Fighting Matters

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan from BJJ Mental Models sits down with Mike Mahaffey of Old Bastard BJJ and Jesse Walker of Rough Hands BJJ for a raw conversation about why it matters—now more than ever—for Jiu-Jitsu practitioners to speak out. Why do so many people say “keep politics out of the gym”? What does it really mean to use your platform responsibly? And how can community, not conflict, be the most powerful form of resistance? From running inclusive gyms to dealing with trolls, threats, and the myth of “virtue signaling,” this episode is a call to action for anyone who believes that Jiu-Jitsu should stand for something more than just fighting. ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Mike Mahaffey – ‪@oldbastardbjj‬ Jesse Walker – ‪@roughhandsbjj‬ Steve Kwan – ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬ ⸻ 🧠 Topics We Cover: • Why speaking out doesn’t hurt your business—sometimes it builds it • How to use privilege as a force for good • What “virtue signaling” really means (and why it’s a lazy critique) • How to build a gym that welcomes everyone • Why moderating your community isn’t censorship—it’s care • What to do if you’re “just a white belt” but still want to help ⸻ 📖 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Fighting Matters and the Hosts 01:02 Addressing Criticism in Martial Arts Advocacy 05:07 Personal Experiences and Advocacy in BJJ 11:06 Creating Inclusive Spaces in Martial Arts 15:39 The Impact of Speaking Up on Business and Community 20:47 Countering Virtue Signaling Criticism 26:32 The Importance of Resistance and Community Building 32:48 Finding Your Voice in the Community 38:14 The Importance of Intention 52:02 Courage to Speak Up 56:24 Building Connections and Community

We're doing this episode in light of Ben Askren's battle with MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan from BJJ Mental Models sits down with Jeff Shaw of Bellingham BJJ and Dr. Clayton Green, a board-certified dermatologist and microbiologist, to dig into one of the scariest health threats in combat sports: MRSA. Why are otherwise healthy grapplers winding up hospitalized with life-threatening infections? Why does doing “everything right” still not guarantee safety? And what can we learn from modern medicine to actually prevent this from happening? With pro athletes like Ben Askren and John Moxley getting sidelined by staph—and regular gym-goers like Jeff fighting it off with IV antibiotics—this conversation goes beyond hygiene to tackle culture, misinformation, and the war between science and bro science. ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Dr. Clayton Green – Dermatologist & Microbiologist Jeff Shaw ‪@BellinghamBJJ‬ Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬ ⸻ 🧠 Topics We Cover: • How MRSA actually works (and why it’s deadly) • Why your gym might still be dangerous, even if it’s clean • The science behind colonization and contamination • Best practices for prevention and decolonization • Why “doing your own research” is making you sick • What science communicators can learn from pro wrestling ⸻ 📖 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Staph Infections in Combat Sports 02:44 Understanding Staph and MRSA: The Basics 05:33 The Ecology of Staph: Colonization and Transmission 08:30 Identifying Staph Infections in Gyms 11:17 Best Practices for Prevention and Hygiene 13:56 Antibiotics and Treatment: What You Need to Know 16:37 Decolonization: Challenges and Strategies 19:28 Prophylactic Antibiotics: Risks and Considerations 22:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 25:39 The Importance of Advocacy in Medicine 28:12 Understanding Staph Infections and Their Risks 37:15 Probiotics and Antibiotics: What You Need to Know 44:20 Communicating Science Effectively to Combat Misinformation 51:51 The Goalkeeper Syndrome in Society 53:09 The Impact of Denialism on Health 54:25 The Importance of Vaccination and Public Health 56:57 The Role of Emotion in Persuasion 58:25 Urgent Care and Access to Healthcare 01:03:14 The Privilege of Health and Misinformation 01:06:48 The Challenges of Chronic Illness and Research 01:10:35 Community Outreach and the Medical Profession

