Fighting Matters

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 de...

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...

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 di...

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.

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 ne...

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 c...

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan of BJJ Mental Models and Jesse Walker of Rough Hands BJJ are joined by wrestling historian David Wolf to unpack how Donald Trump turned American politics into a pro wrestling storyline.

From Trump’s long history with Vince McMahon and WWE, to the political weaponization of kayfabe, we dig into how the tactics of the squared circle, like manufactured rivalries, inflated numbers, and outrageous storylines, became the blueprint for his rise.

We also explore the deep parallels between wrestling promotions and political campaigns, how “alternative facts” mirror script...

The Fighting Matters crew gathers to discuss how Russian martial arts, such as Systema and Sambo, have been linked to far-right ideology and are being used by Russia as a tool for propaganda, recruitment, and spreading disinformation in foreign countries, including the US.

We also discuss the evolving Trump-Epstein situation, right-wing ideologies in Hollywood, and how to curate the culture of your club to avoid it becoming a fascist hotbed.

Thanks to Steve Koepfer from New York Combat Sambo (https://www.instagram.com/sambosteve/) for joining us today!

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan of BJJ Mental Models and Jesse Walker of Rough Hands BJJ confront one of the most urgent challenges in martial arts today: the normalization of extremist rhetoric, abuse, and unethical behavior within the community.

From Derek Moneyberg’s questionable black belt promotion by Jake Shields, to the broader cultural rot represented by figures like Jeffrey Epstein and their enablers, we dig into how bad actors gain power, and why silence enables them.

We also tackle the rising presence of neo-Nazi recruitment in martial arts spaces, why UFC’s to...

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...

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...

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 con...

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Stephan Kesting of Grapplearts and Jeff Shaw of Bellingham BJJ sit down with clinical psychologist, author, and BJJ black belt Dr. David Ley to challenge everything you think you know about gender.

Is “alpha male” behavior really about dominance and strength? Or is it just bad psychology wrapped in influencer hype? Dr. Ley breaks down the biological, psychological, and cultural science behind gender norms, toxic masculinity, and the emotional hunger many men bring to the Jiu-Jitsu mat.

From PowerSlap to Jordan Peterson to NoFap, we explore how pseudoscience and inse...

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan from BJJ Mental Models is joined by Jesse Walker of Rough Hands BJJ and attorney/mediator Andrew Burcham for a deep dive into the legal minefield of free speech, particularly how it intersects with combat sports culture and the internet.

What does the First Amendment actually protect? Can private companies limit your speech? Why do so many fighters and fans misunderstand their rights, and what happens when “free speech” is weaponized to shield bigotry?

From Dana White to Gordon Ryan, from hate speech to stochastic terrorism, this epis...

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan from BJJ Mental Models is joined by Stephan Kesting (Grapplearts), Jesse Walker (Rough Hands BJJ), and the incomparable Giles Garcia (Ronin Grappling) for a raw, unscripted deep dive into the political and cultural fault lines running through the Jiu-Jitsu world.

From media manipulation to fascist creep in martial arts, Giles brings the fire with unfiltered commentary on how the right hijacked the narrative, why conspiracies thrive in the fight scene, and what it really means to stand for something as a coach and leader.

If you’ve ev...

Stephan, Jesse, and Shelby are joined by Eva Schubert from the popular Villains and Virgins Podcast to discuss tactics used by all authoritarian states regardless of whether they are theocratic, fascist, or communist in nature.  They examine Margaret Atwood's 'The Handmaid's Tale' in the context of today's political climate and address the need for protests and collective action in combating these issues while emphasising the need for empathy and humanity in the face of adversity.

Check out Eva's podcast at https://www.villainsandvirgins.com and on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnOZJsYzx1k&list=P...

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan from BJJ Mental Models is joined by Jesse Walker of Rough Hands BJJ, Mike Mahaffey of Old Bastard BJJ, and mental health advocate David Figueroa-Martinez to challenge the outdated definitions of masculinity still thriving in the Jiu-Jitsu world.

Why are men in Jiu-Jitsu still afraid to talk about emotion?
What’s the cost of performative toughness on and off the mats?
And how can coaches reshape gym culture to support real growth—for everyone?

This isn’t about making BJJ "softer." It’s about making it stron...

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...

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 athl...

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 com...

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 brea...

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.

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👥 Featuring:
 • D’Juan Owens – Martial artist, educator, activist
 • Jesse Walker – @RoughHandsBJJ
 • Jeff Shaw ‪@BellinghamBJJ‬
 • Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬

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🧠 Topics We Cover:

• Why most self-defense seminars miss the mark
• The myth of the stranger in the alley
• How martial arts culture c...

🎙️ 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 man...

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 mea...

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.

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👥 Featuring:

Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬
Jesse Walker ‪@roughhandsbjj‬
Shelby York @roughhandsog

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🧠 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...

🎙️ 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.

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👥 Featuring:

Steve Kw...

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.

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👥 Featuring:

Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬
Stephan Kesting ‪@StephanKesting‬

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🧠 Topics We...

🎙️ 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...

🎙️ 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.

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👥 Featuring:

Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬
Mike Mahaffey ‪@OldBastardBJJ‬
Jesse Walker ‪@r...

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...