Follow for more footage of the trip:Instagram: @midjitsuYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@midjitsuGunji YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCMoJ0AislQLTaA7jbBB_Ufw Happy Holidays! The year is wrapping up so join David Kim as he recaps a unique Japan Judo Tour led by Kensuke Gunji, a former elite Asahi Kasei judoka and current New York-based coach. From training at prestigious universities to sparring with Japanese middle schoolers and witnessing the intensity of the Tokyo Grand Slam, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at Japan’s judo culture, world-class athletes, and unforgettable mat experiences.Whether you're considering your own Japan training trip or just want an inside view into elite judo environments, this episode is packed with insight, stories, and travel tips.⏱️ Episode Breakdown:00:00 Trip Intro & Arrival in Tokyo01:20 Mizuno Store & Kodokan Practice02:33 Keio University Training & Dinner with Students04:00 Asahi Dojo in Yokohama – Youth Judo & Culture Shock06:20 Tokyo Grand Slam – Matches, Upsets & Hifumi Abe's Comebacks07:30 Training at Waseda University & Surprise Randori with an Olympic Gold Medalist09:00 Final Day – Jiu-Jitsu at Arta Mita & Omakase Dinner10:15 Reflections on the Trip – Lessons, Highlights & Advice for Future Travelers🚨 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/

Shintaro is back from London and shares key takeaways from his recent judo seminar at Gracie Barra Royal Tunbridge Wells in England. In this solo episode, he reflects on the success of curriculum-based martial arts systems, the potential for judo scalability, and how Judoka can learn from the business models of BJJ and Taekwondo schools.Whether you're a judo coach, BJJ instructor, or martial arts entrepreneur, this episode is packed with valuable insights on dojo growth, curriculum development, and how to create a more accessible, scalable training experience.🚨 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/

In this episode of the Shintaro Higashi Show, Shintaro and David dive into the often-overlooked but crucial relationship between uke and tori in judo and jiu-jitsu training. They explore the dynamics of uke-blaming, communication breakdowns, trust on the mats, and how to be a good training partner. From dojo etiquette to grappling psychology, this conversation covers it all with humor and insight.00:00 Welcome Back & Episode Intro00:38 What Is Uke and Tori?01:30 The Problem of Uke Blaming02:15 Miscommunication and Unrealistic Expectations03:00 Is It the Uke’s Fault or the Tori’s?04:00 Trust as the Foundation of Good Drilling04:45 Marriage Analogies and Nonverbal Communication05:40 The Diplomat and the Uke-Tori Dynamic06:30 Higashi Brand Hoodie Plug06:55 Being Introspective as a Tori07:30 Drilling Tips: Slowing Down, Communicating Reactions08:30 How to Give Feedback to a Higher Belt09:00 Humor and Tact in Giving Constructive Criticism09:45 Ego, Hierarchy, and Navigating the Dojo10:20 New Techniques and Equal Confusion10:50 Black Belts Look Like Beginners Too11:15 Being Humble & Avoiding the Blame Game11:35 Outro: Be a Good Uke and Check Out the Merch🚨 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/

In this solo episode, Shintaro Higashi dives into the importance of mindful training for serious judo and jiujitsu improvement. He shares personal insights on how to structure your dojo sessions with intentional goals—like focusing on specific opponents, styles, or techniques—instead of just going through the motions.Whether it's grip fighting, dealing with left-handed players, or simply designing smarter rounds, this episode breaks down the mental framework needed to level up your game.00:00 Why Mindful Training Matters00:43 The Trap of Mindless Rounds01:12 Avoiding Unsolicited Advice01:40 Feedback Loops & Self-Correction02:07 Being Intentional with Randori Partners03:01 Weekly Themes for Targeted Training04:10 Identifying Patterns Against Lefties05:00 Building Tactical Awareness Over Time06:00 From Training to Game Plan: Internalizing Skills06:41 Grip Fighting Theme Weeks07:21 Being Outgripped—Personal Story08:01 Comparing Skill vs. Size08:42 Active Engagement = Real Improvement09:10 Talking Through Problems & Learning Collaboratively09:35 Wrap-Up: Leveling Up Through Intentional Practice10:00 Higashi Brand Hoodie Plug + Outro🚨 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/

In this solo episode, Shintaro Higashi shares a passionate call to action for the Judo community: support USA Judo by simply becoming a member. Drawing from personal conversations with key figures like Mac (Team USA medical staff) and Alex Bates (High Performance Committee), Shintaro outlines why membership growth is vital for funding, development, and the future of American judo. This episode is both a reflection and a rallying cry to unify and uplift the sport in the U.S.00:00 How Can We Help USA Judo?01:00 Frustrations With Outreach and Communication01:45 The Membership Numbers Problem02:30 Temporary Memberships and Questionable Metrics03:00 Encouraging Trends and Junior Team Success03:30 Conversation with Mac: The Wake-Up Call04:15 Defending Your Role While Owning Your Responsibility05:00 What Do You Get With a Membership?05:30 ROI vs. Contribution: Why Give First06:00 The Power of 1,000 New Members06:30 Mac’s $20K Personal Donation07:00 Promising Young Team and Grand Prix Results07:45 A Call for Collective Effort08:15 How Supporting USA Judo Could Build a Unified Front08:45 One Small Ask… Buy the Higashi Hoodie09:00 Final Plea: Sign Up for USA Judo Today🚨 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/

