Rethinking Judo Basics

In this episode, Shintaro is joined by the legendary Jimmy Pedro, a two-time Olympic medalist and world champion in Judo, to discuss his campaign for the USA Judo Board. Jimmy opens up about his extensive experience as a coach and businessman, emphasizing the urgent need for structural reform in USA Judo. They explore topics ranging from developing future athletes and expanding judo in schools to leveraging professional coaching and raising funds for USA Judo's success leading up to the 2028 Olympics. Jimmy also shares his ambitious plans to create stars in Judo, foster stronger connections with BJJ and MMA communities, and professionalize the sport at all levels in the United States. Whether you're a judo enthusiast or just curious about how national sports organizations operate, this episode provides deep insights into the future of American judo. (00:00:00) Introduction (00:01:27) Why Jimmy is Running For USA Judo Board (00:07:50) How Judo Competes with BJJ and NCAA (00:09:00) Creating Stars and Events to Promote Judo (00:10:00) The Importance of Developing Coaches (00:16:20) American Judo System and USA Judo (00:18:18) The Need for Structural Reform in Coaching (00:25:14) Jimmy’s Coalition Within USA Judo Board (00:37:50) Jimmy’s Thoughts on National Training Centers (00:41:42) Financial Needs for Professional Coach Development

In this special extra episode, Shintaro sits down with Nicole Stout, a four-time national champion and USA Judo board member. Nicole opens up about her fight for transparency and reform within USA Judo's leadership, offering an inside look at boardroom conflicts and governance issues affecting athletes. From advocating for athletes’ funding and transparency to addressing conflicts of interest on the board, Nicole sheds light on what it takes to push for change in a complex organization. With upcoming elections, she also shares her vision for the future of USA Judo and her hopes for elevating American judo on the world stage. A must-listen for anyone invested in the growth and integrity of the sport! (00:00:00) Introduction (00:01:20) Concerns Over USA Judo Leadership and Budget Cuts (00:02:54) Challenges with the CEO's Fundraising and Priorities (00:04:55) Board Divisions and Removal of Members (00:09:18) Ethics and Governance Issues on the Board (00:12:35) Nicole’s Perspective on Transparency in Board Meetings (00:17:05) Differences of Opinion Between Nicole and Colton (00:21:11) Financial Transparency and Budget Concerns (00:24:23) Problems with Current Size of USA Judo Membership (00:28:02) Board Members’ Roles and Conflicts (00:33:02) Nicole’s Endorsements (00:42:44) Nicole’s Future Vision for USA Judo

In this episode, Shintaro sits down with two-time Olympian and Grand Prix medalist Colton Brown to discuss the important issues that are on the ballot in the upcoming USA Judo election. They dive deep into the various challenges facing USA Judo and the importance of athlete representation. Colton offers candid insights on how the board operates, the ongoing political tensions within the organization, and his vision for the future of judo in the United States. (00:00:00) Introduction (00:01:14) What Is Colton Up To These Days? (00:03:16) Transition from Athlete to Coach (00:06:43) Colton’s Thoughts on BJJ (00:09:51) Role as Athlete Representative on the USA Judo Board (00:13:44) Issues Facing USA Judo and Upcoming Election (00:15:59) Colton’s Long Term Vision for USA Judo (00:17:58) How Decisions Are Made By the USA Judo Board (00:19:19) Who Can Vote In the Upcoming Election? (00:21:56) Biggest Issues Within the Board (00:33:02) Colton’s Coalition On the Board (00:36:56) Ways To Bring More Financial Support For Athletes (00:39:57) Candidates For Athlete Representatives (00:42:39) Colton’s Thoughts On Olympic Qualifications (00:49:55) Colton’s Advice For Dojo Owners

​​USA Judo's board elections are fast approaching, and they could significantly shape the future of American Judo. In this episode, Shintaro sits down with Chris Round to discuss why this election is the most crucial in recent memory, particularly with the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics on the horizon. Chris explains the importance of voting, how the board impacts everything from athlete selection to organizational strategy, and why your vote truly counts in this "small town" election. Shintaro and Chris further discuss the roles of different board positions, the impact on athlete and coach representation, and the challenges and opportunities facing USA Judo. Whether you’re a competitor, coach, or passionate fan, this episode highlights how you can influence the direction of judo in the U.S. (00:00:00) Introduction (00:00:05) Importance of the Upcoming Election (00:03:28) Understanding USA Judo’s Board Structure (00:10:39) Key Issues: Olympic Qualification (00:12:24) Candidate Platforms and How to Learn More (00:16:05) Voting Eligibility (00:19:09) Candidates in the Upcoming Election (00:22:47) Engaging with USA Judo’s Board

