Sensei Shintaro and David Kim break down why judo is so difficult and what makes it feel overwhelming at first. This podcast highlight gets into the details behind the struggle and why so many people underestimate the sport. Watch the full conversation for more.Listen to the full episode now on:Apple podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-shintaro-higashi-show/id1540600589Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/343IXJDYlh6PvKgDUSgt9w?si=1b8717c8c4f44e95Subscribe and click the bell 🔔 icon to be notified about new content drops & podcast episodes!🚨 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 sits down with David Kim to talk about the tall vs short dynamic and what changes when you’re facing a bigger, taller opponent. They break down how to handle the matchup, what matters more than height, and how a shorter person can approach the game. Watch the full podcast highlights for the key ideas from the conversation.Listen to the full episode now on:Apple podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-shintaro-higashi-show/id1540600589Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/343IXJDYlh6PvKgDUSgt9w?si=1b8717c8c4f44e95Subscribe and click the bell 🔔 icon to be notified about new content drops & podcast episodes!🚨 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/

This week’s podcast is a special one! — we recorded it in person with David Kim. We talk about one of the biggest misunderstandings in judo: people think strength wins, but timing is what actually makes techniques land. If you want the full conversation, check out the complete episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Stay tuned for more highlights from this week’s podcast series.

Listen to the full episode now on:Apple podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-shintaro-higashi-show/id1540600589Spotify :

https://open.spotify.com/show/343IXJDYlh6PvKgDUSgt9w?si=1b8717c8c4f44e95

In this episode, Shintaro Higashi and David Kim discuss Shintaro’s recent two-person seminar format with longtime friend and BJJ black belt Brian Glick. They break down how judo and jiu-jitsu instruction can work together, the benefits of having two expert coaches in the room, and upcoming ideas for seminars and training retreats.00:23 New In-Person Podcast Setup01:01 Shintaro and Brian Glick’s Seminar Collaboration04:44 Brian Glick’s Martial Arts Background06:17 Why the Dual-Coach Format Works13:33 Upcoming Slovenia Training Camp and Retreat Ideas16:42 Seminar Business and Hosting Realities🚨 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/

Kevin Kegel joins the show to break down strength & conditioning for grapplers, blending his background in powerlifting, gym ownership, and a return to judo. The conversation dives into what actually transfers to performance on the mat, common training mistakes, and how to structure an effective program for judo athletes.00:00 Judo Journey & Fitness Background03:20 What Makes an Athlete “Athletic”06:10 Building a Smart Strength Program08:40 Training Mistakes in Grappling12:00 Exercise Selection for Judo16:20 Conditioning: What Actually Works20:00 Programming Structure for Grapplers22:40 Conditioning Debate: Running vs Intervals27:00 Critiquing Shintaro’s Program31:40 Fixing Knee Pain & Lower Body Training37:00 Upper Body Adjustments39:30 Coaching Services & Pricing41:30 Closing Thoughts & Future Topics🚨 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 and David discuss Ken Gunji, a high-level Japanese judoka training at the dojo, and the massive impact he’s had on the room. They dive into technical exchanges, differences in gripping systems, and how having an elite training partner elevates both coaching and learning.00:00 Intro to Ken Gunji00:10 Size, athleticism, and presence on the mat00:47 Role in Japan training trip and dojo connections01:11 Keio University and academic background02:20 Language differences: Japanese vs English communication02:50 Asahi Kasei career and All Japan Pro Tournament success04:05 Middle school All Japan wrestling champion04:36 How Gunji elevates the training environment05:13 High-level technical discussions and idea exchange06:31 Importance of having a true “judo sounding board”07:49 Translating high-level concepts into teaching08:42 Consistency of having a world-class athlete in the dojo09:27 Value of hands-on learning vs instructionals09:54 Differences in gripping systems (tight vs loose sleeve control)10:23 Timing-based entries vs control-based approaches10:50 Why certain techniques are hard to teach across styles11:40 Training drills: Ouchi gari finishing mechanics12:38 Gunji’s transitions: cutback to Uchimata13:09 Importance of precise, actionable feedback13:54 Problems with vague coaching (“no kuzushi”)14:24 Importance of high-level training partners14:37 Uchimata timing and hop sequencing strategy15:05 Matching opponent movement to avoid counters15:34 Continual learning—even at elite levels15:48 Mutual learning between high-level athletes16:08 Training with Gunji at the dojo16:17 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 episode, Shintaro and David explore innovative approaches to teaching Judo, focusing on contextual training, defense strategies, and the development of a pedagogical method that enhances practical application and adaptability.Chapters03:20 Contextual Judo: Understanding Techniques and Defenses06:16 Practical Application and Training Methodologies09:19 Refining Techniques and Teaching Strategies11:36 The Future of Judo Instruction and Community Engagement🚨 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 conversation, Shintaro and David Kim discuss strategies for overcoming the reluctance to train, emphasizing the importance of reducing friction, establishing routines, and finding enjoyment in the process. They highlight the role of social support and the need for autonomy in training, as well as the responsibility of instructors to create a flexible and accommodating training environment.00:00 Overcoming Training Apathy03:01 The Importance of Routine and Social Support05:48 Finding Fun in Training08:57 Empowering Autonomy in Training11:55 Creating a Flexible Training Environment🚨 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 Kim delve into the theme of loss, exploring personal experiences in judo and wrestling. They discuss the importance of embracing losses as opportunities for growth, the lessons learned from facing tough opponents, and the emotional impact of disqualification in competitions. Shintaro shares his journey of resilience, reflecting on how these experiences shaped his perspective on life and competition. The conversation emphasizes the value of vulnerability and the strength found in overcoming adversity.00:00 Embracing Losses: A Journey of Growth02:59 Lessons from the Mat: Overcoming Challenges06:01 The Impact of Disqualification: A Personal Story09:02 Resilience in the Face of Adversity11:54 Reflections on Loss and Perspective14:57 Finding Strength in Vulnerability🚨 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 and David Kim discuss the latest updates on Olympic qualifications for judo in the United States. They explore the new criteria set by the IJF, the excitement of having a full team, and the implications of using existing events for evaluation. The conversation also touches on the rise of older competitors in judo and the potential drama surrounding the qualification process. They conclude by reflecting on the unique opportunities this year presents for athletes aiming for the Olympics.00:00 Olympic Qualification Overview03:00 Evaluation Criteria and Trials06:01 The Rise of Older Competitors08:57 The Drama of Qualification12:10 Future Prospects and Contenders🚨 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/