
Conversations with a Backfist!
Social Gelo with Angelo Podcast
217-The Fight for Relevance: Is Your Martial Art Still Effective? (John Hackleman vs Tim Hartman)
In this episode of Social Gelo with Angelo, we bring together two very different martial artists for a raw, unfiltered conversation about what actually works in a real fight. Coach John Hackleman (trainer of UFC legends like Chuck Liddell) joins Datu Tim Hartman, a Filipino Martial Arts instructor with a controversial online presence. A lot of people think Tim’s a fake—today, he addresses it directly. We talk about: What makes a martial art “real” in 2025 Sport vs. street: where BJJ, FMA, and MMA fit in Why self-defense is more than just what you see in the cage How controversy and content collide in the martial arts world
216- Why Old School Martial Arts Need to Evolve | Barron Sheppard on Dynamic Kajukenbo
Old-school martial arts are powerful, but to survive in today’s world, they must evolve. In this interview, I sit down with Barron Sheppard — a Judo black belt, Kajukenbo black belt, and author of Dynamic Kajukenbo — to talk about how blending Judo, Combatives, and Kajukenbo creates a modern, street-ready martial art. We dive into the history, the mindset, and why it’s crucial for martial artists today to adapt and evolve their skills beyond tradition. Whether you're a fighter, a martial artist, or just love hearing real-world strategies, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. 👉 Grab Barron Sheppard’s new book: http://combatjudo.net/dynamic-kajukenbo/ 👉 Subscribe for more martial arts interviews and insights!
215-Chuck Sullivan on Ed Parker & Kenpo History
Just dropped a conversation with Chuck Sullivan—Ed Parker’s fourth black belt and one of the first to film Kenpo instructional content back in the ‘80s (when people didn’t believe in video learning). We dug into the roots of Ed Parker Kenpo, the early pushback against content creation, and how things have evolved now in 2025 where online instructionals are the norm. Chuck shares stories about training under Ed Parker, the first international Kenpo tournament, and what it was like building martial arts schools when there were no blueprints. He also gets real about realizing he was blindly following everything he was taught—and how over time, he had to break away from that mindset to find what truly worked for him. 🔥 And yeah… right at the end, he casually drops that he met Bruce Lee—and that meeting changed everything. 📍If you’re into martial arts history, real talk, and evolution through experience, this one’s a must-watch.
214-Hero or Lawsuit? A Lawyer Breaks Down the Airport Hostage Self-Defense Case
Was he a hero… or should he be sued? 🥋⚖️ In this episode, I sit down with lawyer and black belt Anthony Miele to break down the viral airport hostage self-defense case—the one where a bystander steps in and saves lives. But here’s the twist… could he still get sued? Anthony brings his legal expertise and martial arts background to answer the big question: When does self-defense cross the legal line? We cover: What the law really says about using force The gray areas that get people in trouble How martial artists can protect themselves legally 🔥 Whether you train or not, you need to know this. 🛡️ Real fights have real consequences. 👉 Subscribe or follow Social Gelo with Angelo for more martial arts breakdowns, legal takes, and real talk from fighters and experts.
213-The Best Martial Arts for Real-World Self-Defense in 2025!
Not all martial arts are created equal when it comes to real-world self-defense. In 2025, which styles are actually effective when things get real? 🤔 In this video, we break down the best martial arts for self-defense, what works under pressure, and what you should train if you want to be prepared for anything. 🥋👊🏽 🔥 Key Topics:✅ The top martial arts for real-world situations✅ What makes a style effective in a street fight✅ Common misconceptions about self-defense What do you think? Did your style make the list? Drop a comment below! ⬇️
212-Why Are People Banning Sparring? The Controversy Explained!
Is Sparring Dead?
More martial arts instructors are cutting back—or cutting out—sparring completely. But what's really going on? 🤔
In this episode of Social Gelo with Angelo, we break down why some coaches are ditching sparring altogether. From injury risks and legal headaches to new training philosophies, there's a big shift happening in how martial artists prepare for real-world fights and competition.
🔥 We Cover:
The good, the bad, and the ugly sides of sparring
Why some coaches say it does more harm than good
The impact of insurance, lawsuits, and liability
How fighters can still train for combat without going full-contact
Whether you're a fighter, coach, or just a fan of martial arts, this one’s for you.
💬 What’s your take—should sparring stay or go? Hit the comments and let us know.
211-How Personal Branding Can Grow Your Martial Arts Program | Social Gelo Podcast
What is a personal brand, and why does it matter for martial artists? In this episode of The Social Gelo with Angelo Podcast, we break down the essentials of personal branding and how it can help you grow your martial arts program. Whether you're an instructor, school owner, or competitor, building a strong online presence can attract students, sponsors, and new opportunities. 🔥 Topics Covered:✅ What is a personal brand?✅ Why martial artists need branding✅ How to position yourself as an expert✅ Strategies for growing your audience online Don't miss this deep dive into branding strategies tailored for martial artists! 💬 What’s your personal brand? Drop a comment below! 📲 Follow for more martial arts branding tips: 🔗 Website: www.socialgelo.com 📷 Instagram: @socialgelo 📘Facebook: Social Gelo with Angelo YouTube: @socialgelo7719

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