In this episode, Shintaro and Peter explore the concept of "Still Got It" training—a strategy for grapplers who can't train as consistently as before but want to maintain their skills and confidence. They discuss how this training style involves strategic choices in sparring partners, prioritizing less challenging opponents to get a good workout without the intense competition. Shintaro shares his personal experience transitioning from high-frequency training to a more sporadic schedule due to life commitments and how "Still Got It" training has helped him stay in the game. The conversation includes practical tips for managing training intensity, balancing ego and self-preservation, and adapting grappling practice to different life stages and priorities. Whether you're an occasional grappler or a weekend warrior, this episode offers valuable insights for keeping your skills sharp without burning out. (00:00:00) Introduction (00:00:57) What is "Still Got It" Training? (00:01:45) Shintaro's Personal Experience with “Still Got It” Training (00:03:22) Choosing the Right Sparring Partners (00:05:43) Who Is “Still Got It” Training For? (00:07:38) Training Strategies for the Occasional Grappler (00:09:53) Pros and Cons of "Still Got It" Training (00:11:58) Mental and Physical Benefits of Taking Breaks (00:15:58) The Importance of Self-Preservation in Training (00:17:35) Advice for Once-a-Week Warriors

The much anticipated Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) concluded last month, and it really challenged the status quo of submission grappling as a sport. In this episode, Shintaro recaps what really stood out to him while watching CJI– its accessibility through platforms like YouTube and Instagram, the high-stakes million-dollar cash prize, and the strategic sponsorship choices that appealed to the event's audience. (00:00:00) Introduction (00:01:10) Accessibility and Streaming of CJI (00:03:28) Comparisons with Other Grappling-focused Streaming Services (00:06:10) Big Sponsors at CJI (00:07:23) Rule Sets in Submission Grappling (00:11:35) Thoughts on Cash Prizes (00:16:57) The Role of a Unified Governing Body

In this solo episode, Shintaro dives deep into the economics of hosting martial arts seminars, drawing from his extensive experience as both a clinician and a gym owner. Shintaro breaks down the various pricing strategies, including flat fees and percentage splits, and discusses how to evaluate the value of a seminar, not just as a moneymaker but as a long-term investment in gym growth and marketing. He also shares personal stories and lessons learned from hosting high-profile athletes and lesser-known but highly skilled teachers. Whether you're a gym owner or a martial arts enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights on how to make seminars work for you. (00:00:00) Introduction (00:01:02) Flat Fee vs. Percentage Splits (00:05:30) Structuring Seminars for Maximum Value (00:07:02) The Role of High-Profile Clinicians (00:10:23) Balancing Marketing and Profit (00:17:30) Using Seminars as Retention Tools

Here’s Part 2 of Shintaro and Peter’s Paris Olympics Judo recap! Shintaro and Peter talk about Abe Hifumi’s dominant performance, Hashimoto’s bronze medal, brutal final between Heydarov and Gaba, Nagase’s masterclass performance, and an exciting match between Murao and Bekauri. Shintaro and Peter then look into the statistics of Judo at the Paris Olympics, exploring whether the increase in shidos is harming the sport or if it's just a reflection of the evolving strategies in high-level judo. Amazing statistics from DrSeoiNage: https://www.reddit.com/r/judo/comments/1eozopr/paris_2024_olympic_individual_stats_top/ (00:00:00) Introduction (00:00:55) Abe Hifumi’s dominant performance (00:03:54) Hashimoto’s bronze medal (00:06:59) Heydarov vs Gaba (00:07:43) Masterclass by Nagase (00:10:18) Great match between Murao and Bekauri (00:11:08) Were there too many shidos?

In this solo episode, Shintaro dives deep into the core principles of judo instruction. Challenging traditional methods, Shintaro advocates for a fundamental shift in teaching judo, emphasizing the importance of context, positional understanding, and movement over static drills. Drawing comparisons with wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Shintaro shares insights on how to build a more effective and engaging learning environment for beginners. Whether you're a seasoned judoka or new to the mat, this episode offers a fresh perspective on mastering the basics. (00:00:00) Introduction to Judo Basics (00:01:20) Rethinking Traditional Teaching Methods (00:02:36) Comparisons with Wrestling and BJJ (00:04:53) Structuring Judo Teaching Sessions (00:10:33) How a Fundamental Judo Program Should Be Structured Judo Basics By Shintaro Higashi (BJJ Fanatics): https://bjjfanatics.com/products/judo-basics-shintaro-hagashi Join our Discord server and start chatting with us and other grapplers by supporting us on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Any amount helps! 10% off Judotv.com with promo code: SHINTARO Buy one get one free www.clnwash.com with promo code: SHINTARO2024

The Paris 2024 Summer Games have just wrapped up, leaving Judo fans with unforgettable moments. From Teddy Riner’s legendary gold medal win to Uta Abe’s heartbreaking loss, this first installment of our Paris 2024 series dives into the highs, lows, and everything in between. Join Shintaro and Peter as they break down their favorite moments, the biggest controversies, and the drama that made these games truly unforgettable. (00:00:00) Introduction (00:02:25) Teddy Riner: The GOAT (00:06:33) Dramatic Tiebreaker Bout: Teddy Riner vs. Tatsuru Saito (00:19:13) Ryuju Nagayama vs. Francisco Garrigós Controversy (00:21:54) Uta Abe’s Heartbreaking Loss (00:23:33) Natsumi Tsunoda Puts on a Masterclass (00:24:31) Christa Deguchi vs. Huh Mi-mi: Gold Medal Match Join our Discord server and start chatting with us and other grapplers by supporting us on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Any amount helps! 10% off Judotv.com with promo code: SHINTARO Buy one get one free www.clnwash.com with promo code: SHINTARO2024