Fighting Matters

Is Jiu-Jitsu just about choking people—or can it actually make the world better? In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan (BJJ Mental Models), Jeff Shaw (Bellingham BJJ), Jesse Walker (Rough Hands BJJ), and Mike Mahaffey (Old Bastard BJJ) dive into how martial artists are stepping up to support their communities during turbulent times. From running charity seminars for LGBTQ+ and immigrant groups, to facing political backlash and online trolls, the crew lays it all out—with jokes, passion, and a bit of Moon Knight cosplay. 🌀 What does “conservatism” mean on the mats? 🔥 What happens when martial artists use their platforms to fight for more than just submissions? 🤝 How can YOU make a difference in your gym, even if you’re “just” a white belt? Drop a comment with your own stories or ideas. Let’s build something better—together. [#BJJCommunity](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/bjjcommunity) [#FightingMatters](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/fightingmatters) [#JiuJitsuForGood](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/jiujitsuforgood) [#MartialArtsPodcast](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/martialartspodcast) [#SteveKwan](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/stevekwan) [#JeffShaw](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/jeffshaw) [#JesseWalker](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/jessewalker) [#MikeMahaffey](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/mikemahaffey) [#BJJFundraisers](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/bjjfundraisers) [#TransRights](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/transrights) [#ImmigrantSupport](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/immigrantsupport) [#BJJMentalModels](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/bjjmentalmodels) [#BJJPodcast](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/bjjpodcast)

Stephan Kesting, Mike Mahaffey, Jeff Shaw, and Jesse Walker have an unfiltered, deeply personal conversation about the growing political divide in the combat sports world. They discuss recent developments with Conor McGregor, Dana White, Andrew Tate, and Cain Velasquez, and the reaction of the MMA community to those events. They also address how hero fantasies can have negative and unintended consequences, how children of all nationalities should be protected, and how real change requires genuine commitment and action from individuals. 👉 Like, share, and subscribe if you want to see more honest conversations like this. 📌 Featuring: • Stephan Kesting (Grapplearts) • Mike Mahaffey (Old Bastard BJJ) • Jeff Shaw (Bellingham BJJ) • Jesse Walker (Rough Hands BJJ) [#BJJ](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/bjj) [#Politics](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/politics) [#JiuJitsu](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/jiujitsu) [#MMA](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/mma) [#MartialArts](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/martialarts) [#Fascism](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/fascism) [#ProgressiveJiuJitsu](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/progressivejiujitsu) [#CombatSports](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/combatsports) [#BJJMentalModels](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/bjjmentalmodels)

In this special roundtable episode, Stephan Kesting, Steve Kwan, Jeff Shaw, and Jesse Walker for an unfiltered, deeply personal conversation about the growing political divide in the combat sports world. They tackle tough questions: • Why has far-right ideology gained traction in Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, and pro wrestling? • Is it really possible—or responsible—to “keep politics out of the gym”? • How do we support vulnerable communities and still create welcoming, inclusive spaces on the mats? • What does it actually mean to be a responsible coach, gym owner, or practitioner in 2025? This isn’t just a political rant—it’s a call to action for those who still believe martial arts can be a force for good. 👉 Like, share, and subscribe if you want to see more honest conversations like this. 📌 Featuring: • Stephan Kesting (Grapplearts) • Steve Kwan (BJJ Mental Models) • Jeff Shaw (Bellingham BJJ) • Jesse Walker (Rough Hands BJJ) [#BJJ](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/bjj) [#Politics](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/politics) [#JiuJitsu](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/jiujitsu) [#MMA](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/mma) [#MartialArts](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/martialarts) [#Fascism](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/fascism) [#ProgressiveJiuJitsu](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/progressivejiujitsu) [#CombatSports](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/combatsports) [#BJJMentalModels](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/bjjmentalmodels)