Neo-Nazis are infiltrating Jiu-Jitsu—and most of us don’t even know it’s happening. In this episode of Fighting Matters, we’re joined by investigative journalist Mack Lamoureux to expose the rise of “active clubs”: decentralized extremist groups using martial arts like Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai as recruiting tools for white supremacist and neo-Nazi causes. Mack spent nearly a decade reporting on far-right extremism for VICE News and now works with the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, tracking extremist movements around the world. He explains how these groups organize in secret, how they weaponize the power of community, and how they’re already competing in tournaments and running covert training groups in cities across North America. This conversation is a wake-up call for anyone who thinks Jiu-Jitsu is immune to radicalization—and a roadmap for how we push back. ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Mack Lamoureux – Investigative Journalist Jesse Walker ‪@RoughHandsBJJ‬ Mike Mahaffey ‪@OldBastardBJJ‬ Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬ ⸻ 🧠 Topics We Cover: • What are active clubs—and how do they recruit? • How extremist groups use martial arts to radicalize • Why community is both a powerful tool and a dangerous weapon • The terrifying overlap between fight culture and fascism • What coaches and gym owners can do to fight back ⸻ 📖 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Conversation 01:28 Understanding Active Clubs 05:11 Recruitment Tactics of Active Clubs 08:33 Training for a Race War 10:50 The Nature of Active Clubs 13:31 Community and Cult-like Tactics 15:29 Evolution of Active Clubs 20:41 Decentralized Structure and Terrorism 23:08 Identifying Active Clubs 26:27 The Power of Community Influence 31:14 Normalization of Extremism in Jiu-Jitsu 33:20 The Ethical Decline in Society 35:43 Understanding the Overton Window 41:13 The Role of Community in Combatting Extremism 49:46 Mental Health and Coping with Dark Subjects 54:48 The Power of Local Influence

Luke Thomas just appeared on The Daily Show with Jordan Klepper to talk about how the UFC has become a tool of radicalisation for the MAGA movement, so we invited him onto Fighting Matters to dig a little deeper. You can watch the original segment on Jordan Klepper Fingers the Pulse: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePbMNq8m7Jw Follow Luke Thomas on his Morning Kombat show here: https://www.youtube.com/c/MorningKombat And check out Luke's Substack here: https://lthomas.substack.com/

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan and Stephan Kesting are joined by scientist and author Kristi Charish to investigate how Jiu-Jitsu became a hotbed for pseudoscience, supplement scams, and influencer grifts. We explore how a culture of male insecurity and anti-intellectualism has opened the floodgates to misinformation—fueled by algorithm-chasing gurus and podcast personalities more interested in profit than truth. From testosterone fads and supplement sponsors to sunning your testicles (yes, really), we unpack the deep societal forces that make grapplers uniquely vulnerable to snake oil. If you’ve ever been told that breathing through one nostril will double your growth hormone, this episode is for you. ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Kristi Charish – Scientist & Novelist Stephan Kesting ‪@StephanKesting‬ Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬ ⸻ 🧠 Topics We Cover: • Why Jiu-Jitsu is especially vulnerable to pseudoscience • The myth of the supplement “quick fix” • How science actually works (and why grifters hate it) • Why confidence sells better than expertise • The parasocial trap of podcast influencers • What “adaptogens” actually mean (hint: nothing) ⸻ 📖 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:06 Kristi's Science Background and Transition to Fiction 04:25 The Challenge of Science Misinformation 10:03 The Role of Influencers in Misinformation 16:02 Regulation of Supplements vs. Prescription Drugs 24:03 Understanding Scientific Research and Publication 38:32 The Nature of Expertise and Certainty in Science 46:54 The Risks of Superfoods and Supplements 48:46 Trust in Science and Misinformation 50:19 The Dangers of Distrust in Institutions 53:13 The Impact of Influencers on Health Perception 01:02:47 Misinformation Targeting Young Men 01:09:44 The Dangers of Male Beauty Standards 01:19:27 Improving Science Literacy in Society

