Conversations with a Backfist!
Social Gelo with Angelo Podcast
278-What BJJ Gets Right That Other Martial Arts Don't | Rigan Machado
In this episode of Social Gelo, I sit down with BJJ legend Rigan Machado to discuss why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has experienced incredible growth while many other martial arts have struggled to keep pace. We explore the importance of community, leadership, culture, student retention, and what academy owners and instructors from every martial art can learn from BJJ's success. We also discuss the future of martial arts, building strong schools, and the philosophy behind the Mach5 Network. Whether you're a martial artist, instructor, school owner, or simply interested in the evolution of combat sports, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
277-I Don't Think Ninjutsu is Real. Convince Me!
I don't think modern ninjutsu is real. Convince me. After living in Japan for over 13 years and training in multiple martial arts, I've got some serious questions about modern ninjutsu. So instead of ranting, I invited a practitioner to defend it. No cheap shots. No echo chamber. Just an honest conversation. Did they change my mind? Watch and decide for yourself.
276-Does Martial Arts Really Need Another Hall of Fame?
For years, the martial arts world has seen Hall of Fame after Hall of Fame. Some have earned respect. Others have been criticized for expensive induction fees, $1,000 dinner tickets, and awards that many feel have lost their meaning. So, does martial arts really need another Hall of Fame? In this episode of Social Gelo with Angelo, we sit down with the organizers behind the new Kajukenbo Hall of Fame to discuss why they believe this project is different. We talk about preserving Kajukenbo's competitive history, honoring those who helped shape the art through competition, and the challenges of deciding who truly deserves recognition. The conversation also touches on legendary names connected to the project, including Chuck Liddell, Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, Cecil Peoples, and John Hackleman, and why their involvement brings credibility to the Hall of Fame. Is this the Hall of Fame martial arts needs—or just another one? Watch and decide for yourself.
275-Why are people so obsessed with exposing fake black belts?
Why are people so obsessed with exposing "fake black belts"? Is the black belt still meaningful, or are medals and competition results all that matter? After more than 25 years in the martial arts, I've trained in traditional belt systems, non-belt systems, and submission wrestling in Japan—their version of catch wrestling. In this episode, I break down why this debate never seems to go away. I share my own journey, conversations with martial artists from every background, and the psychology behind why exposing "fake black belts" has become such an obsession. Whether you're a white belt, black belt, coach, competitor, or simply a martial arts fan, this episode might change the way you think about rank, experience, and what it really means to earn a black belt.
274-Kudo Isn't as Popular in Japan as You Think
Is Kudo really as popular in Japan as many martial artists think? After living in Japan for over 13 years and running a martial arts gym, my experience has been very different from what I often hear online. In this episode, I share my firsthand observations, a brief history of Kudo, and why perception doesn't always match reality. I'd love to hear your thoughts—especially if you've trained Kudo. Let me know in the comments!
273-HAS FITNESS CULTURE LIED TO US ABOUT FIGHTING?
The biggest guy in the room isn't always the toughest. The guy with the six-pack isn't always the best fighter. So why do we keep assuming muscles equal fighting ability? In this episode, we discuss one of the biggest myths in martial arts and fitness: the difference between looking dangerous and being dangerous. From Larry Wheels to everyday gym stories, we break down why strength matters, but skill still rules. Have we been fooled by fitness culture? Let me know what you think in the comments.
272-That's Not Kajukenbo!
That's Not Kajukenbo!" We've all heard it before. Show a kickboxing combination? "That's not Kajukenbo." Teach a closed guard escape? "That's BJJ, not Kajukenbo." Demonstrate a traditional technique from another lineage? "That's not Kajukenbo." In this episode, join Carlos Del Valle as we break down three techniques and tackle a question that has divided martial artists for decades: Who gets to decide what Kajukenbo is? Is Kajukenbo a fixed collection of techniques, or is it an art built on adaptation and evolution? Watch the episode and let us know: When somebody says, "That's not Kajukenbo," are they really saying, "That's not the way I learned it?"
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