The Original Judo Podcast: Recent Episodes
james austin
Judo! Its not all Judo chops and pyjama wrestling. Over this olympic cycle the podcast will follow the careers and ambitions of a group of athletes and coaches in the period up to the Tokyo Olympic games
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-978359859677
Follow 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.
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.
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 Cvjetko
Let 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 @pvlogs6306
Massive 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 event
Gavin 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
MARCH 31, 2023
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 event
Gavin 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
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.
Gavin 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
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
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
A look back on the Commonwealth Games, and my highlights from the Judo at Birmingham 2022.
Amidst holidays, work and collecting my thoughts about the amazing Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, I hope you enjoy this interview with Irelands incredible Lisa Kearney.
In 2012 she became Irelands first female Olympic Judoka. Two years later, she won the first Northern Irish medal of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Around these she won medals on the IJF circuit all over the world. This interview took place before the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth games, and we talk about her Olympic and Commonwealth Experiences, her legacy in Irish Judo, injuries and knowing when to quit.
Here we are, a few days out from the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The judo is going to be really exciting, and as a platform for Judo, for Brits (and presumably the wider Commonwealth group of nations) the media profile of the event is second only to the Olympics.
I briefly look back on the Judo in the first few events that are a part of the Paris Olympic cycle, before running down the stories i’m looking to see unfold at the B2022 Commies.
Absolutely wonderful to welcome Team GB Tokyo 2021 Olympic Bronze medalist Chelsie Giles to the show. Chelsie talks through Tokyo, nearly missing the Olympics and her next steps. Huge thank you for the interview!
Follow Chelsie's journey towards Paris 2024 on instagram @ChelsieGiles
Like, subscribe, etc etc wherever you get your podcasts...
Welcome back to the podcast! This week is running a little late. After butchering the recording of the intended episode on several occasions, I decided to bring the release of this one forward.
In this episode I’m joined by Allan MacDonald, former Judoka, training with JudoScotland, Al went on to become the S+C coach with JudoScotland and then British Judo. Al has huge insight and knowledge that he shares openly, and does a great job of tying the episode together as I get lost in my notes and lack of understanding of the subject area! We also talk about his e:book Deterministic Judo:Engineering high Perfromance, which is available at mramacdonald.gumroad.com
Once again, Al I massively enjoyed catching up- thanks for your time and coming on the show!
This week world no.1 Lucy Renshall joins the show. We talk through her Tokyo Olympics, upcoming Commonwealth Games and why she's no longer fighting, and becoming world number 1. Find and follow her route toward Paris 2024 on Instagram @lucyrenshall
Delighted to get Mark on the show, he’s a great guy, a friend and I was lucky enough to train with him for a couple of years many many years ago!
Mark reflects on his judo journey, leaving home in New Zealand at 17 to travel and train in Japan and then Europe. He discusses how he coped with injuries and finding work that he could train around, and finally culminating in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Rules and Olympic Qualification- I've got a bee in my bonnet that the rule changes mean that we're down to just one main counter. Fitz joins the show for this one, and we talk about the techniques we like to see return, and one more we'd like to see gone, as well as looking briefly at Olympic Qualification.
This week we welcome Connah Anders to the show. Connah is a VI judoka who competes at -73kg in the J1 classification.
We talk abouthis recent performance in Kazakhstan, the new rules around classification and Connah's goals for the next Paralympic cycle.
This is the first interview recorded in person for the show, which was exciting- i hope it doesnt tell- but I do think the sound gets a bit echoey at times and i found it harder to refer to my notes (unbelievable that i do any preparation at all!)
Well we're back again, halfway through the year, with Olympic qualification about to start, and a Commonwealth Games on the horizon. This is just a short one, me briefly whittering on about what's coming up!
If you want to catch up on any of the judo from the weekend (Georgian Grand Slam 2022) I'd suggest starting with this fight (the final of -60kg, Sardalashvili v Nozadze):
https://live.ijf.org/gs_geo2022/contest_video/gs_geo2022_m_0060_0035
This one is Ronseal. A much shorter episode, with some dubious quality sound- this was the first face-to-face episode, and it was fantastic to sit down with Fitz and go over our immediate reflections on Paris Grand Slam and, inevitably, we briefly touch on the rule changes!
Delighted to be joined on the show this week by Tokyo 2021 Paralympic Champion incredible Chris Skelley MBE. Chris has had an incredible career, and he talks through the highs and lows of his judo journey so far, and the opportunities he’s taken to support the community around him. Really enjoyed how open Chris was, and it was a real pleasure to speak with him. (And Chris- thank you for being so patient with the interview!)