Jesse Walker, Jeff Shaw, and Steve Kwan are joined by longtime martial artist, educator, and activist D’Juan Owens. Together, they examine how self-defense training often overlooks the realities of abuse, how martial arts culture can enable victim blaming, and what it really means to create a safe, accountable training environment. ⸻ 👥 Featuring: • D’Juan Owens – Martial artist, educator, activist • Jesse Walker – @RoughHandsBJJ • Jeff Shaw ‪@BellinghamBJJ‬ • Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬ ⸻ 🧠 Topics We Cover: • Why most self-defense seminars miss the mark • The myth of the stranger in the alley • How martial arts culture can enable abuse • The importance of teaching consent and boundaries • What it means to build a safer gym culture ⸻ 📖 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to D’Juan Owens and His Work 00:50 The Journey into Gender-Based Violence Advocacy 09:22 Teaching Self-Defense and Positive Masculinity 11:00 Understanding Privilege and Victim Blaming 13:06 The Complexity of Privilege and Systemic Issues 18:37 Understanding Privilege and Responsibility 21:20 The Psychology of Self-Defense 22:14 Misconceptions in Self-Defense Training 23:25 The Reality of Assaults 26:56 Accountability and Cultural Norms 28:25 The Fallacy of Both Sides 30:11 Moral Cowardice in Jiu-Jitsu 34:07 The Role of Messengers in Self-Defense 37:04 Setting Boundaries and Consent 42:21 The Importance of Power and Responsibility 48:35 Understanding Risk and Personality in Young Adults 49:32 The Importance of Mixed Gender Seminars 51:20 Creating a Toolkit for Situational Awareness 53:13 The Role of Consent in Self-Defense Training 58:27 Navigating Consent and Communication in Martial Arts 01:01:58 Challenging Toxic Masculinity in Martial Arts 01:09:00 Addressing Misconceptions About Women in Jiu Jitsu 01:13:17 Cultural Sensitivity in Self-Defense Training

🎙️ Jay Rod was removed from B-Team. The community response was just as revealing as the offense. In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan, Jesse Walker, and Jeff Shaw dissect the fallout from the Jiu-Jitsu world after Jacob “Jay Rod” Rodriguez was kicked out of B-Team following revelations of inappropriate behavior. While the gym acted swiftly and decisively, parts of the community rushed to defend him—and that’s where the real conversation begins. This isn’t about legal definitions or criminal charges. It’s about what kind of culture we’re building on the mats—and why so many in Jiu-Jitsu still treat predatory behavior with a shrug, if not outright support. The team breaks down the incident, the excuses, and what it says about power, values, and safety in martial arts spaces. ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Jeff Shaw ‪@BellinghamBJJ‬ Jesse Walker ‪@RoughHandsBJJ‬ Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬ ⸻ 🧠 Topics We Cover: • Why B-Team made the right call • The myth of “he didn’t break the law” • How power dynamics warp gym culture • Why community pushback matters more than you think • The real cost of prioritizing athletes over safety ⸻ 📖 Chapters: 00:00 Community Reaction to Jay Rod's Removal 02:48 Understanding Inappropriate Conduct in Jiu-Jitsu 06:07 The Impact of Power Dynamics in Gyms 08:55 Moral Standards vs. Legal Standards 11:42 Consequences and Redemption in the Jiu-Jitsu Community 14:50 The Path Forward for Jay Rod

Historian Daniele Bolelli joins us to define fascism and authoritarianism, break down the historical context of fascism, and explain the alliance between oligarchs and fascist governments, the role of fear and propaganda, and the potential role of martial arts in combatting authoritarianism. Catch Daniele's excellent History on Fire podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts or check out his site: https://historyonfirepodcast.com/ Follow him on Substack: https://danielebolelli.substack.com/ And check out his book, On the Warrior's Path: https://www.amazon.com/Warriors-Path-Second-Philosophy-Mythology/dp/158394219X

