸻ 👥 Featuring: • Steve Kwan — [https://bjjmentalmodels.com](https://bjjmentalmodels.com) • Valerie Worthington — [https://instagram.com/worthingtonvalerie](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 Worthington 06:33 — Why the good in BJJ stays invisible 12:58 — Should BJJ have a governing body? 21:17 — The reality distortion field inside the gym 33:18 — How the algorithm buries the good stuff 39:28 — Voting with your wallet 43:27 — Modeling the culture you want to see 51:54 — Dunbar's Number and BJJ communities 53:35 — 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](https://riedmanreport.substack.com) • K-12 School Shooting Database — [https://k12ssdb.org](https://k12ssdb.org) • Difference Between Political Violence, Mass Shootings, and Terrorism — [https://riedmanreport.substack.com/p/difference-between-political-violence](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](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](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](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](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 — Introduction 00:35 — Meet David Riedman 02:13 — Tumbler Ridge and the True Crime Community 08:02 — Understanding nihilistic violence 10:17 — Extremism, terrorism, and how to tell them apart 14:15 — Active clubs and decentralized radicalization 18:40 — Trans shooters: what the data says 22:23 — The Nashville manifesto breakdown 27:51 — Has social media changed anything? 31:45 — The Roblox grooming pipeline 38:40 — Can martial arts gyms use these same tactics for good? 41:53 — Everything that feels new is really old 49:58 — Warning signs for parents and gym owners 54:43 — 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 open 02:17 — Gordon Ryan controversy 03:30 — The Epstein files breakdown 21:27 — Justice, collapse & consequences 32:03 — Jiu-Jitsu governance debate 52:03 — 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](https://friendsofjoshuapeters.com) • Combat Principles MMA — [https://combatprinciplesmma.com](https://combatprinciplesmma.com) • Run for Something — [https://runforsomething.net](https://runforsomething.net) ⸻ 👥 Featuring: • Steve Kwan — [https://bjjmentalmodels.com](https://bjjmentalmodels.com) • Jesse Walker — [https://roughhandsbjj.com](https://roughhandsbjj.com) • Joshua Peters — [https://friendsofjoshuapeters.com](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 Peters 05:35 — From teaching to running for office 11:30 — Why local government matters 18:42 — Losing, competing, and civic courage 24:25 — Politics inside the Jiu-Jitsu gym 29:49 — “Keep politics out of Jiu-Jitsu?” 35:14 — What it actually takes to run 43:35 — Virtue signaling and public participation 01:03:00 — 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](https://linktree.com/fightingmatters) ⸻ 👥 Featuring: • Stephan Kesting — [https://www.grapplearts.com](https://www.grapplearts.com/) • Jeff Shaw — [https://bellinghambjj.com](https://bellinghambjj.com) • Tyson Larone — [https://www.tiktok.com/@thewarriorphilosopher](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 overview 01:40 — How real is the threat of separation? 07:20 — U.S. politics, propaganda, and destabilization 12:40 — Economic myths and equalization explained 31:40 — The “Alberta advantage” under scrutiny 52:20 — American corporate interests and oil profits 01:03:00 — Parallels with Ukraine and foreign interference 01:04:50 — Martial arts, gurus, and political influence

*This interview is an excerpt fromDark 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](https://bjjmentalmodels.com)*, 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.com](https://www.grapplearts.com/) Follow Stephan Kesting on Instagram: [https://instagram.com/stephan_kesting](https://instagram.com/stephan_kesting) Follow Ben Van Doren on Instagram: [https://instagram.com/deepbluebrazilianjiujitsu](https://instagram.com/deepbluebrazilianjiujitsu) Follow Eva Schubert on Instagram: [https://instagram.com/evaschubert](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.com](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?** Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter) Learn more mental models in our online database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database) Follow us on social: [https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels](https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels) [https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels](https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels) [https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social](https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social/) [https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels](https://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](https://linktr.ee/fightingmatters) • Fighting Matters Substack — [https://fightingmatters.substack.com](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](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 