In this solo episode, Shintaro Higashi unpacks the myth of drilling basics—specifically the overemphasis on repetitive Uchi Komi in judo and other grappling arts. Drawing from personal experience, high-level coaching, and comparisons with BJJ, he explains why contextual training, grip fighting, and micro-movements matter far more once the basics are in place.Discover why doing “a thousand Uchi Komi a day” might not be the key to mastery—and what you should focus on instead.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS & TOPICS00:00 The Overhyped Obsession with Basics01:00 Traditional Training in Japan: Unrealistic Volume02:00 Diminishing Returns of Uchi Komi03:00 Gripping, Fighting for Position, and Tactical Play04:00 Nuances of High-Level Judo05:00 Uchi Komi as a Warm-Up, Not the Main Course06:00 Athleticism vs. Contextual Awareness07:00 Why Mastering Movement Isn’t Enough08:00 Reading Your Opponent: The Next Level09:00 BJJ Comparison: The Knee Cut Pass Analogy10:00 Micro-Skills, Timing, and Invisible Grappling11:00 Reading Between the Lines in Judo🚨 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/

In this solo episode, Shintaro Higashi breaks down three powerful ways to grow Judo in the United States. From unifying national organizations to creating viable pathways for judo in schools and drastically improving the customer experience at tournaments—this is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of Judo in America.🎧 Whether you're a dojo owner, competitor, or parent in the Judo world, this episode is packed with insights, real talk, and practical solutions.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Unifying Judo Organizations in the U.S.02:00 Consolidating Local Affiliates & Reducing Admin Burden03:00 Why Judo in Schools Isn’t Scaling (Yet)04:00 The Phys Ed Pipeline: Getting Judo into Public Education05:00 A Career Path for Judoka: Become a Gym Teacher06:00 Educating Dojo Owners on Customer Experience07:00 What Disney World Can Teach Us About Running a Dojo08:00 Tournament Experience is Driving People Away09:00 How TaeKwonDo Tournaments Set the Standard10:00 Making Competition Accessible for Non-Competitors11:00 Why Many Quit After Tournaments & Belt Deflation Issues12:00 Weigh-Ins, Sandbagging, and Fixing a Broken Product13:00 Final Thoughts: Grow Judo with Better Structure & Vision🚨 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/

In this episode, Shintaro Higashi breaks down 5 unexpected reasons why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is more popular than Judo—and it’s not just about leg grabs or rule sets. From space efficiency to community building, he takes a thoughtful and honest look at how BJJ has outpaced Judo, especially in the U.S. martial arts scene.🎙️ Timestamps & Topics Covered:00:00 Introduction – Why BJJ is More Popular Than Judo01:00 #1: Space Efficiency & Business Viability04:00 Instructor Visibility & Mat Awareness04:40 #2: BJJ Appeals to Older Demographics06:00 Isometric Strength and “Old Man Jiu-Jitsu”06:30 #3: Gamification Makes BJJ Stickier for Newcomers07:30 Small Wins & Positive Feedback Loops in BJJ08:00 #4: Accessibility of Champions & Community Building08:45 Language Barriers in Judo vs BJJ Media Presence09:40 #5: Judo’s Tradition and Bureaucratic Barriers10:30 Ranking Systems, Formalties & Frustration12:00 The Risk of Shrinking Judo in the U.S.12:40 Bonus: Tournament Structure & Mat Utilization13:30 Time Efficiency and Customer Experience at EventsLet’s keep the discussion positive—drop your solutions and ideas in the comments on how to grow Judo without defaulting to the usual complaints.🚨 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/

In this solo episode, Shintaro Higashi breaks down why judo has a branding problem—especially in the United States. He explores how judo is misunderstood by the general public and even feared by other martial artists, while highlighting how we can shift perceptions to grow the art.Whether you're a judo coach, a BJJ practitioner, or just curious about martial arts culture and business, this one’s for you.00:00 Misconceptions About Judo in the U.S.01:00 How Different Audiences Perceive Judo02:00 Judo as a Martial Art and a Sport03:00 Judo for Self-Defense and Lifestyle04:00 Injury Perception and Media Framing05:00 Competing With Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu06:00 Making Judo Easier and Safer to Learn07:00 A Call to Action for Judo Instructors and Dojo Owners🚨 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/

In this solo episode, Shintaro Higashi delivers a passionate monologue on why Judo needs to be made easier and more accessible, especially for beginners. Drawing on personal experience and insights from both his dojo and national trends, he offers practical advice for reducing injuries, retaining new students, and helping Judo grow in the U.S.00:00 Why Judo Needs to Be Easier01:30 Early Randori Is a Mistake02:45 The Rare Beginner Who Pushes Through04:00 Redesigning the First Phase of Training05:00 Preventing Injuries Through Smarter Pairing06:00 Controlled Randori for Beginners07:00 Why BJJ Feels Safer for New Students07:45 Lowering the Barrier to Grow Judo🚨 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/