🎙️ The UFC has become more than a fight promotion—it’s a political statement. In this episode of Fighting Matters, Jeff Shaw, Stephan Kesting, and Steve Kwan sit down with journalist Albert Samaha to unpack his explosive Washington Post article, “Two Nights in Vegas with the Fan-Bros of the UFC.” What begins as a story about fandom becomes a deep dive into the cultural and political forces shaping fight sports today. From MAGA hat sightings to Dana White’s unwavering support for Trump, the crew explores how the UFC became a haven for right-wing ideology—and what that means for the young men growing up in its orbit. This conversation isn’t about partisan politics. It’s about understanding how power, masculinity, and media converge in the cage—and what kind of future we’re fighting for. ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Albert Samaha – Journalist & Author Jeff Shaw ‪@BellinghamBJJ‬ Stephan Kesting ‪@StephanKesting‬ Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬ ⸻ 🧠 Topics We Cover: • Why the UFC embraced Trumpism • The blurred lines between sport, spectacle, and propaganda • How fight sports influence young men’s identities • The grifter economy and “hustle culture” in MMA • What responsibility promoters have in shaping culture ⸻ 📖 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Conversation 02:55 The Intersection of Sports and Politics 06:17 Understanding the UFC Fanbase 09:14 The Role of Authenticity in Politics 12:04 Masculinity and the Appeal of Simplicity 14:56 The Complexity of Political Messaging 17:54 The Andrew Tate Phenomenon 21:07 Human Stories in Fight Sports 24:12 The UFC's Political Landscape 27:13 Conclusion and Reflections on the Future 33:25 UFC's Controversial Support for Problematic Figures 36:08 The Shift in UFC's Image and Strategy 40:21 The Wrestling Influence on UFC's Marketing 44:36 Free Speech and the UFC's Ethical Dilemmas 47:13 Economic Class and Masculinity in the UFC 01:01:47 Navigating Modern Masculinity and Influencer Culture

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan, Jesse Walker, and Shelby York react to the breaking news that B-Team Jiu-Jitsu has officially banned Jay Rod. The team discusses the statements made by both B-Team and Jay Rod and the implications for gym culture. ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬ Jesse Walker ‪@roughhandsbjj‬ Shelby York @roughhandsog ⸻ 🧠 Topics We Cover: • What B-Team’s statement actually said • How Jay Rod responded and what it reveals • Why Craig Jones’s reaction surprised us • The importance of protecting victims • What other gyms should learn from this • The broader problem of abuse in Jiu-Jitsu

🎙️ A powerful conversation about identity, inclusion, and resilience in the martial arts community. In this episode of Fighting Matters, co-hosts Steve Kwan and Mike Mahaffey are joined by special guest Molly Reis, a three-stripe black belt and one of the most senior trans women in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Molly shares her journey through the sport, from competing every weekend in Texas to finding belonging in Seattle’s queer BJJ scene. She opens up about the challenges of transitioning mid-career, navigating concern trolling, and why visibility in leadership is key to true inclusion. ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬ Mike Mahaffey ‪@OldBastardBJJ‬ Molly Reis ⸻ 🧠 Topics We Cover: • What it’s like to transition after earning your black belt • How hormone therapy impacts physical performance • Creating safer spaces and inclusive gyms for queer athletes • Concern trolling, etiquette, and rolling while trans • Why allyship in BJJ must go beyond tolerance ⸻ 📖 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Diversity in Jiu-Jitsu 03:01 Molly's Journey in Jiu-Jitsu and Transition 06:02 Experiences of Support and Rejection 09:19 Navigating the Jiu-Jitsu Community as a Trans Woman 11:59 The Impact of Transition on Jiu-Jitsu 14:52 Understanding Hormone Therapy and Its Effects 18:17 Life Changes Post-Transition 21:04 Adapting Jiu-Jitsu Techniques After Transition 23:56 Creating Inclusive Spaces in Jiu-Jitsu 26:59 The Role of Community in Supporting Trans Athletes 30:11 Conclusion and Future Perspectives 45:40 Mindset and Gender Dynamics in Jiu-Jitsu 47:02 Creating Inclusive Spaces in Martial Arts 47:52 The Power of Representation in Leadership 49:27 Celebration vs. Tolerance in the Community 51:08 Navigating Political Sensitivities in Jiu-Jitsu 52:11 The Role of Allies in Supporting Trans Rights 56:26 Understanding Concern Trolling 01:01:11 Debunking Myths About Trans Athletes 01:05:31 Engaging in Good Faith Conversations 01:10:58 The Hypocrisy of Gender Politics in Sports 01:18:45 Encouragement for Trans and Queer Athletes 01:19:49 Finding Community and Resources in Jiu-Jitsu