This week we’re talking the role of performance analysis in Judo.
We’re joined by former British Junior champion, and former owner of the best hair in Judo, Jamie Williams.
We reminisce about 20 years of British Judo Championships, and competing together during that time, before Jamie talks about his studies and background in performance analysis and applying it to Judo.
2 weeks, 2 episodes, levels of professionalism are high.
With Japan having such unprecedented success at the Tokyo Games I wanted to ask where they go from here- can the success be replicated? Is there dominance bad for Judo and has Suzuki inherited a poison chalice as he steps into the mens lead coaching role.
I’m joined in my ramble by Matt Divall from the Drop In podcast, and he makes some big calls as he names the team he thinks Japan will pick for Paris 2024 Olympics
Return of the podcast- its a new Olympic cycle, and there’s a commonwealth games just over 6 months away, so it seems fitting to call this season 2.
Absolutely delighted to start the season with this interview- with the incredible Kate Howey- she went to 4 Olympics, winning a silver and a Bronze, alongside 5 worlds medals. She then transitioned to coaching and was matside with Team GB at London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2021, in the chair for most of the British medallists from those Games.
As a fan of her competitive career its was a massive honour when she agreed to the interview and there wont be a better one this season- she is so open and engaging about her career and what started out as a planned half hour ended up being an hour.
Kate has recently finished as Head Coach at British Judo- we wish all the best with the next steps in her career and look forward to seeing what they may be!
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2024 cycle, I look back at my highlights, things i want to see change, and the outstanding athletes who competed in Tokyo 2021
We join Fitz in Tokyo, inside the Olympic village to chat through the draw and where we see the medals going.
Today we welcome back to the show Ian Oliver and the Calders, Lee and Reece, to discuss Lee coaching in Tokyo, and then the real matters- where are the medals going for the heavyweight men and women at the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games.
In the biggest of tragedies, we recorded this episode shortly before the Euros final and this weeks outro music, kindly provided by the Calders, hints at the direction that match was going to go.
We finally made it to the Olympics a mere 4 years after we stared, and in some form or another the podcast occasionally still runs! Whether it keeps going after the games- I dont know, so enjoy it whilst you can!
I finally cracked and allowed my brother @stuartaustinmma on the show. We talk how he ended up in MMA, competing in MMA, fighting Ishii and where he wants to go next in his MMA career. Oh, and we firmly establish who the house champion currently is.
Its me.
We are back discussing the Judo at Tashkent Grand Slam, and a couple of the refereeing decisions. Additionally, theres a bit of conjecture about the Japanese Team for Tokyo.
Finally, huge thanks to Judoka Paul Grady for his help editing the show, his efforts are massively appreciated, and make a world of difference to sound you end up listening to!
Another look back at 2020, and looking forward to the year ahead- what we’re hoping for!
And the first showing of Fitzroy Davies, a man with an unparrelled coaching record, and who I had the fortune to coach me for 10 years.
With any luck 2021 will give us plenty of Judo, and Fitz will be back on the show!
New year, new lockdown, new episode.
We chat through our highlights from 2020, and what we are hoping is going to come up in 2021
This week we welcome renowned researcher and former wrestler, Dr Les Podlog. We talk about the challenges of injury and how best to cope and return to the mat from longer challenges
Judo is back- we welcome Tom Reed (of the "More than a Fighter" podcast) back to the show to review the Budapest Grand Slam. Tried to keep it brief and to the point- let us know what your thought of the format, and the judo (and my Gary Lineker impression). Unless someone gives us a better idea, the review shows will be rechristened Fight of the Day in homage to MOTD. Also go check out the fantastic More than a Fighter Podcast which features interviews with former international Judoka and their stories of transition away from Judo.
It seems like almost every episode i bring out is the return of the show. This week we return with 2 guests, both nutritionists with hugs amounts of experience working with elite athletes, We talk around the challenges that are presented by managing and making weight.
Louise Bloor, works with the EIS and the Nutritionist working with GB Judo. Dr Ian Rollo, is a black belt and works with the Gatorade Sports Science Institute.
