How To Get Better | The Shintaro Higashi Show

In this episode of the Shintaro Higashi Show, Shintaro and David Kim dive into the realities of how to get better at judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. They discuss training strategies for different belt levels, how to self-direct improvement, and common mistakes that keep people stuck—especially beginners. This episode offers real, actionable insights for grapplers of all levels, from struggling white belts to plateaued purple belts.00:00 – Intro: Same Room, Same Sweat01:00 – Beginners: Why You’re Not Getting Better03:00 – White Belt Wisdom04:30 – The Middle Belt Plateau06:00 – Limited Mat Time: Making It Count08:00 – Identifying and Fixing Problems10:00 – Creating a Self-Guided Practice13:00 – Custom Drilling and Specific Training15:00 – Developing Training Awareness17:00 – Breaking Through Technical Plateaus19:00 – The Black Belt Dilemma: Keep Evolving21:00 – Personal Growth Through Self-Directed Study22:00 – Balancing Training and Life23:00 – Reimagining Class Structure25:00 – Final Thoughts: Relax and Stay the Course🚨 LIMITED-TIME OFFER: 40% OFF 🚨The All-in-One Instructional Bundle just got even better.Every major instructional. One complete system. Now at our biggest discount yet.Grab yours now at 40% off : https://higashibrand.com/products/all-instructionalsThis won’t last. Build your game today.🔥 Get 20% OFF FUJI Gear! 🔥Looking to level up your judo training with the best gear? FUJI Sports has you covered. Use my exclusive link to grab 20% OFF high-quality gis, belts, bags, and more.👉 https://www.fujisports.com/JUDOSHINTARO 👈No code needed – just click and save!Links:🇯🇵 Kokushi Budo Institute (The Dojo) Class Schedule in New York, NY 🗽: https://www.kokushibudo.com/schedule🇯🇵 Higashi Brand Merch & Instructionals: https://www.higashibrand.com📚 Shintari Higashi x BJJ Fanatics Judo Courses & Instructionals Collection: https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/shintaro-higashi/David Kim YT/Instagram:  @midjitsu ​

In this episode of The Shintaro Higashi Show, Shintaro and David dive deep into the mechanics of inside trips, particularly focusing on Ouchi Gari. They explore the differences between small and big inside trips, discuss grip fighting, timing, and counters, and share practical advice on setting up and finishing one of judo’s most versatile techniques.00:00 - Introduction & Today’s Topic: Inside Trips01:00 - Ouchi vs. Kouchi: What's the Difference?03:00 - Common Mistakes & Safety Concerns06:00 - Controlling the Counter: Staying in the Fight08:00 - Setting Up the Ouchi in Live Rounds11:00 - Translating Concepts to Jiujitsu & Drilling Methodology13:00 - The Value of Learning Techniques in Pairs15:00 - Shintaro’s Injury Update & Adjusted Game Plan17:00 - Final Thoughts on Ouchi Gari🚨 LIMITED-TIME OFFER: 40% OFF 🚨The All-in-One Instructional Bundle just got even better.Every major instructional. One complete system. Now at our biggest discount yet.Grab yours now at 40% off : https://higashibrand.com/products/all-instructionalsThis won’t last. Build your game today.🔥 Get 20% OFF FUJI Gear! 🔥Looking to level up your judo training with the best gear? FUJI Sports has you covered. Use my exclusive link to grab 20% OFF high-quality gis, belts, bags, and more.👉 https://www.fujisports.com/JUDOSHINTARO 👈No code needed – just click and save!Links:🇯🇵 Kokushi Budo Institute (The Dojo) Class Schedule in New York, NY 🗽: https://www.kokushibudo.com/schedule🇯🇵 Higashi Brand Merch & Instructionals: https://www.higashibrand.com📚 Shintari Higashi x BJJ Fanatics Judo Courses & Instructionals Collection: https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/shintaro-higashi/David Kim YT/Instagram:  @midjitsu ​