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

🎙️ A deep dive into how Trump’s anti-Canada rhetoric flipped the Canadian election—and what it means for martial artists on both sides of the border. In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan is joined by longtime friend and grappling legend Stephan Kesting for a raw, unfiltered conversation about Canada’s 2025 federal election. They unpack how the rise of MAGA-style politics north of the border sparked a national backlash, ultimately reshaping Canadian leadership—and exposing fractures in the martial arts world. ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬ Stephan Kesting ‪@StephanKesting‬ ⸻ 🧠 Topics We Cover: • Why Trump’s threats to Canada changed the outcome of the election • The rise—and rejection—of MAGA politics in Canadian culture • How COVID and the Freedom Convoy broke the Jiu-Jitsu community • What American martial artists need to understand about their influence abroad • Whether Canada can still trust its southern neighbor ⸻ 📖 Chapters: 00:00 Canadian Elections and Political Landscape 09:08 Trudeau's Downfall and the Rise of Mark Carney 17:58 The Freedom Convoy and Its Impact on Society 32:58 The Division in the Martial Arts Community 35:12 The Impact of Information Bubbles 39:32 Reality Check: The Pandemic's Influence 43:15 Political Dynamics in Canada 50:05 The Future of Canadian Politics 57:25 Cross-Border Relations and Travel Concerns 01:02:09 Understanding Perspectives: The Info Bubble Challenge

🎙️ A candid roundtable on tariffs, economic disruption, and the fight to preserve Jiu-Jitsu communities during hard times. In this episode of Fighting Matters, co-hosts Steve Kwan, Jesse Walker, and Jeff Shaw take a hard look at how Trump’s tariff policies and looming economic challenges are threatening Jiu-Jitsu gyms across North America. Drawing from their experiences as gym owners, content creators, and lifelong martial artists, they explore how Jiu-Jitsu businesses can survive—and even thrive—through solidarity, long-term thinking, and real community-building. This conversation isn’t about partisan politics. It’s about practical survival strategies for the martial arts world—and why now, more than ever, community must come first. ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬ Jesse Walker ‪@roughhandsbjj‬ Jeff Shaw ‪@bellinghambjj‬ ⸻ 🧠 Topics We Cover: • How tariffs and border restrictions threaten Jiu-Jitsu gyms • Why wealth concentration hurts martial arts communities • How to recession-proof your academy today • The hidden risks of economic downturns for small businesses • Why Jiu-Jitsu must become more than just a sport • How generosity, community, and loyalty can save your gym • Practical ways to support students and staff through hardship ⸻ 📖 Chapters: Chapters 00:00 Introduction and WrestleMania Discussion 05:06 Impact of Current Events on Jiu-Jitsu Businesses 09:56 Challenges Faced by Gym Owners 15:08 Community Building and Brand Loyalty 20:03 Economic Insights and Strategies for Survival 25:01 Opportunities in Crisis 30:04 Concluding Thoughts on Wealth and Responsibility 41:42 Navigating Economic Challenges in Jiu Jitsu 48:24 Building Community Through Jiu Jitsu 57:45 Long-Term Thinking in Business 01:03:19 Supporting Local Businesses Over Corporations 01:04:11 Addressing Misogyny in Jiu Jitsu ⸻ 💬 Notable Quotes: “You don’t save a gym by cutting your people.” – Jeff “Generosity is the strongest brand you can build.” – Steve “Investing in your community pays bigger dividends than saving pennies.” – Jesse ⸻ 🎯 For Listeners Who: • Own or manage a martial arts gym • Want to protect their community from economic shocks • Believe small businesses are worth fighting for • Are looking for real-world survival strategies for martial arts • Value leadership, loyalty, and resilience over short-term profits ⸻ 💬 Your thoughts matter—join the conversation in the comments below. 🎧 Subscribe to Fighting Matters for open, honest dialogue on martial arts, community, and survival in a changing world. #JiuJitsu #MartialArts #Tariffs #Recession #BJJCommunity #FightingMatters #SmallBusiness #CommunityBuilding #BJJPodcast #TrumpTariffs #MartialArtsTalk