I hope this is a helpful listen to everyone out there, personally it was an eyeopening conversation and i came away with plenty to consider.
https://www.gssiweb.org/en/sports-science-exchange/Article/acute-weight-management-in-combat-sports-pre-weigh-in-weight-loss-post-weigh-in-recovery-and-competition-nutrition-strategies
The biggest pod out there- this week we're talking heavyweight judo, and welcome Lee Calder back to the show along with Ian Oliver, both of whom ( in days long gone) competed at heavyweight, and more recently were tasked with building a GB heavyweight programme. Loved having these guys on, and great to hear their thoughts on bringing heavyweights through the system. You also get me ranting again (and the guys join in) at the lack of position the British Championships currently holds in my eyes in the annual calendar of events. We start wrapping up at 45 minutes in and 40 minutes later we’re still going. It also turns out i’m hungry to commentate the British Championships… And if anyone wants to sponsor or support the podcast hit me up and I will accept your suitcase full of cash
Finally we get around to running the women’s pound 4 pound best of the decade poll. Way way back at the start of quarantine we ran a series of votes to get peoples favourite athletes of the decade in each weight category, and now we’ve thrown each of the finallists into the mix.
I’m delighted to welcome Melissa Budiarto, of the Judo Edit podcast, to the show, and we race through talking about her Judo journey, podcasting, before finally discussing the best Judoka of the last 10 years.
I’d thoroughly recommend the Judo Edit ( https://www.facebook.com/thejudoedit/ ), and as she finishes her second season Melissa has some great interviews on there.
If you want to vote in the P4P Best of the decade poll head over to twitter and find @originaljudopod and get involved
This week we welcome Canada's Pan-American medaliist Zach Burt to the show, along with our semi regular host, Pat Dawson.
Zach talks to us about his journey towards Olympic qualification, changing weight categories, and what nits like competing in front of a home crowd.
We discuss the clips sent into the show and announce the winner of the Mizuno Uchikomi bands!
Huge thanks to judogis.co.uk for supporting the show upon reaching 50 episodes!
This week on the pod we welcome JudoInside.com's creator Hans van Essen. If you somehow dont know JudoInside- its the original database for Judoka and events. I've used the site on an almost daily basis since i was an athlete, and it was fantastic to hear some insight into how the site came about and Hans plans for the future. If you want to support the site Hans is currently running a gogetfunding- check it out- https://gogetfunding.com/judoinside/ Enjoy the show, like and subscribe wherever you listen- and please leave a review!
This week we welcome World Junior Silver Medallist Ebony Drysdale-Daley to the show. Ebony talks about her journey into judo, representing both GB and now Jamaica at the highest levels in world judo, and what it means for her that the Olympics has been put back a year.. You can follow Ebony's journey towards Tokyo and beyond on twitter @judo_ebony and instagram @mynameisebony Huge thanks to Paul Grady- who stepped in and sorted my shambolic sound!
This week we celebrate reaching 50 episodes! We have a quick chat about getting the most from randori and then its giveaway time. For those listening in the UK, Mizuno UK have kindly donated a set of uchikomi bands to the show to giveaway to a lucky listener! We want you to let us know your favourite Ippon. Send entries, along with a link to the score, to the podcast on facebook or twitter (@originaljudopod). Closing date for entries is Sunday 21st June, the top 5 and winner will be announced and decided on the podcast the following week. Huge thanks to Mizuno Uk for supporting the show. You can find them at judogis.co.uk
This week,in the aftermath of the men’s judoka of the decade pound for pound vote and whilst I am waiting to sort the draw for the women’s vote, we welcome one of British Judo’s elite performance coaches, Denny Roberts, top the show. Denny is a fantastic interview, and talks us through his journey from full-time athlete to coaching the GB elite development and Paralympic squads.
The all new (reconditioned) OJP, coming at you with video (original judo pod on YouTube)! Welcoming a new co-host to the show- my old randori partner, and teammate, Reece Calder! Today we are doing the draw for the pound-for-pound judoka of the decade poll that will be running on the @originaljudopod twitter account 18th to 22nd May 2020. Enjoy the vid and get yourself over to Twitter to vote! VOTING STARTS MONDAY 18TH MAY
This week we welcome the Calder family (Lee, Reece and current british Champion Cailin) to the podcast and talk about coaching and running a club through the coronavirus and heavyweight judo in the UK. Follow the club and Cailin on his way to the Commonwealths and beyond at @judoclubesprit on twitter and instagram.