Dr. Peter Yu returns to the podcast to share exciting updates on his post-PhD life, including his move to Silicon Valley to work on autonomous vehicles. The conversation dives into the state of self-driving technology, Peter's role as an applied scientist, and how his research background plays into cutting-edge developments. The trio also explores the biomechanics of judo throws, surprising parallels with golf, and the challenges of life transitions after academia.Join my Patreon for:✅ 1-on-1 video call coaching✅ Exclusive technique breakdowns✅ Direct Q&A access✅ Behind-the-scenes training footage🔗 Subscribe & Support Here: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show Links:🇯🇵 Kokushi Budo Institute (The Dojo) Class Schedule in New York, NY 🗽: https://www.kokushibudo.com/schedule🇯🇵 Higashi Brand Merch & Instructionals: https://www.higashibrand.com📚 Shintari Higashi x BJJ Fanatics Judo Courses & Instructionals Collection: https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/shintaro-higashi/David Kim YT/Instagram:  @midjitsu ​

Shintaro Higashi returns from the Junior Nationals in Chicago and shares a detailed, behind-the-scenes look at this major youth judo event. Joined by co-host David Kim, the two discuss standout matches, rising talent, and the evolving landscape of competitive judo in the U.S.00:00 Intro & Trip to Junior Nationals01:30 Event Overview & Youth Pipeline03:00 Event Scale & Social Aspect05:00 Smoothcomp & Tech Evolution08:30 Coaching Rules & Professionalism11:00 Spotlight on Rising Talent14:00 Second-Generation Judoka & Top Dojos16:00 Challenges in Athlete Retention18:30 Developmental Athletes' Takeaways21:30 Next Steps Post-Nationals24:30 Organizational Structure & Gaps26:00 Funding, Politics & Solutions29:00 Building Judo's FutureMany thanks to our patrons: Jason (Red Belt), Drew (Coral Belt), and Levon (Coral Belt) and all our Black Belt members. Your support makes this podcast possible!Join my Patreon for:✅ 1-on-1 video call coaching✅ Exclusive technique breakdowns✅ Direct Q&A access✅ Behind-the-scenes training footage🔗 Subscribe & Support Here: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show Links:🇯🇵 Kokushi Budo Institute (The Dojo) Class Schedule in New York, NY 🗽: https://www.kokushibudo.com/schedule🇯🇵 Higashi Brand Merch & Instructionals: https://www.higashibrand.com📚 Shintari Higashi x BJJ Fanatics Judo Courses & Instructionals Collection: https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/shintaro-higashi/David Kim YT/Instagram:  ⁨@midjitsu⁩ 

In this episode, Shintaro Higashi and Dave dive into the nuanced distinction between being an instructor and a coach in martial arts. They explore the expectations, responsibilities, and personal dynamics involved in both roles, drawing from their own experiences in judo, jiu-jitsu, and even ballet. Whether you're a student or teacher, this conversation sheds light on what it truly means to coach — and be coachable.

Marcus Johnson joins the show to talk about the launch of Heritage Jiu Jitsu, a premium new BJJ studio in Morganville, NJ. Shintaro and Marcus dive into the design philosophy, his coaching background, running elite gyms like Essential BJJ and Marcelo Garcia Academy, and what it really takes to build a high-end academy from the ground up.From coaching at ADCC to navigating business systems like billing, merch, and buildouts—Marcus shares a detailed behind-the-scenes look into launching a modern BJJ academy in 2025.Join my Patreon for:✅ 1-on-1 video call coaching✅ Exclusive technique breakdowns✅ Direct Q&A access✅ Behind-the-scenes training footage🔗 Subscribe & Support Here: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show Links:🇯🇵 Kokushi Budo Institute (The Dojo) Class Schedule in New York, NY 🗽: https://www.kokushibudo.com/schedule🇯🇵 Higashi Brand Merch & Instructionals: https://www.higashibrand.com📚 Shintari Higashi x BJJ Fanatics Judo Courses & Instructionals Collection: https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/shintaro-higashi/David Kim YT/Instagram:  ⁨@midjitsu⁩ 

