Conversations with a Backfist!
Social Gelo with Angelo Podcast
288-The Problem With Martial Arts Seminars
Are martial arts seminars actually worth your time and money, or are they overrated? I sit down with BJJ and Kajukenbo black belt Carlos del Valle to discuss the hidden costs of hosting seminars, the politics and pressure placed on school owners, and what happens when a seminar doesn't fit a school's students or training goals. We also tackle the big question: Are you better off spending money on seminars or simply showing up and training consistently? Now we want to hear from YOU! Have you ever attended a seminar that was a complete waste of money? Or one that changed the way you train? Drop your experiences in the comments! Agree or disagree, we want to hear it.
287-WHY JIU JITSU ISN’T MAKING YOU LOSE WEIGHT
Training more jiu-jitsu doesn’t automatically mean losing more weight. In this episode, I break down why beginners often lose weight fast, why that eventually plateaus, and how becoming better at jiu-jitsu actually makes your body more efficient at doing it. I also talk about why experienced martial artists need dedicated cardio and strength training, and why I added triathlon training to my own routine. Getting better at jiu-jitsu and getting fitter are not always the same thing.
#BJJ #JiuJitsu #Fitness #MartialArts #WeightLoss
WORKS CITED
Huang, Kram & Ahmed — Reduction of Metabolic Cost During Motor Learning of Arm Reaching Dynamics https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22323730/
Lay et al. — Practice Effects on Coordination, Metabolic Energy Expenditure and Muscle Activation https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12620721/
Pontzer et al. — Daily Energy Expenditure Through the Human Life Course https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8370708/ Øvretveit — Aerobic Interval Training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31062541/
CDC — Physical Activity and Weight Management https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-weight-growth/physical-activity/
American Heart Association — Physical Activity Recommendations for Adults https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults
286-Should 10-Year-Olds Be Getting Black Belts?
In this episode, we tackle a question that always pisses off somebody in the martial arts world: should kids be getting black belts? We also get into the idea of karate schools rebranding themselves as MMA programs, what an “MMA black belt” is even supposed to mean, and where the line is between evolving a martial art and just marketing bullshit. Then we get into the other side of it: when does legitimate criticism turn into the martial arts community bullying parents who are simply proud of their kids? Black belts, McDojos, MMA marketing, kids’ ranks, and internet outrage. We cover all of it.
285-Does MMA Belong in the Military? Combat Readiness or Combat Sports Fantasy?
Does MMA actually belong in the military—or is it unnecessary training for modern warfare? I sat down with Carlos Del Valle (Marines), Tony Malgiero (Army), and Claude Lawson (Air Force)—three Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts and MMA coaches with military backgrounds and extensive experience in combat sports as well as traditional martial arts. We debate combat effectiveness, injuries, skill level, and whether MMA really has a place in modern military training. Military MMA: valuable preparation or overrated?
284-Is Psychology Really Martial Arts? Fighting Fear in Real World Self Defense
Is de-escalation really martial arts—or is it a separate life skill? In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Butler and I explore the psychology of real-world self-defense, fear, violence, and training under pressure. Because it’s easy to preach de-escalation while criticizing MMA—but if you can’t punch, kick, grapple, or actually fight, what are you teaching? We take an honest look at the problem found in a lot of Kenpo and traditional martial arts: plenty of talk about self-defense, but not enough proof against real resistance.
283-Bare Knuckle Boxing: The Past, Present, and Reality of Fighting Without Gloves
🥊 Is bare-knuckle boxing actually better for self-defense than traditional boxing? What happens when you take away the gloves? Does bare-knuckle boxing create more realistic fighters—or just more injuries? And why is one of the oldest combat sports suddenly making a comeback? We dive into the history of bare-knuckle boxing, how it differs from modern boxing, its value for real-world self-defense, and where the sport is headed today. No gloves. No padding. Just fists. Let’s talk about it.
282-Are We Creating Better Bullies or Champions?
Are martial arts creating champions, or are we sometimes just creating better bullies? BJJ black belts T. Lee and Daniele Bolelli of the History on Fire podcast join me to discuss aggression, confidence, ego, bullying, and the responsibility that comes with learning how to fight. We also get into belt systems versus arts like kickboxing and boxing where rank isn't part of the culture. Does martial arts build character, or does it simply make you better at being who you already are?
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