The Original Judo Podcast

This week we're joined by Mark Law, author of The Pyjama Game, talking about his latest book, Dispatches from Planet Judo. We talk through the inspiration behind Dispatches, his life in Judo as well as some of the stories from the book.Dispatches from Planet Judo is on Amazon at-https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dispatches-Planet-Judo-Mark-Law/dp/B0D8THK71T/?dplnkId=6156d415-a162-4f93-af1f-b6a5697ef534

This week we are joined by GB’s multiple Grand Slam medallist Kelly Petersen Pollard, and talk through her career so far and her goals for the future, including Commonwealth Games, winning a junior European title, and qualifying for Paris Olympics only to miss out on the team selection.

After an amazing nights Judo we reflect on the Ares show with co-founders Aaron and Joe, competitors Neil MacDonald and Jamie Death, and finally Tommy Jackson, who, like me, was enjoying the showcase from the stands.

Fresh from the Paralympics and just minutes after coming off randori we're joined in an impromptu interview by Paris Paralympian Evan Molloy, and Tokyo Paralympian Jack Hodgson.They talk through their Paralympics experiences (as athlete and training partner), and how it feels to be returning to the mat post games.

This week we are joined by British Judo’s world bronze medallist and Paris Olympian Emma Reid. We talk through how she joined the British Judo performance programme, the rollercoaster last 3 years with highs in winning Commonwealth Games Gold, that incredible Worlds performance earlier this year, Olympic selection and the low of disappointment in her result in Paris. Finally we talk about how she's already approaching the LA cycle.Massive thank you to Emma for giving up her time to join the show. Follow Emma on Instagram (and probably TicTok) @Emmaclarereid

Fresh of the back of the Olympics we welcome Core Judo's Aaron Turner, and Wycombe Judo's Joe Chraniuk to the show. Aaron and Joe are cofounders of Ares Judo a new team event theyve created to showcase judo. We talk through the inspiration behind the event, what the event is going to look like and how they hope to grow it. Ares Judo Live is taking place on 19th October and the last few tickets are available on eventbrite- https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ares-judo-live-event-tickets-978359859677Follow the promotion on instagram @aresjudo

This week we welcome Double Paralympian Jack Hodgson to the show to preview the upcoming Paris Paralympics.

Finally sit down to get some post games chat discussing all the ramifications of Paris. We're joined by Chris Barry and dig into the major stories from Paris, including Teddy, the Japanese performance, the Abe siblings and many more!

GB -66kg Judoka Sam Hall is back to chat briefly through the Judo from day 2 and day 3 of Paris Olympic Games

This is a review of day 1 of the Paris Olympics. Joined by British Judo's -66kg player Sam Hall we talk through the medals, surprises and controversies of the -48kg and -60kg categories.

More predictions! This time we hear from some of the British squad about their predictions for the games.Promise this will be the final predictions episode. And thank you to everyone who got involved- you were right, it would have been better as an post for Instagram!

Our regular contributor Chris Barry joins the show and we break down each category. Talking through the russian withdrawal, who benefits the most and then finally make some fresh predictions for the upcoming games!

This week we welcome to the show former British Champion and owner of United S+C, Wayne Lakin.We talk through his career in judo, following his journey from athlete through to working with and sponsoring several of the current crop of British players.Wayne also runs the Building Better Bodies podcast, which can be found here-https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/building-better-bodies/id1484866716

This week we have a second look back at the Worlds, with Fitz returning to the show following his experience with his players at the Worlds.

This week I'm talking through some of the fun stuff from the world championships.

Delighted to welcome this weeks guest to the show. Eric Ham is current British Champion at -73kg, has competed through 2 Olympic cycles, and is currently rehab-ing from a horrific accident that caused him to break his back.We talk through the challenge and stress of Olympic qualification, his injury and what a return to Judo looks like, as well as picking up Eric’s thoughts on the -73 division at Paris Olympics.

This week, in the wake of the European Championships Fitz rejoins the show to discuss the state of the rules, refereeing and Olympic selection challenges.

This episode, following on from the news that Luka Maisuradze failed an anti-doping test, we delve into the murky subject of doping in Judo. I’m joined by double Paralympic medalist Sam Ingram, and we get into the incidence and impact of potential doping in judo.This is the second episode the podcast has done on doping in judo, and i’d love you to go back and listen to the original, episode 45 with Chris Milward.

Predicting the Olympic Champions Part 2 the women. With British Judo’s Chris Barry.

