Social Gelo with Angelo - Social Gelo -

In this episode, I sit down with martial artists from different backgrounds — Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, Kenpo, and Combat arts — to talk about where martial arts used to be, and where it is now. We break down how each part of the Kajukenbo acronym connects to what’s happening in the martial arts world today — how some arts are seen as “old school,” how modern applications have changed, and why that shift happened. Real talk, real perspectives — the past, present, and future of martial arts. 🥋🎙️

In this episode of Social Gello with Angelo, I sit down with Joseph Bautista, a true generational Kajukenbo practitioner who comes from a long line of martial artists. Joseph’s background is unique—he’s worked with KSDI, the Gaylord Association, and has trained with several other Kajukenbo branches. We talk about what it means to grow up “in between” different Kajukenbo families and how that perspective gives him a broader view of the art’s evolution. From there, we get into the real talk—what went down at the KSDI Tournament, why turnout numbers have changed, and what the community can do to bring Kajukenbo back into the spotlight. Joseph shares ideas on how we can make Kajukenbo a household name again—through unity, visibility, and the kind of collaboration that stays true to the roots while moving the art forward. If you care about where Kajukenbo’s been and where it’s heading, this is one you don’t want to miss.

Here we go again, another episode about Kajukenbo. I know, it feels like beating a dead horse at this point, but sometimes the horse just won’t stay down. Call it the sequel nobody asked for, but you’re getting it anyway. In this episode, I sit down with two different generations — Will Deutschendorf and Anthony Miele — and we talk about how Kajukenbo has its issues. The big one? It’s not really definitive on what it is, because it changes depending on the practitioner. We also dig into some of the questionable history around people who left Kajukenbo and ended up blending into Kenpo circles. That includes the rise of Fred Villari, who created Villari’s Studios of Self-Defense and Shaolin Kempo Karate. From there, some of his black belts and students branched off and eventually helped form organizations like United Studios of Self-Defense. Along the way, there were stories of people going overseas, coming back with new grandmaster titles, and presenting themselves in ways that raised a lot of eyebrows — even inside the Kajukenbo community. And Villari wasn’t the only one tied to that kind of drama. From there, we talk about what real self-defense actually is — and how that answer shifts depending on where you live, who you train with, and what you’re training for. 👉 Stick around if you want the raw, unfiltered side of martial arts. 🔔 Like, drop your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe if you actually did want this sequel.

Most people who train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu aren’t chasing a professional career — they’re recreational athletes who love the art, want to challenge themselves, and sometimes dream about representing their country. That’s where the JJIF (Ju-Jitsu International Federation) comes in. In this episode, I sit down with JJIF coaches and athletes to talk about: 🥋 JJIF Divisions – from Contact Jiu-Jitsu to Newaza (with rules similar to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu). 🌍 Opportunities for Recreational Grapplers – how JJIF provides pathways for everyday practitioners to compete internationally and even represent their country. 🤼 Professional vs Recreational Mindsets – the contrast between athletes who want to make a career out of BJJ and the majority who train for passion and personal growth. 🧩 Beyond IBJJF – the difference between private organizations like IBJJF or the Craig Jones Invitational, and non-profits like JJIF working to bring Jiu-Jitsu to the Olympics. ⚡ Other Grappling Styles – catch wrestling, its controversies, and how more martial arts are adopting belt systems to create structure and recognition. 💬 The Online Grappling Debate – why so many white belts and blue belts online argue about systems and organizations they don’t really understand. 👉 This conversation is about making Jiu-Jitsu accessible, celebrating the recreational majority, and rethinking what competition means for the community. If you’re passionate about Jiu-Jitsu, grappling, or martial arts culture, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

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

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.

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. #MartialArts #BJJ #Kajukenbo #MartialArtsPodcast #BeforeTheAlgorithm

🔥 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. #MartialArts #Kajukenbo #Taekwondo #TraumaticBrainInjury #Psilocybin #TBI #MartialArtsJourney #FighterLife #CombatSports #SocialGello

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/

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.

