It's not an understatement to say the black belt is one of the most coveted honors in many of the modern martial arts including Judo. It carries so much prestige and respect that people say someone's a "black belt" in an activity that is not related to martial arts at all. However, we often don't really think about what it really means to be a black belt. Does it mean that you're a master of an art? Does it mean that you immediately deserve respect from others around you? In this episode, Shintaro and Peter discuss what it means to be a black belt.

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Shintaro is back and we're back in business! In this come-back episode, we go on a deeper dive on a recurring theme on this podcast-- contextual grappling. What does it mean to be contextual when you're grappling? Take a listen to this episode to find out!

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As many of you know, it's been a crazy few weeks for Shintaro, but thanks to your support, Shintaro is doing much better. In this episode, Shintaro gives his thanks to everyone and provides some updates on how his recovery from the stroke is going and what he's been up to lately.

Please support us on Patreon if you can: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show. Any amount helps!

When you start out in Judo, or any activities for that matter, consistency is key. However, people often have trouble staying consistent. They may start an activity with great enthusiasm, but it may fizzle out a few months later to the detriment to their progress. How can we then stay consistent? In this solo episode, Peter talks about what he does to stay consistent in a more sustainable way in Judo and other activities in life.

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You might have noticed that Shintaro hasn't been posting videos and reels lately. You might have even messaged him to see if he's doing OK. In this episode, Shintaro gives a big life update and answers your questions on why he hasn't been active online lately.

Please support us on Patreon if you can: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show. Any amount helps!

Using your opponent's action and reaction to your advantage is one of the key concepts of Judo. In order to do so, you need to be able to "read" your opponent. Everyone talks about the importance of reading your opponent, but what does it really mean? Is it about your opponent's balance? Is it about your opponent's preferred techniques? Or is it about your opponent's strategy? In this episode, Shintaro and Peter go in depth about how to effectively read your opponent to take your Judo to the next level.

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This is a fun (maybe controversial even?) one: dating in the dojo! Is it OK, or should you avoid it at all costs? In this episode, Shintaro and Peter share their thoughts on how people should approach dating in the dojo.

Please support us on Patreon if you can: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show. Any amount helps!

Rubber bands, jump ropes, dummies, etc... There are a myriad of training equipments for Judo and BJJ, almost too many! Do they really work, or are they just gimmicks? In this episode, Shintaro and Peter talk about their thoughts on these training equipments and their experiences using them.

Please support us on Patreon if you can: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show. Any amount helps!

Many people listen to the Shintaro Higashi Show while heading to the dojo, driving, taking the bus or train, biking and walking. In this solo episode, Shintaro becomes your buddy and heads to the dojo with you while talking about his life in and outside of the dojo.

Please support us on Patreon if you can: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show. Any amount helps!

Shintaro teaches many different Judo techniques in and out of class, but what is his favorite, or tokui waza? In this episode, Shintaro and Peter discuss their tokui waza's, and provide a never-seen-before look into their Judo system.

Please support us on Patreon if you can: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show. Any amount helps!