We CANNOT allow this to be normalized.

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 tolerance of far-right behavior sets a dangerous precedent, and how the Jiu-Jitsu community is at risk of losing its soul if we don’t act. This conversation isn’t about clout, belts, or beef; it’s about what happens when a sport built on respect and discipline turns a blind eye to hate and abuse. ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Steve Kwan @BJJMentalModels Jesse Walker @RoughHandsBJJ ⸻ 🧠 Topics We Cover: • Why Derek Moneyberg’s black belt isn’t just a belt, it’s a red flag • Jake Shields’ slide into far-right extremism and what it means for Jiu-Jitsu • The danger of giving platforms to bigots, grifters, and abusers • What the Epstein case teaches us about power, silence, and complicity • How neo-Nazis are using martial arts as a recruitment tool, and how to fight back • Why “it’s not my problem” is the worst excuse you can make • What gym owners, instructors, and students must do now ⸻ 📖 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Gym Updates 01:52 Derek Moneyberg's Controversial Black Belt Promotion 06:09 Ethics of Black Belt Promotions 16:24 Debate on Normalizing Hate in Society 17:16 The Jubilee Debate Incident 30:58 The Impact of Extremism in Combat Sports 34:10 The Growing Problem of Extremism in Martial Arts 39:06 The Responsibility of Gym Owners and Instructors 44:17 The Challenges of Leaving Toxic Environments 49:04 Abuse of Power and the Fight for Justice 53:51 The Importance of Protecting Vulnerable Voices 01:00:01 Taking a Stand Against Normalization of Abuse