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.

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. 👇 Drop a comment if this hit home, and let us know what topics you want to see next in the series. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more content on training over 40!

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.

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. #SocialGello #MartialArtsPodcast

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. 🔎 We explore questions like: What does JKD mean in 2025? Is MMA just JKD with gloves? Did Bruce Lee create a style… or destroy one? Are traditional martial arts dead—or just misunderstood? What’s the risk of turning JKD into a museum piece? 🔥 This episode is for anyone who’s questioned the roots of martial arts, the philosophy behind cross-training, and whether the “original” arts even exist anymore. 👉 Follow & Subscribe: 📸 Instagram: @SocialGelo 📘 Facebook: Social Gelo with Angelo 🎙️ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms!

Karate is one of the most misunderstood martial arts today. In this episode, I break down the real reason why so many people dismiss it—and why that narrative is completely wrong.We start with the origins of Karate as a brutal and effective self-defense system, far removed from what many people now see in commercial dojos. I explain how post-war marketing and Western commercialization diluted the art and shifted the focus toward sport, stripping away the original intent.We also dig into how Olympic-style competition and point fighting changed the public’s perception, and how the rise of MMA and viral fail videos created an echo chamber of criticism.But that’s not the whole story. There are still styles and fighters proving Karate works—when it’s taught and trained the right way. From Kyokushin to Enshin to fighters like Lyoto Machida and Stephen Thompson, real Karate is still out there, and it’s still dangerous.If you think Karate doesn’t work, this episode is for you. Let’s set the record straight.

In this episode, I sit down with Tom Theofanopoulos — a veteran martial artist with over 30 years of experience running MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Kajukenbo programs. We talk about the real struggles martial artists face when they hit burnout — whether you're a black belt, blue belt, or just starting out. Tom shares how he’s helped his students (and himself) stay motivated, focused, and committed through the ups and downs of training. From mindset to management, his insights are real, raw, and based on decades in the game. 👊 Whether you're thinking of quitting or just feeling stuck, this one's for you. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more martial arts stories and advice.

Why do people act like wrestling doesn’t count unless it comes with a belt and a gi? In this episode of Social Gelo with Angelo, we break down the cultural bias behind what gets labeled a “traditional martial art.” Joining me are MMA Coach Bobby Seronio Jr. and BJJ Black Belt Claude Lawson. We dig into: Why wrestling gets overlooked in martial arts circles The roots of wrestling as one of the oldest combat systems How belts, gis, and marketing shaped what people think is “legit” What really matters when it comes to effectiveness

Frank Charmoli grew up in a violent, gang-infested neighborhood—where drive-by shootings and daily chaos were part of life. That brutal environment pushed him toward survival, the military, and eventually a career in law enforcement. In this episode of Social Gelo with Angelo, Frank shares his incredible journey: from navigating the streets to building a career in the Marines, the Navy, and later as a police officer. Martial arts was the one constant—something that kept him grounded and alive. During his time in law enforcement, Frank helped build a martial arts training program and had the chance to train with legends like: Judo Pat Libbel Benny "The Jet" Urquidez John Hackleman (The Pitmaster, coach of UFC champs)

In this episode, Eugene Sedeno breaks down his martial arts journey — how he ended up meeting James Mitose in prison, learning Kenpo straight from the source, and what really went down during those visits. He clears up a lot of the bullshit people throw around about his connection to Mitose and sets the record straight.He also talks about the absolute all-star lineup of martial artists he met along the way: William Chow, Adriano Emperado, Walter Godin, and Ed Parker. This isn’t secondhand info — he was there. If you care about the real roots of Kenpo and Kajukenbo, you need to hear this.This is Social Gelo with Angelo — where we talk martial arts, life, and everything in between. Hit that subscribe button and stick around for more real conversations with real martial artists.