HAJIME: Inside USA Judo

In this episode of the Inside USA Judo Interview Series, host Hannah Martin speaks with Oleksandr Nyzhnyk, the 2024 Junior Pan American Champion and two-time Senior National Champion in the -90 kg division. Born in Ukraine, Sasha moved to the United States at just 10 years old without speaking English. Through judo, he found a way to connect with others, build friendships, and adapt to a new life....

In this episode of the INSIDE USA JUDO Interview Series, host Hannah Martin sits down with Emily Jaspe, one of the brightest young talents in American judo. Currently ranked No. 1 in the world in the Junior -63kg category, Emily is a former Cadet and Junior Pan American Champion and the 2026 USA Judo Senior National Champion. As one of USA Judo's rising stars, she continues to build an impressive...

In this episode of the INSIDE USA JUDO Interview Series, host Hannah Martin speaks with Dominic Rodriguez, currently ranked No. 17 in the world in the -81kg category. A 2 time Pan American Champion and 3 time National Champion, Dominic has quickly established himself as one of the top young athletes in American judo. Training out of the Kitsusai National Training Center, he is currently fighting f...

In this episode of the INSIDE USA JUDO Interview Series, host Hannah Martin speaks with Israel Hernández, 2-time Olympic bronze medalist and Head Coach of the United States Performance Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. A highly respected figure in international judo, Israel reflects on his beginnings in Cuba, where he first stepped onto the tatami and worked his way up to become a member of the...

In this episode of the INSIDE USA JUDO Interview Series, host Hannah Martin speaks with Janine Cotti, former USA Judo National Team member, two time National Champion, and 2010 Pan American Championships Silver Medalist. A respected figure both on and off the mat, Janine reflects on her competitive career at the highest level of American judo and the lessons that shaped her as an athlete. Now a re...

In this episode of the INSIDE USA JUDO Interview Series, host Hannah Martin speaks with Daniel Liubimovski, the Junior World No. 1 and one of USA Judo’s most exciting rising stars in the 100kg category. Hailing from Staten Island, New York, Daniel shares his journey to the top of the junior world rankings and what it means to represent the United States on the international stage. Training out of...

In this episode of the INSIDE USA JUDO Interview Series, host Hannah Martin speaks with Johan Silot, the number one ranked athlete in -81 kg category in the United States and an Olympic hopeful for Los Angeles 2028. Originally from Cuba, Johan shares his journey from his roots in Cuban judo to becoming a USA National Champion and earning a silver medal at the Lima Grand Prix. He opens up about min...

In this episode of the INSIDE USA JUDO Interview Series, host Hannah Martin speaks with Zoltan Bathory, founder and guitarist of Five Finger Death Punch. From his early days as a young judoka in Hungary to selling out arenas around the world, Zoltan breaks down how judo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and martial arts forged his discipline, grit, and no quit mindset. We talk judo, creativity, resilience, an...

In this episode of the INSIDE USA JUDO Interview Series, host Hannah Martin sits down with Dr. Jean Kanokogi for an inspiring and powerful conversation. Together, they dive into the legacy of her mother, Rusty Kanokogi, the groundbreaking force behind women’s judo, and explore Jean’s book Get Up and Fight. Jean also opens up about her own journey of resilience, her commitment to carrying Rusty’s m...

In this episode of the Inside USA Judo Interview Series, host Hannah Martinsits down with Malia Manibog, one of the brightest rising stars on the tatami. With international medals already under her belt and a reputation for fierce determination, Malia Manibog shares her journey of judo, She opens up about balancing school and judo, international travel, and reflects on what drives her to keep chas...

In this episode, host Hannah Martin welcomes a true powerhouse in American judo — Heidi Moore! 🇺🇸 A 6th-dan black belt, certified athletic trainer, and 11-time Senior National medalist, Heidi has represented Team USA across the globe. Since 1999, she’s been the driving force behind Denver Judo as Executive Director and head instructor, all while serving as coach of the U.S. Paralympic Judo Team at...

In this episode, host Hannah Martin sits down with one of the USA’s most exciting young talents — Christopher Velazco, currently ranked No. 2 in the world in juniors at -60kg! We dive into Christopher’s judo journey growing up in a judo family, what it’s like being coached by his Olympian father, his mindset heading into major international competitions, and of course — his thrilling rivalry with...

In this episode of HAJIME: Inside USA JUDO, host and former National Team Member Hannah Martin sits down with Kristin El Idrissi, former Kata National Champion, mother of two, and longtime contributor to the U.S. judo community. Kristin shares the unique story of how her judo journey evolved—from competitive athlete to discovering her passion for kata, the formal demonstration of judo techniques t...

🎙️ Inside USA Judo Interview Series | Episode with Nina Cutro-Kelly In this episode of the Inside USA Judo Interview Series, host Hannah Martin—recently retired USA Judo National Team athlete—sits down with longtime teammate Nina Cutro-Kelly, a 2020 Olympian and 5x Pan American Championship Medalist. From career highlights to laugh-out-loud moments on and off the mat, Nina shares her journey throu...

In this episode of the Inside USA Judo Interview Series, host Hannah Martin—recently retired USA Judo National Team athlete—sits down with Dr. Chris Round, a 4th-degree black belt in judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and international-level coach. With a PhD in Environmental Science and Policy, Chris brings a rare combination of academic insight and elite-level judo experience. Chris has train...

In this episode of the Inside USA Judo Interview Series, Hannah Martin sits down with Carrie Chandler, 2005 Pan American Champion (-52kg), former world No. 9, and owner of Chandler Judo Academy. Carrie has seamlessly transitioned from an elite competitor to a highly respected coach, guiding athletes on the international stage. Most recently, she’s served as a coach for Team USA at the 2024 Cadet W...

In this episode of the Inside USA Judo Interview Series, Hannah Martin sits down with Maurice Allan, Head Coach and Owner of Sport Judo. Maurice has an incredible martial arts legacy—he represented the UK in freestyle wrestling at the 1976 Olympics, won gold at the 1975 World Sambo Wrestling Championships, and is a multiple-time national champion in both judo and wrestling. Most recently, he was a...

Inside USA Judo Interview Series with Hannah Martin | Featuring Jim Hrbek In this episode of the Inside USA Judo Interview Series, Hannah Martin sits down with Jim Hrbek, who was recently awarded his 9th Dan—one of the highest honors in judo. Jim shares unforgettable coaching moments as the owner and head coach of Universal Judo in San Antonio, Texas, and reflects on his incredible judo journey, W...