Fighting Matters

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 can enable abuse
• The importance of teaching consent and boundaries
• What it means to build a safer gym culture

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📖 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.

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👥 Featuring:

Jeff Shaw ‪@BellinghamBJJ‬
Jesse Walker ‪@RoughHandsBJJ‬
Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬

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🧠 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

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📖 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.

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👥 Featuring:

Albert Samaha – Journalist & Author
Jeff Shaw ‪@BellinghamBJJ‬
Stephan Kesting ‪@StephanKesting‬
Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬

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🧠 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

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📖 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.

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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 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.

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👥 Featuring:

Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬
Mike Mahaffey ‪@OldBastardBJJ‬
Molly Reis

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🧠 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

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📖 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.

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👥 Featuring:

Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬
Stephan Kesting ‪@StephanKesting‬

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🧠 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

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📖 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.

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👥 Featuring:

Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬
Jesse Walker ‪@roughhandsbjj‬
Jeff Shaw ‪@bellinghambjj‬

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🧠 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

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📖 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

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💬 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

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🎯 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

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💬 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.

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👥 Featuring:

Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬
Mike Mahaffey ‪@OldBastardBJJ‬
Jesse Walker ‪@roughhandsbjj‬
Timothy Lee Peterson ‪@timothyleepeterson‬

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🧠 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

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📖 Chapters:

00:00 Exploring Identity in Political Discourse
05:53 The Impact of Tribalism on Communication
11:00 Navigating Conversations with Empathy
17:36 The Role of Language in Identity
22:26 Building Bridges Through Understanding
36:35 Navigating Identity and Respect
39:16 Mistakes and Forgiveness in Communication
40:37 Bridging Divides Through Understanding
42:36 The Importance of Interests Over Positions
46:00 Creating a Culture of Tolerance for Mistakes
50:18 Psychological Safety in Conversations
54:10 Modeling Behavior for Change
01:00:15 The Power of Language in Understanding
01:04:06 Asking the Right Questions to Understand Perspectives