Shintaro Higashi

The Shintaro Higashi Show

Sports EN ↓ 277 episodes

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!

Author

Shintaro Higashi

Category

Sports

Podcast website

shintarohigashi.com

Latest episode

Jun 2, 2026

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Episodes

Dojo Reopening Updates 10.05.2021

The pandemic situation in New York City is finally getting better thanks to the successful vaccine rollout, and Shintaro can finally reopen his dojos to more students. In this episode, Shintaro tells Peter how his reopening efforts have been going and how excited he is to see students back on the mat. Please support us on Patreon if you can: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show . Any amou...

2021 USA Judo Youth National Championships 03.05.2021

Shintaro recently went to the 2021 USA Judo Youth National Championships in Salt Lake City with one of his students Luka. It was a great event where he could catch up with his old Judo friends, and check the current status of US Judo, as well as its future. In this episode, Shintaro tells Peter what his experience was like at the Youth Nationals. Please support us on Patreon if you can: https://ww...

Q&A with Shintaro - How to Reach Out and Retain Students 26.04.2021

One of the key elements of the success of Shintaro's gyms, KBI and Kano in Manhattan, is his success in reaching out and retaining students. In this episode, he goes into detail about how he did it and offers advice to other dojos. Please support us on Patreon if you can: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show . Any amount helps!

Fitness for Grappling 19.04.2021

Fitness and grappling go hand in hand. Being fit will make you a better grappler, and being a better grappler will make you fit. In this episode, Shintaro discusses some of his philosophies and routines he has about fitness for grappling with Peter. Please support us on Patreon if you can: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show . Any amount helps!

Sensei 12.04.2021

Shintaro has had many sensei throughout his long Judo career, from his father to Jimmy Pedro. As a sensei himself now, he reflects back to all the influences his sensei have had on him as a Judoka, as well as a human being. Please support us on Patreon if you can: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show . Any amount helps!

Heart-to-Heart With Shintaro 05.04.2021

In Peter's absence due to his busy schedule, Shintaro goes solo and talks about vulnerable moments in his Judo career: when he was outclassed by a competitor, when he wanted to quit and when students inspired him. Please support us on Patreon if you can: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show . Any amount helps!

Shintaro's BJJ Journey 30.03.2021

As a true martial artist, Shintaro has never shied away from other martial arts, especially Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He's been at the center of the New York BJJ scene, training with the likes of the Gracies, John Danaher, Bernardo Faria, Brian Glick and many others. In this episode, Shintaro talks about how he started BJJ as a Judoka, and the impact his BJJ journey had on his life. Please support us o...

Developing Your Own Judo 22.03.2021

Everyone has his/her own Judo journey, and it's important to develop your "own Judo" to be more successful and, most importantly, have fun. In this episode, Shintaro and Peter talk about how one can develop his/her own Judo. Please support us on Patreon if you can: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show . Any amount helps!

How to Learn Judo Online 15.03.2021

Utilizing online content to learn Judo is becoming increasingly popular. As with anything online, it's important to filter out "noise" and consume only the good content. Shintaro and Peter talk about some of the strategies you can use to pick out good online Judo content and integrate it effectively into your daily training. Please support us on Patreon if you can: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro...

How to Be a Better Grappler 08.03.2021

What does it mean to be a better grappler? How does one become a better grappler? Is it about strength? Techniques? Toughness? Shintaro and Peter discuss these questions in depth. Please support us on Patreon if you can: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show . Any amount helps!

Dojo Etiquette 01.03.2021

Shintaro and Peter talk about important etiquette that needs to be followed around the dojo. The dojo is a place where people with all kinds of background and skill level come together to practice Judo, and it can be confusing for some to navigate through the complex social interaction. However, it is important to keep the dojo etiquette in mind and follow it so that everyone can feel safe and hav...

The Leg Grab Ban 22.02.2021

The infamous leg grab ban! Introduced in 2010, it is by far the biggest and most controversial rule change ever introduced to Judo. Are Shintaro and Peter for it, or against it? Listen in to find out! Please support us on Patreon if you can: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show . Any amount helps!

Stories from Judo Training Days 15.02.2021

Shintaro has been training in Judo his whole life, all over the world. Some of the places he's trained are NYC, Japan and Massachusetts. He has so many interesting stories from his Judo training days, from his experience as a high schooler in Japan to training with Olympic champions like Kayla Harris and Travis Stevens in Massachusetts, and he shares some of them with Peter in this episode. Please...

The Business of Martial Arts 08.02.2021

In this episode, Shintaro and Peter talk about the business of martial arts-- how to make money doing martial arts! Shintaro has a wealth of experience from running successful Judo clubs in Manhattan, growing his YouTube channel, and graduating from NYU Stern business school. Please support us on Patreon if you can: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show . Any amount helps!

Who Is Peter Yu? 01.02.2021

In this episode, Shintaro interviews Peter! They talk about how they met, how Peter started Judo, and what he does outside of Judo. Please support us on Patreon if you can: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show . Any amount helps!

Judo Strategies 25.01.2021

In this episode, Shintaro and Peter talk about Judo strategies-- grip strategies, combinations, newaza transitions and many more! Please support us on Patreon if you can: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show . Any amount helps!

How to Make It in Judo 18.01.2021

In this episode, Shintaro and Peter talk about how to "make it" in Judo. It is important to remember that there are many ways in which one can succeed in Judo. It really depends on what Judo means to you. Is it a hobby, an educational tool, or even a career as a competitor? Please support us on Patreon if you can: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show . Any amount helps!

Judo Styles around the World 12.01.2021

In this episode, Shintaro and Peter talk about different styles of Judo practiced around the world. As a global sport, Judo is practiced in many different countries, and each has a unique culture and history. It is fascinating to see how each country has developed its own unique style of Judo. Please support us on Patreon if you can: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show . Any amount helps...

History of Kokushi Budo Institute 04.01.2021

In this episode, Shintaro recounts the history of his dojo, Kokushi Budo Institute, and tells a fascinating story about the Higashi Family and the American Dream that spans decades from war-torn Japan to the bustling streets of New York City. Please support us on Patreon if you can: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show . Any amount helps!

Talking Physical Therapy with Emil Berengut 22.12.2020

In this episode, Shintaro sits down with Emil Berengut, a senior physical therapist at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC, to talk about the discipline of physical therapy, injuries treatment and prevention, and effective training methods. Please support us on Patreon if you can: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show . Any amount helps!

Judo in Self-defense 14.12.2020

In this episode, Shintaro and Peter tackle the age-old question: Is Judo good for self-defense? Please support us on Patreon if you can: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show . Any amount helps!

Mattia Galbiati 07.12.2020

In this episode, Shintaro talks to the bronze medalist of the World Sambo Championships and an old friend, Mattia Galbiati. Please support us on Patreon if you can: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show . Any amount helps!

Japanese Technique Names 03.12.2020

In this episode, Shintaro and Peter discuss the pros and cons of using Japanese technique names in Judo and other martial arts. Please support us on Patreon if you can: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show . Any amount helps!

Talking Judo with Travis Stevens 30.11.2020

In this episode, Shintaro talks with his old friend, Rio 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist Travis Stevens. Please support us on Patreon if you can: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show . Any amount helps!

Friday Night Practice 21.11.2020

In this episode, Shintaro and Peter talk about the famous Friday Night Practice at Shintaro's gym Kokushi Budo Institute. Please support us on Patreon if you can: https://www.patreon.com/shintaro_higashi_show . Any amount helps!

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