🎙️ A candid roundtable on tribalism, culture wars, and the struggle to preserve community in Jiu-Jitsu and beyond. In this episode of Fighting Matters, co-hosts Steve Kwan, Mike Mahaffey, Jesse Walker, and Timothy Lee Peterson take a hard look at how identity politics and ideological polarization are affecting the martial arts world. Drawing from their own experiences as coaches, practitioners, and community leaders, they explore how social division is creeping onto the mats—and how we can push back with empathy, respect, and clarity. ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Steve Kwan [‪@bjjmentalmodels‬](https://www.youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels) Mike Mahaffey [‪@OldBastardBJJ‬](https://www.youtube.com/@OldBastardBJJ) Jesse Walker [‪@roughhandsbjj‬](https://www.youtube.com/@roughhandsbjj) Timothy Lee Peterson [‪@timothyleepeterson‬](https://www.youtube.com/@timothyleepeterson) ⸻ 🧠 Topics We Cover: • Why identity has become central to modern conflict • How online behavior and purity tests are dividing gyms • The difference between ignorance and harm • How to handle mistakes without driving people away • Why modeling values is more powerful than policing language • Creating psychologically safe spaces for real learning and growth • How martial arts can teach us to communicate across ideological lines ⸻ 📖 Chapters: [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVCGgSnn4WA&list=PLc0pHgC0V58XcTEWksszOE9JgQtMTb-v3&index=1) Exploring Identity in Political Discourse [05:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVCGgSnn4WA&list=PLc0pHgC0V58XcTEWksszOE9JgQtMTb-v3&index=1&t=353s) The Impact of Tribalism on Communication [11:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVCGgSnn4WA&list=PLc0pHgC0V58XcTEWksszOE9JgQtMTb-v3&index=1&t=660s) Navigating Conversations with Empathy [17:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVCGgSnn4WA&list=PLc0pHgC0V58XcTEWksszOE9JgQtMTb-v3&index=1&t=1056s) The Role of Language in Identity [22:26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVCGgSnn4WA&list=PLc0pHgC0V58XcTEWksszOE9JgQtMTb-v3&index=1&t=1346s) Building Bridges Through Understanding [36:35](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVCGgSnn4WA&list=PLc0pHgC0V58XcTEWksszOE9JgQtMTb-v3&index=1&t=2195s) Navigating Identity and Respect [39:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVCGgSnn4WA&list=PLc0pHgC0V58XcTEWksszOE9JgQtMTb-v3&index=1&t=2356s) Mistakes and Forgiveness in Communication [40:37](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVCGgSnn4WA&list=PLc0pHgC0V58XcTEWksszOE9JgQtMTb-v3&index=1&t=2437s) Bridging Divides Through Understanding [42:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVCGgSnn4WA&list=PLc0pHgC0V58XcTEWksszOE9JgQtMTb-v3&index=1&t=2556s) The Importance of Interests Over Positions [46:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVCGgSnn4WA&list=PLc0pHgC0V58XcTEWksszOE9JgQtMTb-v3&index=1&t=2760s) Creating a Culture of Tolerance for Mistakes [50:18](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVCGgSnn4WA&list=PLc0pHgC0V58XcTEWksszOE9JgQtMTb-v3&index=1&t=3018s) Psychological Safety in Conversations [54:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVCGgSnn4WA&list=PLc0pHgC0V58XcTEWksszOE9JgQtMTb-v3&index=1&t=3250s) Modeling Behavior for Change [01:00:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVCGgSnn4WA&list=PLc0pHgC0V58XcTEWksszOE9JgQtMTb-v3&index=1&t=3615s) The Power of Language in Understanding [01:04:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVCGgSnn4WA&list=PLc0pHgC0V58XcTEWksszOE9JgQtMTb-v3&index=1&t=3846s) Asking the Right Questions to Understand Perspectives

