The Shintaro Higashi Show
by Shintaro Higashi
Welcome to The Shintaro Higashi Show, where martial arts, life, and business collide. Hosted by Shintaro Higashi—Judo and BJJ black belt, former world-level competitor, and lifelong grappler (wrestling and sambo)—this podcast dives into training, competition, coaching, and life on and off the mats. Expect deep dives into technique, strategy, and mindset, plus unfiltered takes on the martial arts world. Whether you're a competitor, coach, or just a fan of combat sports, this show has something for you!
Episodes
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Judo Is Hard | The Shintaro Higashi Show
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...
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Tall vs Short in Judo | The Shintaro Higashi Show
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...
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The Timing Secret Most Judoka Miss! | The Shintaro Higashi Show
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…
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Building the Ultimate Grappling Seminar | The Shintaro Higashi Show
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...
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Gym Strength Or Mat Power? | The Shintaro Higashi Show | #272
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...
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Ken Gunji Will Change Your Judo | The Shintaro Higashi Show | #271
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…
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Offense and Defense | The Shintaro Higashi Show | Ep. 271
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...
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Training When You Don't Want To | The Shintaro Higashi Show | #270
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...
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My Biggest Losses | The Shintaro Higashi Show
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...
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Olympic Qualification Finally! | The Shintaro Higashi Show
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…
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Dojo Development | The Shintaro Higashi Show
In this episode of the Shintaro Higashi Show, Shintaro and David Kim discuss the growth of Shintaro's dojo network, exploring the idea of affiliations rather than franchises. They delve into marketing strategies for dojos, the importance of business acumen in martial arts, and personal updates on...
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What Is No Gi Judo? | The Shintaro Higashi Show
In this episode, Shintaro dives deep into the concept of NoGi Judo—what it is, what it isn’t, and how it fits into today’s grappling landscape. He breaks down key differences between gi and nogi stand-up, technique adaptations, and the integration of wrestling into modern judo practice. If you're…
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5 YouTube Lessons After 44 Million Views | The Shintaro Higashi Show
In this solo episode, Shintaro Higashi shares 5 key lessons he’s learned from growing a successful YouTube channel in the grappling space. With over 1,500 videos and 44 million views, Shintaro breaks down what really matters when starting out, the financial realities of being a YouTuber in the…
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5 Lessons From Owning A Dojo | The Shintaro Higashi Show
In this solo episode, Shintaro Higashi breaks down five key lessons he’s learned from decades of running and consulting for martial arts dojos, including NYC’s Kokushi Budo Institute and Kano Martial Arts. From the power of soft skills to safety, cleanliness, and even why black belts should pay,...
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Tokyo Judo Tour Recap | The Shintaro Higashi Show
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...
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London: What I Learned | The Shintaro Higashi Show
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...
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Blame The Uke! | The Shintaro Higashi Show
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…
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Get Better Fastest: Mindful Training | The Shintaro Higashi Show
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…
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Help USA Judo | The Shintaro Higashi Show
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...
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Drilling Basics Is A Myth! | The Shintaro Higashi Show
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…
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3 Ways To Grow Judo | The Shintaro Higashi Show
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…
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5 Reasons Why BJJ Is More Popular Than Judo | The Shintaro Higashi Show
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...
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Judo Has A Branding Problem | The Shintaro Higashi Show
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…
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Make Judo Easy | The Shintaro Higashi Show
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...
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Old Man Judo: Charleston Recap | The Shintaro Higashi Show
Shintaro Higashi recaps his recent trip to Charleston, South Carolina, where he conducted three judo seminars and competed in the South Carolina Veterans Judo Open. He dives deep into the growing importance of "Old Man Judo," the rise of the Veterans Judo Association, and why supporting judo for...
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I'm On A Boat w/Kevin Koenig, aka theyachtfella | The Shintaro Higashi Show
In this episode, Shintaro Higashi and David Kim ( @midjitsu ) sit down with Kevin Koenig — aka @theyachtfella (Instagram)— a jiu-jitsu brown belt and luxury yacht journalist who’s written for the New York Times, GQ, Yachting Magazine, and more. They dive deep into the ultra-wealthy world of...
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3x Olympian Angie Delgado Talks USA Judo Athlete Commission | The Shintaro Higashi Show
Three-time Olympian Angie Delgado returns to the podcast with Shintaro Higashi to discuss her candidacy for the Team USA Athlete Commission, her vision for the future of USA Judo, and the financial challenges elite athletes face. From personal sacrifices to funding strategies and athlete...
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Making $$ with Michael Darda | The Shintaro Higashi Show
In this episode, David sits down with Michael Darda — Chief Economist and Macro Strategist at Roth Capital Partners, frequent guest on Bloomberg, CNBC, and Fox Business, and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. They discuss Mike’s journey from economist to accomplished grappler, the parallels…
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Leo Lopes: Empire State Judo | The Shintaro Higashi Show
Join Shintaro Higashi for an in-depth conversation with Leo Lopes, a central figure in New York’s thriving judo community and a visionary in growing the sport nationwide. In this episode, dive into the story of Empire State Judo; the rich culture, the challenges, and the future of judo in one of...
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No Leg Grabs!? Mongolia GS | The Shintaro Higashi Show
This episode of the Shintaro Higashi Show dives deep into the 2025 Mongolia Grand Slam, where Shintaro returns from his trip to break down the biggest stories from the tournament. From massive IJF rule changes to standout performances and the evolution of ne-waza, Shintaro and David Kim unpack it...
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Judo Bots! | The Shintaro Higashi Show
In this episode of The Shintaro Higashi Show, David Kim and newly minted PhD Peter Yu explore the intersection of judo and cutting-edge AI. With Shintaro away, they dive deep into what it would take to quantitatively model grappling as a "game of inches"—from motion capture to video-based...