In this episode of The Shintaro Higashi Show, Shintaro sits down with co-host David Kim to share stories of their respective surgeries—Shintaro's recent knee operation and David’s disc replacement in his neck. They dive deep into the importance of medical self-advocacy, navigating conflicting diagnoses, and what recovery looks like for active martial artists.Join my Patreon for:✅ 1-on-1 video call coaching✅ Exclusive technique breakdowns✅ Direct Q&A access✅ Behind-the-scenes training footage🔗 Subscribe & Support Here: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show Links:🇯🇵 Kokushi Budo Institute (The Dojo) Class Schedule in New York, NY 🗽: https://www.kokushibudo.com/schedule🇯🇵 Higashi Brand Merch & Instructionals: https://www.higashibrand.com📚 Shintari Higashi x BJJ Fanatics Judo Courses & Instructionals Collection: https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/shintaro-higashi/David Kim YT/Insta:  @midjitsu ​

Shintaro Higashi returns from a seminar tour through North and South Dakota and shares highlights from his teaching experience with co-host David Kim. They dive deep into the nuances of judo grip fighting, seminar structure, and how to make training safer and more productive for all levels. This episode is packed with practical teaching philosophy, funny travel anecdotes, and martial arts insight.Join my Patreon for:✅ 1-on-1 video call coaching✅ Exclusive technique breakdowns✅ Direct Q&A access✅ Behind-the-scenes training footage🔗 Subscribe & Support Here: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show Links:🇯🇵 Kokushi Budo Institute (The Dojo) Class Schedule in New York, NY 🗽: https://www.kokushibudo.com/schedule🇯🇵 Higashi Brand Merch & Instructionals: https://www.higashibrand.com📚 Shintari Higashi x BJJ Fanatics Judo Courses & Instructionals Collection: https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/shintaro-higashi/David Kim Instagram/YT:  @midjitsu ​

In this episode of the Shintaro Higashi Show, Shintaro and David Kim break down the unique judo techniques of Natsumi Tsunoda, a gold medalist at the Paris Olympics. The discussion highlights Tsunoda's mastery of the straight back tomoe nage, her innovative use of the secondary leg, and how she seamlessly blends tachiwaza and newaza.Join my Patreon for:✅ 1-on-1 video call coaching✅ Exclusive technique breakdowns✅ Direct Q&A access✅ Behind-the-scenes training footage🔗 Subscribe & Support Here: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show Links:🇯🇵 Kokushi Budo Institute (The Dojo) Class Schedule in New York, NY 🗽: https://www.kokushibudo.com/schedule🇯🇵 Higashi Brand Merch & Instructionals: https://www.higashibrand.com📚 Shintari Higashi x BJJ Fanatics Judo Courses & Instructionals Collection: https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/shintaro-higashi/David Kim Instagram/YT:  @midjitsu ​

In this episode of the Shintaro Higashi Show, Shintaro and guest David Kim discuss the revival of the Judo program at the New York Athletic Club (NYAC), the challenges of maintaining high-level training, and the collaboration between Shintaro, Colton Brown, and other top athletes to restore the program's energy and excellence.The NYAC is a historic private club in NYC, known for supporting top-level athletes across various Olympic sports. The Judo program, which once thrived, has seen a decline in participation and local involvement, prompting efforts to revitalize it.Join my Patreon for:✅ 1-on-1 video call coaching✅ Exclusive technique breakdowns✅ Direct Q&A access✅ Behind-the-scenes training footage🔗 Subscribe & Support Here: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show Links:🇯🇵 Kokushi Budo Institute (The Dojo) Class Schedule in New York, NY 🗽: https://www.kokushibudo.com/schedule🇯🇵 Higashi Brand Merch & Instructionals: https://www.higashibrand.com📚 Shintari Higashi x BJJ Fanatics Judo Courses & Instructionals Collection: https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/shintaro-higashi/David Kim Instagram: @midjitsu David Kim YouTube: / @midjitsu