230-Will Contact Jiu Jitsu Beat BJJ to the Olympics?

In this episode of Social Gello with Angelo, I sit down with T. Lee and Sarah Stanton from the U.S. JJO-JJIF, Pan American Jiu-Jitsu Union — the organizers pushing Jiu-Jitsu toward the Olympic stage. We break down: 🥋 What the U.S. JJO-JJIF and Pan American Jiu-Jitsu Union actually do 🌏 The road to the World Games in China 🥇 How they’re working to get Jiu-Jitsu into the Olympics ⚔️ The differences between Sport Fighting, JJIF Sport, and JJIF Contact divisions 🥊 Why Contact Jiu-Jitsu (with striking and takedowns) might have a better shot at the Olympics than Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu itself 🎯 Their honest take on whether BJJ will ever make it to the Olympic Games Whether you’re a martial artist, competitor, or just curious about the politics of combat sports, this episode will give you an inside look at the future of Jiu-Jitsu on the world stage. 📢 What do you think? Will Contact Jiu-Jitsu make the Olympics before BJJ? Drop your thoughts in the comments! Want more info? Visit the JJIF Website here https://jjif.sport/

229-BJJ Over 40: Mike Bidwell’s Martial Arts Journey from Kenpo to the Pride Era

In this episode of Social Gello with Angelo, I sit down with Mike Bidwell — the man behind the BJJ Over 40 Facebook page. At 56 years old, Mike’s still out there training, teaching, and representing for the over-40 crew. We talk about why he started BJJ Over 40, how his martial arts journey began in Taekwondo and Kenpo, and how it eventually led him to MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and a life dedicated to the arts. Mike also shares some serious gems from his time in Japan during the original Pride championships, where he was cornering fighters as a purple belt, rubbing shoulders with the Gracies, and hanging out in the locker rooms with legends. We also dig into what it means to train for decades — how your mindset changes, how your body adapts, and how your perspective deepens as the years roll by. If you're over 40, still training, or thinking about getting back into it — this episode is for you. 🔥 Topics include: Starting BJJ Over 40 and building a global community Martial arts evolution: Taekwondo, Kenpo, MMA, and BJJ Behind-the-scenes stories from the Pride era in Japan Psychological shifts from lifelong training Staying strong, smart, and motivated over 40 🎧 Subscribe, tune in, and check out Mike’s work at BJJ Over 40 on Facebook.

228-Martial Arts Over 40 – Coaching, MMA Hype & Why Doing Everything Right Still Isn’t Enough

In this episode of the Training Over 40 series on Social Gello with Angelo, I talk with Ron Baker, a Kajukenbo black belt and coach in his 60s, about how much martial arts — and life — have changed. We go deep on: What it means to be a coach over 40 in the social media era The disconnect between old-school instructors and new-school fighters How MMA changed the game and why that matters for coaches The psychological toll of watching younger generations chase goals you never had access to And the harsh truth: Even if you do everything right, things can still go sideways. We talk about Ben Askren, a world-class fighter who lived clean, trained smart — and still needed a double lung transplant, even turning to a YouTuber for help covering costs This episode is about more than training. It’s about staying grounded, adapting to a new era, and keeping your art — and your mindset — alive. 🎙️ Old-school knowledge for the modern martial artist. 👇 Let us know what your experience has been like training or coaching past 40.

227-Training Over 40 – Martial Arts, Recovery, and Real Talk w: Carlos Del Valle & Claude Lawson

Welcome to the first episode of our new Training Over 40 series! I sat down with Carlos Del Valle, a multi-discipline black belt and Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and Claude Lawson, a black belt in both Kajukenbo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, to talk about what it really takes to train as a martial artist past your 40s and 50s. Both of these guys are in their 50s, and they still train hard — but smart. We break down the real challenges that come up as we get older: How to balance training with family, work, and recovery What changes in your body (and how to listen to it) The importance of sleep, nutrition, and realistic expectations How to keep your ego in check and still grow in martial arts Injury prevention and bouncing back when you're not 20 anymore Whether you're in your 40s, 50s, or just thinking ahead, this episode is packed with wisdom and experience from martial artists who live this life every day.

226-Martial Arts Gatekeeping: Ego, Protection, or Business Survival? | GM Ron Esteller x Angelo Ferrer

This week on the Social Gelo Podcast, I sat down with Grandmaster Ron Esteller, one of Kajukenbo’s most respected voices, to talk about the complex and controversial topic of gatekeeping in martial arts. As a Kajukenbo black belt, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt, and MMA coach, I’ve seen both sides of this issue — from lineage loyalty to student betrayal. In this episode, we break down: 🔒 What gatekeeping actually is (and what it isn’t) 💸 How BJJ associations can feel like a “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tax” ⚠️ When gatekeeping becomes necessary — to protect your gym, your reputation, and your students 🤼 Real stories from the mat: shady tactics, stolen programs, and schools popping up across the street We don’t hold back — this episode is raw, real, and dives deep into the psychology and politics behind martial arts culture. 🎙️ New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe to Social Gelo for real martial arts conversations you won’t hear anywhere else.

225-Coaching Time, Point Sparring Belts, and Inclusivity in Martial Arts | Social Gello with Angelo

In this episode of Social Gello with Angelo, I respond to some powerful and thought-provoking questions from listeners and followers.

💥 First up — how much one-on-one time should a coach really give, and should they be the only one holding mitts? I break down what matters in real coaching.

🥋 Then, I respond to a heated opinion about point sparring belts. Should we really be handing out championship belts for point fighting? I share my take.

🏳️‍🌈 And lastly — a subscriber opened up about being harassed after coming out as LGBTQ, which led them to quit martial arts altogether. I respond to their story with respect, and talk about how much the martial arts community has changed — and how we can do better.

👊 Whether you’re a coach, a martial artist, or just someone navigating the journey, this one’s for you.

👉 Subscribe, comment, and send your own questions for future episodes.

224-The Myth of 'Original' Martial Arts: What Would Bruce Lee Say About Modern JKD and MMA?"

In this episode of Social Gelo with Angelo, we dive deep into the myth of “original” martial arts with two experienced voices in the world of Jeet Kune Do and hybrid systems. I sat down with Dwight Woods of The JKD Dialogues—a direct student of Sifu Richard Bustillo and longtime practitioner and thinker in the JKD world—and Miki Lopez, a Kajukenbo black belt and JKD practitioner, to unpack what Bruce Lee actually meant by Jeet Kune Do and how it compares to modern MMA.