About this episode
When gym leaders stay silent, people get hurt. In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan, Stephan Kesting, and Jesse Walker speak with guest Sonia Sillan of Combat Arts Academy about what happens when Jiu-Jitsu coaches fail to protect their students. Together, they unpack the culture of silence in martial arts, the myth of “mat enforcers,” and how real leadership means building safe spaces and speaking up when it matters most. Combat Arts Academy — https://caaseattle.com Sonia Sillan on Instagram — @combatartsacademy ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Hosts: Steve Kwan — @bjjmentalmodels Stephan Kesting — @stephankesting Jesse Walker — @roughhandsbjj Guest: Sonia Sillan — @combatartsacademy ⸻ 🧠 Topics Discussed: • Why coaches must speak up about abuse • The dangers of “mat enforcer” culture • How to teach emotional regulation on the mats • Creating a trauma-informed beginner program • Breaking silence and rebuilding trust in Jiu-Jitsu ⸻ 📖 Chapters: 00:00 Introductions & Gym Culture 04:20 Why Jiu-Jitsu Needs Beginner Programs 09:45 The Myth of Mat Enforcers 16:00 Emotional Regulation and Rolling Intensity 27:00 Speaking Up to Power 33:40 When Coaches Fail Their Students 36:45 Handling Abuse and Reporting It 44:00 How to Build Safe Gym Culture 53:00 Gaslighting and Victim Blaming in Jiu-Jitsu 1:10:00 Leadership, Integrity, and Doing What’s Right