234-Who Owns Jiu Jitsu? Brazilian vs Japanese vs American

In this episode of Social Gelo with Angelo, I sit down with martial artist and author Weston Simonis to talk about his new book The Blue Belt — a curriculum that blends Danzan Ryu, Kajukenbo, Jiu-Jitsu, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. We dive deep into: The roots of Jiu-Jitsu at Kodokan and how it split into Japanese, Brazilian, and American branches. Why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu communities can be harsh toward people who compete outside IBJJF (like Combat Jiu-Jitsu or other formats). The problem with traditional Jiu-Jitsu schools that get so rigid they lose effectiveness. The controversy of calling something “Jiu-Jitsu” when there’s no real ground game involved. How to teach Jiu-Jitsu in the modern world so it’s effective, marketable, and respected by the BJJ community. As a BJJ brown belt, I brought my perspective to the conversation, while Weston — a BJJ purple belt — shared how his cross-training background shaped his approach. 🔥 Expect some controversial takes, especially on what should count as real Jiu-Jitsu today. Buy the Book Here: https://a.co/d/9g11vEc

233-Is Kajukenbo Really Filipino Martial Arts? | GM David Ducay

In this episode of Social Gelo Podcast, I sit down with Kajukenbo Grandmaster David Ducay, head of the Kajukenbo Eskrima Division. We talk about his martial arts journey, how Filipino Martial Arts shaped his Kajukenbo, and the untold history connecting Arnis, Eskrima, and European fencing from the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. GM Ducay also shares how he teaches, how Kajukenbo instructors can get certified in Filipino Martial Arts, and what the future looks like for the Kajukenbo Eskrima Division. 🥋 Topics we cover: Kajukenbo & Filipino Martial Arts crossover The history of Eskrima, Arnis & colonization How European fencing influenced Filipino Martial Arts Teaching, certification, and preserving tradition 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real martial arts conversations.

232-Before the Algorithm – Training for the art, not the clout.

Before the Algorithm – Training for the art, not the clout. I sit down with Claude Lawson (BJJ black belt, Kajukenbo black belt) to talk about how martial arts has changed. We break down: -Training for self-defense vs training for clout -Why people chase belts for social media -The harsh reality of making money in martial arts -Is influencer culture ruining the art? 👉 Watch, drop your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for more real martial arts conversations.

231-Living — and Training — with Brain Injuries: Lazarus Hunter’s Story

🔥 In this episode of Social Gello with Angelo, I sit down with Lazarus Hunter — a Taekwondo black belt from Seattle and a Kajukenbo brown belt — to talk about something most martial artists don’t want to admit… traumatic brain injuries (TBI). 🧠🥋 At only 20 years old, Lazarus has already suffered multiple TBIs. In this conversation, he shares: 💥 What it’s like living and training with brain trauma 🥊 Why you sometimes have to compromise and skip competition 🌱 How natural remedies (including the controversial use of psilocybin 🍄) might help 💡 His plans to keep pushing forward in martial arts despite the setbacks Whether you’re a martial artist, coach, or just curious about the hidden struggles fighters face, this interview will challenge how you think about training, recovery, and health. ⚠️ Disclaimer: This is one person’s story and not medical advice. Always consult a professional when it comes to your health. 👇 Drop a comment with your thoughts on TBIs in martial arts — and let’s open up this conversation.

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.