Grappling in Japan has a rich and diverse history, spanning judo, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and even sumo. In this episode, Shintaro and Peter dive into the unique structures of these grappling disciplines in Japan, discussing their training systems, cultural differences, and how jiu-jitsu is rapidly growing as a hobbyist sport. Shintaro shares insights from his recent seminar in Okinawa and explores the potential for bridging the gap between Japanese and American grappling communities. They also touch on the lack of seminar culture in Japanese judo and wrestling and speculate on what could happen if Japan’s various grappling styles began to cross-pollinate. If you're interested in martial arts in Japan or the future of grappling, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:01:32) Differences Between Judo, Wrestling, and BJJ in Japan

(00:02:00) Japan’s Judo Training Pipeline

(00:04:28) The Decline of Judo Participation After 25

(00:04:42) The Unmatched Efficiency of Japan’s Wrestling Program

(00:06:17) The Popularity of Judo vs. Wrestling in Japan

(00:07:28) The Unique Demographics of Japanese BJJ

(00:08:33) Why BJJ and Judo Are So Separate in Japan

(00:11:00) Shintaro’s Seminar Experience in Okinawa

(00:11:41) The Lack of Seminar Culture in Japanese Judo and Wrestling

(00:12:44) The Demand for American BJJ Athletes in Japan

(00:13:59) Techniques Covered in Shintaro’s Seminar

(00:14:29) The Future of Grappling Cross-Pollination in Japan

(00:15:49) Possibility of a Seminar Tour in Korea

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