Advertise on podcast: Fighting Matters

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 ⸻ 👥 Featuring: • Stephan Kesting — https://www.grapplearts.com • Jeff Shaw — https://bellinghambjj.com • Tyson Larone — 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 from Dark 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, 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 Follow Stephan Kesting on Instagram: https://instagram.com/stephan_kesting Follow Ben Van Doren on Instagram: https://instagram.com/deepbluebrazilianjiujitsu Follow Eva Schubert on Instagram: 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 Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter Learn more mental models in our online database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database Follow us on social: https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social 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 • Fighting Matters Substack — 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 ⸻ 👥 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 • Fighting Matters Substack — https://fightingmatters.substack.com • This Is Why We Fight (Jeff Shaw course) — https://bjjmentalmodels.com/fight ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Steve Kwan — https://bjjmentalmodels.com Stephan Kesting — https://www.grapplearts.com Jeff Shaw — 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 and on Instagram 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 • Ohio Brasa Jiu-Jitsu (Deon Thompson) — https://ohiobrasajiujitsu.com • Bioniq Brass Band (Stephan Hall) — 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 • BJJ Mental Models — https://bjjmentalmodels.com • Grapplearts — 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 • Fighting Matters Substack — 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 • BJJ Mental Models (Steve Kwan) — https://bjjmentalmodels.com • Old Bastard BJJ (Mike Mahaffey) — https://instagram.com/oldbastardbjj • Rough Hands BJJ (Jesse Walker) — 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 • Nate West’s Website — https://anathanwest.com • The Baffler — https://thebaffler.com ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Steve Kwan — https://bjjmentalmodels.com Jesse Walker — https://roughhandsbjj.com Adrian Nathan West — 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

In this episode of the Fighting Matters podcast, hosts Steve Kwan, Stephan Kesting, and Jesse Walker break down how bad BJJ coaches trap students with rank. They explore how belt pressure becomes a tool for fear and control, why some gyms drift into cult-like behavior, and how to spot red flags before you get stuck. 🔗 Links Mentioned: • Grapplearts Black Friday Sale — https://www.grapplearts.com • BJJ Mental Models Premium — https://bjjmentalmodels.com • Rough Hands BJJ — https://roughhandsbjj.com ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Steve Kwan — @bjjmentalmodels  Stephan Kesting — @StephanKesting  Jesse Walker — @roughhandsbjj  ⸻ 🧠 Topics Discussed: • How bad coaches use rank as leverage • Why students feel trapped in toxic gyms • How cult dynamics show up in BJJ • When to leave and how to stay safe • Why character matters more than belts ⸻ 📖 Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:10 Why rank becomes a trap 10:45 When coaches cross the line 22:30 Cult signs inside BJJ gyms 35:40 How to get out safely 47:20 Why character matters most 59:00 Final thoughts and deals

In this episode of the Fighting Matters podcast, hosts Steve Kwan, Mike Mahaffey, and Jesse Walker talk about the recent political shift of Marjorie Taylor Greene (MTG) and her public apology regarding her past rhetoric and actions. They explore the implications of her apology, the need for accountability, and the potential for redemption in politics. 🔗 Links Mentioned: • Fighting Matters Linktree — https://linktree.com/fightingmatters • Fighting Matters Food Drive (direct link) — https://teamfeed.feedingamerica.org/teams/7625 • Fighting Matters Substack — https://fightingmatters.substack.com ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Steve Kwan — https://bjjmentalmodels.com Mike Mahaffey — http://oldbastardbjj.com Jesse Walker — https://roughhandsbjj.com ⸻ 🧠 Topics Discussed: • Marjorie Taylor Greene's recent apology is a rare moment in politics. • The need for accountability and consequences for past actions is crucial. • Creating off-ramps for defectors from harmful ideologies is important. • Empathy and understanding can help bridge political divides. • Misinformation plays a significant role in shaping beliefs and actions. • The rise of extremism poses a serious threat to political discourse. • Finding common ground is essential for moving forward. • Public apologies can pave the way for political redemption. • The importance of community initiatives in addressing social issues. • Engaging in face-to-face conversations can foster understanding.  ⸻ 📖 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Light Banter 01:24 Marjorie Taylor Greene's Political Shift 06:15 The Complexity of Apologies in Politics 10:01 Navigating Human Rights and Political Accountability 17:01 The Role of Redemption in Politics 20:58 Consequences and the Future of Political Figures 28:04 The Need for a Reckoning in Politics 35:14 Navigating Extremism and Hate Groups 37:51 The Dangers of Normalizing Hate 39:22 The Complexity of Redemption 41:30 Assessing Paths to Redemption 44:34 Creating Off-Ramps for Extremists 48:42 The Political Landscape Shift 53:16 Finding Common Ground 01:01:28 Community Action and Food Drives

MMA analyst Luke Thomas joins the Fighting Matters crew to discuss fixing fights in the UFC in particular, and MMA in general.  We look at which specific type of fighter is being targeted, who might be behind it, and the role of the FBI in investigating the UFC. More Luke Thomas MMA analysis on his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/lukethomas Luke Thomas gets political: https://www.youtube.com/@LukeThomasGetsPolitical Follow Luke Thomas on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukethomasnews Luke Thomas on Substack: https://lthomas.substack.com/