JudoPod by JudoTV

What does it really take to reach the Olympic podium... and what happens when the dream is taken away?World and Olympic medallist Axel Clerget takes us behind the scenes of elite judo, his take on changing the Olympic qualification rules, the relentless fight to reach Paris 2024 and the heartbreak of missing out.A must-listen for anyone who wants to understand the politics, pressure and personal sacrifices behind the Olympic dream, and what it takes to keep fighting when everything is on the line.

Competing in a golden era for the USA, Travis Stevens paved his way to an Olympic medal and became a force to be reckoned with. In London 2012 he was met with equal force that brought about one of the most memorable matches in judo history. So get comfortable and join us in getting to know Travis, and nutritionists, you might want to cover your ears!

The outsider who became Olympic Champion. Fabio Basile has lived the fairytale many could only dream of, but it hasn’t all been sunshine and rainbows, major and life altering injuries forced him to look deep inside to find out who he is. This episode reflects on sporting achievement, stardom, the never-ending climb and now fatherhood.

Finland’s powerhouse, Martti Puumalainen joins JudoPOD for a candid, funny and refreshingly honest conversation about life as a heavyweight judoka. Press play to learn some of his tricks of the trade and why he believes kindness is the most important thing in an intense contact sport where throwing and submissions are the aim of the game.

Judo player, wrestler, grappling coach to the some of the biggest names in the UFC game, including team mate and close friend Ronda Rousey, Justin Flores explains how judo - and his regrettable break from it - has shaped his life in an incredible way. Where does he feel judo has a space in the martial arts world and how do we get more eyes on the sport we love?

Patricia Sampaio has been burdened with huge injuries during her career, but they've only led to bigger results. The European Champion, World and Olympic bronze medallist is not only a force to be reckoned with on the tatami but she is one of the sports greatest personalities, so come get to know her story and why Kayla Harrison is such a big influence.

We hear plenty from senior and even retired athletes of their journeys to becoming star studded judoka, but what does it take for the up and coming generation? Lithuania's rising star, Tajus Babaicenko, gives us an insight in to his heroes, his goals and the strict and hectic schedule that will hopefully help him achieve them. There are still many hurdles to overcome and he seems more than ready to take on the challenge to become the first Olympic Champion of his county in judo.

It’s all about the journey for Telma Monteiro, one of Portugal's greatest sporting icons and one of the most respected names in international judo. Over an extraordinary career spanning more than two decades, Monteiro became the most decorated judoka in Portuguese history; claiming Olympic bronze in Rio 2016, six European titles, five World Championship medals, and inspired generations through her resilience, discipline, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

The first Serbian judoka to claim the coveted European title, Aleksandar Kukolj changed the landscape of Serbian judo. His story goes far beyond a single gold medal however, a journey of relentless discipline, resilience through injury, reinvention across weight categories, competing at the highest level of world judo. World Championship silver medallist, Olympian, Kukolj has also balanced elite sport with education, earning a master's degree while building a legacy that now extends into coaching and developing the next generation of champions.

Exploring Nemanja’s journey from a young athlete in Serbia to the top of the international rankings, the lessons learned through victory and defeat, and the mental challenges that come with performing under pressure. Nemanja talks training, competition, faith, motivation, and the family who drive him in pursuit of excellence.