About this episode
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 ever wondered why “just stick to Jiu-Jitsu” is a cop-out, or what role you play in the bigger fight, this one’s for you. ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Giles Garcia – Ronin Grappling Stephan Kesting – Grapplearts Jesse Walker – Rough Hands BJJ Steve Kwan – BJJ Mental Models ⸻ 🧠 Topics We Cover: • The rise of fascism in martial arts culture • Why conspiracy theories thrive in Jiu-Jitsu • Media consolidation and fake neutrality • How coaches can lead without preaching • Culture war vs. class war in BJJ • Giles responds to Nazi commenters (for real) • What real leadership looks like in hard times ⸻ 📖 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions 02:50 The Role of Martial Arts in Society 05:36 Personal Stories and Experiences with Organizations 08:43 Global Perspectives on Societal Threats 11:51 Media Control and Government Overreach 14:41 The Illusion of Left and Right Politics 17:54 Conspiracies and Their Impact on Society 20:24 The Influence of Popular Media Figures 23:11 The Fight Community and Its Dynamics 26:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 36:00 The Rise of New Media and Its Impact 39:02 The Challenge of Truth in Media 42:10 Understanding the Left's Struggles 47:01 The Need for a Political Reset 48:49 Addressing Real Concerns in Society 52:53 Navigating Power Dynamics in Coaching 58:40 The Importance of Safe Spaces in Training 01:01:45 Responding to Controversial Comments