Why do so many women quit Jiu-Jitsu—and what can we do to fix it? In this candid and eye-opening episode, Fighting Matters sits down with Shelby York of Rough Hands BJJ to talk about the real reasons women leave the sport. From casual misogyny to unsafe training environments, Shelby shares the often overlooked struggles women face in martial arts—and what coaches, training partners, and gym owners can actually do to make things better. Also featuring hosts Steve Kwan, Jesse Walker, and Mike Mahaffey. ✅ Topics include: • The subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways women are pushed out • Why some gyms feel unsafe—and how to fix that • How to build a culture where women want to train • The difference between intimacy and sexualization on the mats • Shelby’s own stories of navigating the martial arts world as a coach 👉 Whether you run a gym or just want to be a better training partner, this conversation is a must-listen. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions 02:23 Women in Martial Arts: Experiences and Challenges 07:07 Shelby's Martial Arts Background and Perspectives 10:29 The Misogyny Problem in Martial Arts 16:13 Navigating Gender Dynamics in the Gym 24:41 Addressing Subtle Forms of Misogyny 26:09 Understanding Victim Blame in Self-Defense 27:16 The Role of Physical Attributes in Martial Arts 28:11 Gaslighting in Martial Arts Training 30:14 Communication Styles in Self-Defense Training 32:19 Addressing Sexual Assault in Self-Defense 35:07 The Importance of Women's Voices in Martial Arts 36:45 Recognizing Trusted Aggressors 39:14 The Reality of Self-Defense Situations 40:21 Empowering Women to Speak Up 42:26 Navigating Male Receptivity in Conversations 47:45 Creating a Safe Training Environment 53:02 Challenging Gender Stereotypes in Sports 55:04 Navigating Gender Dynamics in Training 57:53 Empowerment and Consent in Martial Arts 01:00:14 Creating Safe Spaces in Jiu-Jitsu 01:03:01 Building an Inclusive Gym Culture 01:10:10 The Importance of Genuine Interactions #jiujitsu #bjj #womensbjj #martialarts #selfdefense #grapplingculture #fightingmatters

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan (BJJ Mental Models) is joined by Tim Lee Peterson for a candid conversation about the UFC’s growing alignment with far-right politics. They discuss how combat sports are being used as a cultural vehicle for political extremism, including the visible support of authoritarian figures and the platforming of openly fascist athletes. The discussion explores how these developments impact the broader martial arts community, the role of disinformation, and the danger of normalizing political violence and exclusionary ideologies in a sport that should be about inclusion, discipline, and mutual respect. 🎙️ Follow Steve: @bjjmentalmodels on Instagram and Threads 🎙️ Follow Tim: @timothyleepeterson on Instagram and Threads

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

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan (BJJ Mental Models), Jesse Walker (Rough Hands BJJ), and Mike Mahaffey (Magic BJJ) discuss the backlash to a recent viral post about Jiu-Jitsu’s historical links to fascism, and how that history continues to shape the culture of the sport today. They also talk about Joe Rogan’s evolving role in martial arts media, the influence of the manosphere, and the challenges of having honest conversations in a polarized environment. Topics include: – Why critiques of Jiu-Jitsu history often feel personal – Whether and how to separate the art from its founders – Joe Rogan’s influence and responsibility as a media figure – The impact of social media, tribalism, and identity – The manosphere’s reach into martial arts culture – What it might take to build a more open and inclusive community [#BJJ](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/bjj) [#JoeRogan](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/joerogan) [#JiuJitsu](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/jiujitsu) [#Manosphere](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/manosphere) [#MartialArts](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/martialarts) [#FightingMatters](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/fightingmatters) [#BJJPodcast](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/bjjpodcast)