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Veterans Judo with Ray Marquez & Billy Gavigan | The Shintaro Higashi Show
In this episode of The Shintaro Higashi Show, we dive deep into the world of Veterans Judo with special guests Ray Greeley and Billy Gavigan. They discuss the mission behind Veterans Judo USA, the challenges and rewards of competing over 30, and how they’re building an inclusive, international...
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How To Get Better | The Shintaro Higashi Show
In this episode of the Shintaro Higashi Show, Shintaro and David Kim dive into the realities of how to get better at judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. They discuss training strategies for different belt levels, how to self-direct improvement, and common mistakes that keep people stuck—especially...
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Inside Trips | The Shintaro Higashi Show
In this episode of The Shintaro Higashi Show, Shintaro and David dive deep into the mechanics of inside trips, particularly focusing on Ouchi Gari. They explore the differences between small and big inside trips, discuss grip fighting, timing, and counters, and share practical advice on setting…
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Peter Yu Returns! | The Shintaro Higashi Show
Dr. Peter Yu returns to the podcast to share exciting updates on his post-PhD life, including his move to Silicon Valley to work on autonomous vehicles. The conversation dives into the state of self-driving technology, Peter's role as an applied scientist, and how his research background plays…
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Junior Nationals! | The Shintaro Higashi Show
Shintaro Higashi returns from the Junior Nationals in Chicago and shares a detailed, behind-the-scenes look at this major youth judo event. Joined by co-host David Kim, the two discuss standout matches, rising talent, and the evolving landscape of competitive judo in the U.S. 00:00 Intro & Trip…
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Coach or Instructor? | The Shintaro Higashi Show
In this episode, Shintaro Higashi and Dave dive into the nuanced distinction between being an instructor and a coach in martial arts. They explore the expectations, responsibilities, and personal dynamics involved in both roles, drawing from their own experiences in judo, jiu-jitsu, and even...
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Inside Heritage Jiu Jitsu | The Shintaro Higashi Show
Marcus Johnson joins the show to talk about the launch of Heritage Jiu Jitsu, a premium new BJJ studio in Morganville, NJ. Shintaro and Marcus dive into the design philosophy, his coaching background, running elite gyms like Essential BJJ and Marcelo Garcia Academy, and what it really takes to...
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Snap, Crackle, Pop: Knees and Necks Edition | The Shintaro Higashi Show
In this episode of The Shintaro Higashi Show, Shintaro sits down with co-host David Kim to share stories of their respective surgeries—Shintaro's recent knee operation and David’s disc replacement in his neck. They dive deep into the importance of medical self-advocacy, navigating conflicting...
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Everything is Bigger in the Dakotas! | The Shintaro Higashi Show
Shintaro Higashi returns from a seminar tour through North and South Dakota and shares highlights from his teaching experience with co-host David Kim. They dive deep into the nuances of judo grip fighting, seminar structure, and how to make training safer and more productive for all levels. This...
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Natsumi Tsunoda Breakdown: Tomoe Nage | The Shintaro Higashi Show
In this episode of the Shintaro Higashi Show, Shintaro and David Kim break down the unique judo techniques of Natsumi Tsunoda, a gold medalist at the Paris Olympics. The discussion highlights Tsunoda's mastery of the straight back tomoe nage, her innovative use of the secondary leg, and how she...
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The toughest room in NY? | The Shintaro Higashi Show
In this episode of the Shintaro Higashi Show, Shintaro and guest David Kim discuss the revival of the Judo program at the New York Athletic Club (NYAC), the challenges of maintaining high-level training, and the collaboration between Shintaro, Colton Brown, and other top athletes to restore the...
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Say hello to a special guest: Midjitsu?
David Kim is coming onboard to help with the podcast! He discusses balancing family life with martial arts training, his jiu-jitsu journey as a middle-aged practitioner, and his "midjitsu" persona focused on helping older grapplers. David shares insights on marriage, training philosophy, and how…
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Driving to the Dojo | What to Think About Before Practice
In this episode of The Shintaro Higashi Show, you’re riding shotgun as Shintaro drives to the dojo and dives deep into what goes through his mind before training. From setting the right intentions to managing fatigue, fear, and skill development, this off-the-cuff episode covers how to make every...
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How Strong Do You REALLY Need To Be? w/ Vinnie Mancuso
Do big deadlifts = better judo?In this episode, Shintaro sits down with wrestling coach and grappling veteran Vinnie Mancuso to talk about lifting for combat sports, what actually helps on the mat, and what’s just ego. They share training insights, injury prevention strategies, and how to…
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💉 PEDs in Grappling? Training & Recovery with Vinnie Mancuso
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,...
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The Reality of Being a Woman in Jiu-Jitsu with Lydia Coleman
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...
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🚨 Marine vs. Detective: The Jiu-Jitsu Journey of Jeff Morris! 🥋
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...
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Sensei Seth on Spinning Kicks, Judo, & Content Creation!
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...
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Colton Brown on Judo, Coaching, & Building a Legacy
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...
About this show
Welcome to The Shintaro Higashi Show, where martial arts, life, and business collide. Hosted by Shintaro Higashi—Judo and BJJ black belt, former world-level competitor, and lifelong grappler (wrestling and sambo)—this podcast dives into training, competition, coaching, and life on and off the mats. Expect deep dives into technique, strategy, and mindset, plus unfiltered takes on the martial arts world. Whether you're a competitor, coach, or just a fan of combat sports, this show has something for you!
Hosted by
Shintaro Higashi