This week we welcome to the show British Judo's Performance Analyst Chris Barry to discuss who this years Olympic Champions are going to be. This week we go through our predictions for the mens categories

This week we welcome back to the show double paralympic medallist Sam Ingram.Sam is a return guest having graced the show way back in 2017 on episode 2, when he was still considering having a run at the Tokyo Paralympics. Long since making the decision to retire, we have a look back over his incredible career, competing at 3 paralympics, medaling at world and paralympic level, and becoming the first VI Judoka to medal in the national championships

This week Fitz joins the show to wrap up the year with a brief review of the recent British Championships.Get in touch on twitter and instagram @originaljudopod

This week on the pod we welcome back double Olympic medalist and former World Champion Kate Howey to talk about Canada's dilemma at -57kg.After a cycle where both athletes were consistently at the top of the world rankings Jessica Klimkait got the selection nod over Christa Deguchi for the Tokyo Olympics after winning her first world title. She justified the selection by winning Bronze at the Games. 3 years later with both athletes still at the top of the ranking Canadian selectors are facing the same decision, and Kate stepped in to give her thoughts on what will go into that decision

This week we're joined by British Judo's Performance Analyst and Technical Lead (and former host of the Final Block Podcast) Chris Barry, to talk about why Japan have selected so early, ASMR and obviously Germany's selection dilemma at -78kg, deciding between former world champion Anna-Maria Wagner and current European champion Alina Boehm.

This week we have a look at the dilemma the French are faced with at -73kg, as well as a brief look at the major results from the recent European Championships. We're joined by Caleb Drysdale, a fellow Hardy Spicer Judoka and talk through the two French athletes leading the chase for selection, Gaba and Axus, as well as the prospects for Ugo Legrand, the French legend who recently returned to competition after an 8 year hiatus.

In the run-up to Tokyo Olympics two nations ended up with very high profile domestic rivalries, that played out on the world stage. At -66kg Olympic hosts Japan held a fight off between their world champions Abe and Maruyama. At -57kg Canada let their judoka Klimkait and DeGuchi resolve the race to qualify at the Budapest World Championships.Over the next 14 weeks the podcast is going to run a mini-series, looking at some of the selection nightmares that nations are going to face and resolve in the run-up to the Paris Olympics.This week I’m on my own, so thought I’d delve into the Olympic selection nightmare thats already been resolved. In August Japanese Olympic Committee announced several athletes had already been selected for Paris Games next year, and one of the athletes selected was Tatsuru Saito at +100kg, over his rival Kokoro Kageura. Whilst Saito is ahead on the ranking list, Kageura has a world title to his name, as well as a victory over Teddy Riner in front of a Paris crowd, both accolades firsts for Japanese judoka since 2010.Let me know what you think, should Saito have been given the nod, or should selectors have waited, giving Kageura more time to find form this Olympic cycle.Get in touch on Instagram and Twitter @originaljudopod

In the run-up to Tokyo Olympics two nations ended up with very high profile domestic rivalries, that played out on the world stage. At -66kg Olympic hosts Japan held a fight off between their world champions Abe and Maruyama. At -57kg Canada let their judoka Klimkait and DeGuchi resolve the race to qualify at the Budapest World Championships.Over the next 14 weeks the podcast is going to run a mini-series, looking at some of the selection nightmares that nations are going to face and resolve in the run-up to the Paris Olympics.Our second episode in the series see Fitz join the show again to talk through the Croatian dilemma at -70kg, where the Olympic qualification is being fought out between former World Champion Barbara Matic, and current Masters champion Lara CvjetkoLet us know who you think will come out on top, and how they should make the selection, on Instagram and Twitter @originaljudopod.

In the run-up to Tokyo Olympics two nations ended up with very high profile domestic rivalries, that played out on the world stage. At -66kg Olympic hosts Japan held a fight off between their world champions Abe and Maruyama. At -57kg Canada let their judoka Klimkait and DeGuchi resolve the race to qualify at the Budapest World Championships.Over the next 14 weeks the podcast is going to run a mini-series, looking at some of the selection nightmares that nations are going to face and resolve in the run-up to the Paris Olympics.The series starts with the hottest pick at the moment Georgian -90kg. Stepping into the hotseat this week and taking on the role as Georgian selector is Fitz Davies.Let us know who you think will come out on top, and how they should make the selection, on Instagram and Twitter @originaljudopod.

