In this episode of The Shintaro Higashi Show, I sit down with my longtime friend, elite grappler, and judo black belt Vinnie Mancuso to dive deep into the world of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), testosterone, fitness, and recovery in the grappling world.

Whether you’re curious about TRT, trying to optimize your training, or just want to hear unfiltered gym talk between two grapplers, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of The Shintaro Higashi Show, we’re joined by Lydia Coleman — a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Pan-American champion, Judo brown belt, and co-owner of Rolling Bear BJJ in New Jersey. Lydia shares her journey from striking to grappling, how she built her competitive career, what it’s like to run a gym as a woman, and the stark differences between the judo and jiu-jitsu communities.

In this episode, Shintaro sits down with Jeff Morris, Owner & Head Instructor of Greenwich Jiu Jitsu Academy. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, United States Marine Corps veteran, and active Law Enforcement Detective, Jeff shares his incredible journey—from discovering BJJ in the Marines to building a thriving academy and using martial arts for self-defense, personal growth, and community building.Jeff’s 25 years of experience in BJJ, self-defense, and law enforcement brings deep insights into the power of martial arts on and off the mats. If you’re passionate about Jiu-Jitsu, gym culture, or personal development, this episode is a must-watch!

Shintaro welcomes Sensei Seth, a top martial arts YouTuber, for an in-depth conversation about his journey from viral spinning kicks and the Bottle Cap Challenge to becoming a Sumo National Champion and one of the biggest martial arts influencers on YouTube. They dive into Seth’s approach to content creation, how he balances training with producing videos, his thoughts on MMA, traditional martial arts, and the future of martial arts education.

Two-time Olympian Colton Brown joins the podcast to share his journey from elite competitor to top-level coach and dojo owner. We dive into his transition from athlete to mentor, his rapid success in building a thriving Judo academy, and his thoughts on the future of Judo in the U.S.Colton also opens up about his time as a USA Judo board member, the challenges of balancing elite competitors with hobbyists, and his unique approach to creating a strong Judo community. With nearly 400 students in just two years, he’s redefining what a modern Judo dojo can be.

After years of insightful conversations, debates, and plenty of laughs, Peter is saying goodbye to the podcast as he moves forward in his career after completing his higher education. In this special episode, we take a trip down memory lane, reflecting on our best moments, lessons learned, and what’s next for Peter.Join me in wishing him the best, and let’s celebrate everything he’s brought to the show. It’s not goodbye—it’s see you later!

AI is rapidly changing the way we train, learn, and analyze Judo. Peter breaks down the fundamentals of AI, how machine learning can enhance coaching, and its potential applications in skill development. Shintaro explores practical uses, from video analysis to training optimization, while discussing AI’s limitations and ethical concerns. They also touch on the future of AI in Judo, including data-driven strategies and predictive modeling. Whether you're curious about AI’s role in martial arts or its broader impact on sports, this conversation offers valuable insights and thought-provoking takeaways.00:00:00 Introduction00:00:30 Peter's research and collab with IJF00:06:33 Research timeline00:08:10 Applications of this Research00:15:00 What's next?00:17:29 Hakuin.ai (Sponsor AD)00:17:57 Commentators vs AIIf you're in business, then you have customer churn. Whether you're building a startup, growing a mom & pop shop, or operating in a fortune 500 powerhouse, Hakuin.ai measures, predicts, and improves your customer retention. https://hakuin.ai

In this episode, Shintaro and Peter dive into the role of weight training for grapplers, especially when dealing with injuries. Shintaro shares his personal experiences managing knee and shoulder issues while maintaining a consistent lifting routine. They discuss modifications for common lifts, strategies for working around injuries, and the importance of balancing weight training with grappling practice. The conversation also covers Shintaro’s approach to dieting, his weight loss progress, and his ideas for future fitness content.

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:00:34) Shintaro’s Knee and Shoulder Injuries

(00:01:36) Adjusting Workouts for Injuries

(00:03:42) Shintaro’s Full-Body Workout Routine

(00:08:53) The Role of Diet in Weight Training

(00:13:59) Fitness as Part of a Grappler’s Routine

(00:15:48) Using Grappling for Fitness Training

(00:16:55) Judo-Focused Fitness Class Concept

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The ecological approach to coaching has sparked intense debates in the grappling community. In this episode, Shintaro and Peter break down what the ecological approach really means, how it differs from traditional coaching methods, and whether it’s truly the best way to train. They explore the balance between structured instruction and discovery-based learning, discussing how different learning styles impact a student's ability to absorb techniques. Shintaro also shares his perspective as both a coach and an athlete, weighing in on the controversy surrounding this training philosophy.

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:02:36) What is the Ecological Approach?

(00:04:40) How It Differs from Traditional Coaching

(00:07:20) Why Is the Ecological Approach Controversial?

(00:13:14) Making Training Fun for Different Learning Styles

(00:20:33) Blending Ecological and Traditional Methods

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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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