happen 02:45 — Victim statements and breaking news 05:10 — Why this collapse feels different 09:25 — Predators, power, and Jiu-Jitsu culture 15:55 — Choosing gyms: competition vs. ethics 20:15 — Why legal standards aren’t enough 26:18 — Accountability beyond statements 33:10 — Platforms, money, and moral responsibility 43:55 — What real action could look like 47:45 — 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](https://linktree.com/fightingmatters) • Fighting Matters Substack — [https://fightingmatters.substack.com](https://fightingmatters.substack.com) • This Is Why We Fight (Jeff Shaw course) — [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/fight](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/fight) ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Steve Kwan — [https://bjjmentalmodels.com](https://bjjmentalmodels.com) Stephan Kesting — [https://www.grapplearts.com](https://www.grapplearts.com) Jeff Shaw — [https://bellinghambjj.com](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 check 04:40 — Political violence and media narratives 13:30 — Why apolitical stances are collapsing 24:00 — Global consequences and U.S. credibility 31:00 — “Keep politics out of Jiu-Jitsu” examined 45:10 — Martial arts, pressure, and overreaction 54:40 — What regular people can actually do 57:20 — 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](https://www.tiktok.com/@thewarriorphilosopher) and on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thewarriorphilosopherig](https://www.instagram.com/thewarriorphilosopherig) And 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](https://linktr.ee/fightingmatters) • Ohio Brasa Jiu-Jitsu (Deon Thompson) — [https://ohiobrasajiujitsu.com](https://ohiobrasajiujitsu.com) • Bioniq Brass Band (Stephan Hall) — [https://www.instagram.com/bioniqbrassband](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 – Introduction 02:10 – Why racism in Jiu-Jitsu can’t be ignored 08:30 – Extremist groups and combat sports 16:45 – Gym culture and leadership responsibility 25:10 – Promotions, character, and accountability 34:40 – Representation and who feels safe on the mats 45:20 – Why neutrality enables harm 57:30 – What coaches must be willing to confront 1:08:00 – 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](https://linktr.ee/fightingmatters) • BJJ Mental Models — [https://bjjmentalmodels.com](https://bjjmentalmodels.com) • Grapplearts — [https://grapplearts.com](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 rant 03:30 — Distraction politics and global instability 08:20 — Checks, balances, and institutional failure 15:00 — Elections, force, and fear 24:40 — Canada, China, and economic survival 39:00 — Why martial artists can’t ignore this 46:30 — What individuals can actually do 56:10 — Coalitions, Rogan, and strange bedfellows 01:04:40 — Voting with your dollars 01:07:15 — 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](https://linktr.ee/fightingmatters) • Fighting Matters Substack — [https://fightingmatters.substack.com](https://fightingmatters.substack.com) ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Steve Kwan — @bjjmentalmodels Mike Mahaffey — @oldbastardbjj Jesse 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 review 02:45 — The worst of BJJ in 2025 18:40 — Accountability, abuse, and culture problems 41:10 — Transition to the best of 2025 46:30 — Positive standouts and hopeful trends 58:40 — 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](https://linktree.com/fightingmatters) • BJJ Mental Models (Steve Kwan) — [https://bjjmentalmodels.com](https://bjjmentalmodels.com) • Old Bastard BJJ (Mike Mahaffey) — [https://instagram.com/oldbastardbjj](https://instagram.com/oldbastardbjj) • Rough Hands BJJ (Jesse Walker) — [https://roughhandsbjj.com](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 targeted 03:30 — Scapegoating and bad-faith arguments 07:45 — Why this problem must be addressed by gym culture 13:10 — Sports, fairness, and fabricated moral panics 21:00 — Propaganda, fear, and political exploitation 42:30 — What coaches and gyms can do differently 54:10 — 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](https://nyti.ms/3Y1N6oz) • Nate West’s Website — [https://anathanwest.com](https://anathanwest.com) • The Baffler — [https://thebaffler.com](https://thebaffler.com) ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Steve Kwan — [https://bjjmentalmodels.com](https://bjjmentalmodels.com) Jesse Walker — [https://roughhandsbjj.com](https://roughhandsbjj.com) Adrian Nathan West — [https://anathanwest.com](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 & Introductions 02:00 — How the NYT Article Came Together 06:30 — Craig Jones’ Online Persona 12:45 — Gordon Ryan’s Political Influence 18:00 — Why Athletes Shape Public Opinion 25:10 — Left, Right, and Populism in BJJ 32:00 — Fact-Checking for the NYT 38:30 — The Rise of Independent Media 45:20 — AI’s Impact on Journalism 53:00 — Should We All Be Trolls? 57:20 — Where to Find Nate’s Work