Delighted to welcome this weeks guest to the show. Colton is a double Olympian for the USA, medaling 4 times in Pan-American Games and competing at both Rio and Tokyo Olympics.We talk through his start in judo, how living and training in Japan as a teenager became the launch point for his future achievements, and discuss as well both of the Olympic cycles he competed through. Since Tokyo Colton has moved into coaching working with Team USA and setting up the Colton Brown Training Centre in New Jersey. Instagram-@cbrown90kg_@coltonbrowntrainingcenter

This week we are joined by Dr Jagjit Singh Khera, founder of Lions Judo and one of the event organisers of the Craig Fallon Cup. We recorded this episode just a couple of days after this years Craig Fallon Cup. The event was set up in memory of Craig and we talk through the event and what they want it do as Craigs legacy, as well as the amazing support it received from the British Judo community. If you are struggling with your mental health please reach out to someone, and organisations like The Samaritans or Mind.https://www.samaritans.org/https://www.mind.org.uk/

This week we welcome back to the show Connah Anders who updates us on his journey towards Paris 2024 Paralympics and recent promotion to Dan grade. The show is also joined by Judo newcomer Josh Till, and we get into his experience of judo so far (poisoned by me!) as well as comparisons with BJJ.Towards the end of the show we dig into the sticks and sunglasses club in VI Judo (athletes who play the classification system) and sandbagging in BJJ.I coach both Connah and Josh, and it has been an absolute pleasure to have them on the mat. I do have to apologise though, as they both have to put up with my nonsense constantly, and this may come through in how excitable I am on this pod! Hopefully its only sweary and childish in parts, as i really enjoyed recording this one, and think we cover some really interesting stuff.

This week we welcome Tokyo Olympian Prisca Awiti Alcatraz to the show. We talk through her fantastic recent performance at the recent Doha Worlds, where she dethroned 2022 World Champion Horikawa en route to a 5th finish. We also discuss her confidence on the mat when she's facing up against the biggest names in the sport, coming up through Enfield JC, as well her Tokyo 2020ne experience with Team Mexico.Follow Prisca's journey toward Paris2024 on Instagram @priscaalcaraz1 and her YouTube channel @pvlogs6306Massive thanks to Prisca for giving up her time, and sticking with the interview through connection issues and interruptions from my daughter!

Regular co-host Fitz Davies joins the show and we get into 3 or 4 of the big controversies to come out of the recent Doha World Championships.We go through the no-score ride and roll in the Riner Tasoev final (and subsequent IJF statement and then apology), head-diving is back (and in a big way!), shido’s deciding fights, and Pinot’s cheeky leg grab ko-uchi in the Teams final. Finally, we chat through a couple of the stand out athletes who competed.

This week we're joined on the show by GB's -57kg Acelya Toprak. We talk about the challenges of managing full time judo alongside education, her commonwealth games experience as well as what its like being of a big group of GB talent at -57kg.Follow Acelya’s journey on Instagram @acelyatoprak

This week the show is joined by GB’s Charlie Young. Recent winner of the Rome European Open, we talk through his selection for the upcoming Worlds and goals, his performance in Rome and he explains TikTok to me! Follow his journey toward Paris 2024 at @ctotheharles on TikTok and @charlesyoungie on Instagram.

This week we welcome Scotland's Aiden Moffat to the show. Aiden is a multiple GB medallist, took a 5th place in 2011 Youth Olympics, and spent several years training full time at both the GB Judo centre of excellence in Walsall, and then the Scottish Judo centre of excellence in Ratho.Aiden talks openly about his life in judo, the challenges of holding his body together, and returning to his home club as a coach hoping to give back to the sport. Huge thanks to Aiden for coming on the show. If you want to find out more about Tayside Judo club find them on Instagram @taysidejudo and at taysidejudo.co.uk

Almost 4 years ago the Judo community was rocked by the news of the death of Craig Fallon (World Champion 2005 -60kg). Whilst Craig was a hero to many in the world of Judo, a World and European champion, he struggled with depression. His suicide shook the whole community, and devastated his friends and family. The Craig Fallon Foundation last year ran its inaugural event, the Craig Fallon Cup, a competition set up in memory of Craig, an event that is returning in just a few months. This week, Gavin Davies, Craig’s close friend and a formidable judoka in his own right, joins the show to talk about his friend and training partner, Craig’s death, as well as the aims of the Craig Fallon Foundation and this years Craig Fallon Cup eventGavin does an incredible job remembering his friend, and talking about the impact of his death. There are times where this episode could be upsetting as we talk about suicide and mental health.If you are struggling with your mental health please reach out to someone, whether its your family, friends or your GP. The Samaritans are an organisation who offer , someone to talk to when you’re facing challenging situation, with the aim that fewer people die from suicide. If you are struggling, or in crisis they are available 24 hours a day 365 days per year on 116 123

