In this episode, Mike and Travis Serna talk with Gant Grimes and Matt Anderson of Wichita Falls, Texas.  They have put together a community judo program for at risk kids.  The program, known as “Straight Street” is just over one year old and is a great success.  Gant and Matt talk about how they started the program, how it is run and the positive influence it is having on some of the members lives.  Thanks Gant and Matt for coming on, and if you have any questions, post them below! There is also an article on it here.  Episode 59 Read more →

Episode 59 "Straight Street" [ 46:04 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

We would like to congratulate US Olympic Team member Kayla Harrison for her gold medal at the Olympics! Kayla had a tremendous year and Olympic showing. The 22 year old is the first American to win a gold medal in the Olympics. Not only did she end America’s 0-for-forever Olympic title drought in judo, but she did it in an arena where British flags were flying wildly. Britains Gemma Gibbons was a surprise finalist, spurred by a crowd that chanted her name in every match.

Kayla has an amazing story about her rise in judo, and hopefully we will be able to interview her soon on the podcast. For a great article on her, follow this link.  Other US judoka competing in the Olympics were Marti Malloy, who secured a bronze medal, Travis Stevens, Kyle Vashkulat & Nick Delpopolo.

Happy New Year everyone! 2012 is going to be an exciting year in judo with the upcoming Olympics in London. In this podcast, Mike and Gene talk with Matt Marcinek, the Disabled Grappler, who was also on episode 56. Matt has started a new motivational speaking series “Don’t Dis My Ability” and will be visiting Mike in Oklahoma City on January 12 for a workout and seminar. Matt talks about perspective and how he deals with various kinds of students from athletes with high talent low motivation and vice versa. He definitely brings us all back into perspective in this very special podcast. They also talk about NAGA and the rise of MMA, specifically former judo stars Ronda Rousey and Rick Hawn. Best wishes to all in 2012, and enjoy episode 58! Thanks again Matt! Episode 58 Read more →

Ep. 58- Perspective [ 2:03:58 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In this episode, Gene and Mike talk about Gene’s latest experience coaching at the Cadet Worlds in Kiev, in relation to coaching. Ramon Hernandez also joins in and the discussion is about the development of a professional judo coaches association. Gene wrote up an abstract after the Cadet Worlds, titled “Dimensions of Play: A Conceptual Framework for Coaching Judo” which you can read here. Ramon Hernandez was interviewed in Episode 55- “Kindergarten Sensei”.

The discussion lead to the idea of the development of a site that would offer courses to coaches in various areas. Training, competition, coaching, management, and liability to name a few. If you have any interest in this, please comment below or email us.

Episode 57- "Coaches Corner [ 38:10 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Matt D’Aquino, 2008 Olympic Judo competitor from Australia, just released his new ebook, “Workouts For Judo“, specifically for judo, and the grappling world.  His philosophy is based on the fact that he only teaches what he has done, and what has been proven for him.  Strength and conditioning goes far in judo, as it does in wrestling, brazilian jiu jitsu, and other grappling arts, and Matt pinpoints this as on of his greatest attributes on the mat.

After an introduction to himself, he goes into the different attributes that judoka need in today’s arena.  Each of these attributes are assigned to different workouts later in the book.  Each exercise is depicted well in photographs, along with well written description, benefits and tips sections. Read more →