The podcast is back! Back into it with double Commonwealth medalist Jemima Yeats-Brown joining the show this week. Mima joins us fresh from a weeks training at the Nymburk Olympic training camp, and just days before she heads out to Tbilisi Grand Slam. We talk about injuries, changing weight categories, and getting a last minute call-up for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014. Jemima’s really active on social media, follow her journey on youtube at Jemima YB and on twitter @mima_yb

This week we welcome to the show a man who’s had many roles within performance Judo. A British Champion, Team GB Coach and most recently CEO of Welsh Judo. We talk about his life in the sport, incuding working with Gemma Gibbons on her way to Olympic Silver, coaching Natalie Powell on her way become world no.1 and a double Olympian, as well as his goals for growing welsh Judo.Really enjoyed the trip down memory lane chatting with Darren, I hope everyone else enjoys listening!

This week the show welcomes former British Champion Stuart Mcwatt to the show. We catch up around his return to the mat, injuries, being backstage at the Commonwealth Games and manning the British Judo Instagram account. Follow Stuarts return to the mat on his instagram @judostu

A brief ramble this week looking ahead to the judo at the end of the year and what’s coming up for the podcast.

Absolutely loved recording this episode with US triple Olympian and Rio Olympic silver medallist Travis Stevens. Travis had a stellar career, including, in 2012 Olympics, one of the most iconic fights in the sport. We talk through his career in judo, that match and going onto win Silver four years later, transition away from his competitive career, goals for JudoFanatics, as well as a brief discussion of the challenges facing US Judo at the moment.Huge thanks to Travis for giving up his time to join the show. If you dont already follow him check out his Instagram page, as well as the JudoFanatics site.

This week we welcome Dutch National coach Matt Purssey to the show. After a storied career as an athlete Matt has coached at a performance level with JudoScotland, British Judo, and is now with the Dutch National Team. We talk through the high’s and low’s of his time as an athlete, his transition into coaching, and how this experience lead him to the coaching role in Netherlands.

This week we welcome Scotlands Commonwealth Bronze Medalist Malin Wilson to the podcast. Malin talks about the challenges of finding Judo in the Highlands of Scotland, her commonwealth games experience and hows she's ended up living and training in Madrid. Follow her journey towards Paris 2024 on Instagram @malw57

This week we welcome Paralympic Bronze medalist Ben Quilter to the pod. Ben is a double Paralympian and talks about his journey through Judo, winning world and european championships, in the run up to his bronze medal run at London 2012 Paralympics.He talks about his journey through judo, early influences in his career, the challenges he faced in the weeks up to London 2012, and the experience of competing in front of home support.

This week we welcome back to the show GB's under 63kg European Champion and Double Olympian Gemma Howell.We talk through her amazing journey since 2019 which includes covid, Tokyo Olympics, Sofia European Championships and Birmingham Commonwealth Games. Love this interview, Gemma is so open and great fun to chat to. Follow her journey toward Paris2024 on twitter @gemh7

Just me this week, talking through the good, the bad and the ugly of the worlds and other judo news from the last fortnight. I try not to rant.Basically, we talk lightweight judo, some of the results, the effect of the rules (28% of fights ended in in a hansoku) and lastly the subscription service rolled out without warning by the IJF. Oh and did I say that Judo missed out on the next Commonwealth Games, but fortunately, Golf, which we can all agree doesnt have a big enough stage and profile, managed to get included.

Last minute worlds preview. Let me know what you think, let me know who you’ve got for the medals.

This week we take a step away from Commonwealth Games themed content, and welcome Bahrain's Mahmood Saeed. Mahmood was over in the UK having just taken part in the IJF Coaching Academy sessions. We talk about his journey through judo and efforts to support the growth of the sport in Bahrain in setting up his club. Unfortunately, there's a bit of an echo, the room we recorded in obviously wasnt great! Stick with it as as Mahmood talks with an immense amount of passion about his experiences and I massively enjoyed this chat. Follow mahmood journey on instagram at @mahmood_judoka

Our Commonwealth Games theme continues, and I'm delighted to get Ireland and Northern Irelands Eoin Fleming on the show. Eoin was involved in an absolute battle for bronze, one of the most emotionally engaging matches of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. We talk through that match as well as his experience competing at two Games, Irish Judo and his goals from here.I will try to find a link to the match and post it in the next few weeks, its well worth a watch.I hope you enjoy the show, like subscribe, share it with your friends