This week we welcome Danny Williams to the show. Danny is an Olympian from London 2012 and Commonwealth champion from 2014 Glasgow. We chat Judo through the Coronavirus, and his fantastic series of short Kettle classes. If you want to find out more about Danny check out his website and blog Dannywilliamsgbr.com
Gary Turner is a former professional Kickboxer and MMA fighter with a host of world titles to his name, after i spend the first couple of minutes fanboying about his MMA career with talk about concussion and the devastating and tragic impact it can have, as well as some of the things we can do to mitigate the risks. Gray is currently studying a PhD on the behavioural effects of head impacts in combat sport, talks really eloquently on a subject that he clearly has a wealth of knowledge about, and we touch on issues, including suicide, that are still very fresh and painful for many in the judo community with the tragic deaths in the last year of Craig Fallon and Jack Hatton. Gary can be contacted with questions on gary@garyturner.co.uk. If youwant to hear Gary talk more on the subject he has done a couple of great episodes on the British Boxing talk poodcast which can be found at- https://podcasts.apple.com/sa/podcast/interview-how-dangerous-is-boxing-gary-turner/id1431854098?i=1000444214694 https://www.podbean.com/media/share/dir-hgvzr-67b14b2?utm_campaign=w_share_ep&utm_medium=dlink&utm_source=w_share
Chatting to Vince Skillcorn about his coaching, and what prompted him to start putting content onto youtube 7 years ago. Vince has a huge Youtube channel (Vince Skillcorn Judo) displaying his vast knowledge of competitive judo- if you havent checked it out, its well worth it. The audio quality isnt the greatest, not sure what happened with the recording, or if it was the strength of the connection of the call. Hope everyone is well.
Talking with Chris about PED's in judo. Recorded in 2018 we chat about drugs in sport and Judo. Thought it would be good to bring it out now in light of the recent revelations about Rafaela Silva, who is facing a ban following a failed test at the pan american games (i think).
Out of date before its even out (like so many before it!) Tom Reed returns to the show, and we talk about Paris and Dusseldorf before running through our selections for the japanese team- just a day or two before the team was announced! See where we got it right, where we got it wrong and let us know what you think
Back comes the podcast for another run- hopefully we'll get through to the olympics this time! Briefly talk about whats coming up and the best players of the last decade.
Chris and I spouting on again about heavyweight judo ahead of this weeks worlds.
Let us know what you think!
Chris and I talk about the (very) upcoming worlds lightweight categories and who we are looking forward to seeing. We also acknowledge the tragic passing of Craig Fallon and ways to support his family.
To find out more please get in touch with craigfallontrust@hotmail.com and search craig fallon memorial fund on gofundme.
If you are looking for support for yourself or someone close to you the following organisations are good place to start and if they cnat help, can signpost you to appropriate services.
www.samaritans.org or phone UK 116123
www.calmzone.net or phone UK 0800585858
www.mind.org.uk
Short episode with my thoughts on Teddy Riner's return performance, and what needs to be done (if its possible??!!) to beat him! :-)
Chatting to London Olympian Gemma Howell about her experiences in Judo, changing weights and coping with injury. Gem recently took bronze in the Baku Grand Slam and 7th in 2019 Hohhot Grand Prix. Shes also donating her hair and raising money for Little Princess Trust, check out her Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/gemma-howell6
Short chat with one of the guys, Lance Wicks, behind the fantasy-judo.com platform.
We geek out a little over stats and discuss his background in Judo and with the IJF.
Get in touch and let us know if you enjoy the episode and how you're doing in the fantasy judo league.
Quick review of Dusseldorf ahead of Morocco Grand Prix this weekend.
There was some great Judo, let us know if you enjoy the episode (too lazy to edit in an outro this time!) We’re in all the usual places.
Also, starting to do some more interviews- if there is anyone you think would be good let us know!
Chris and I talk Paris Grand Slam results. We look at -78 and 100+ categories then some of the surprises from the event, including USA Judo, Mollaei and Abe. Finally we look ahead to Dusseldorf
Look at Tel Aviv Grand Prix, we are trying something a little bit different, reporting on the event, so let us know what you think, if it works. Also look ahead to Paris, and some of the match ups we'd like to see.
The podcast is back! all you happy campers can enjoy James and Chris discussing some of the highlights of the IJF Judo calendar in 2018.
In two parts, part one looks at some of our highlights of the year and standout performances with a bit of speculation for 2019. Some great articles about the year ahead can be found on Judoinside.com, IJF.org and judocrazy.com
Interview with Double Olympian (and 4 time european medallist) Sophie Cox, and despite the ,mess i made of my own audio i think the sound is pretty good, and Sophie is a fascinating interview, talking about her Olympic experiences, her current projects and a rugby match when she was 11.
Interview with Glasgow Commonwealth Games champion Megan Fletcher. We talk about Glasgow, changing nationality and returning from injury
Speaking this week to Jake Andrewartha, An Australian heavyweight from such an unlikely background who went on to compete in London Olympics 2012 and Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Jake is a great interview, really open and honest about his Judo career, and i think he's our great white buffalo! Jake also talks about his new career in professional wrestling. Theres a few swears in there, so if you dont like that sort of thing maybe stop listening after 35 minutes.
Chris and James review the first competitions of the Olympic qualification period for Tokyo 2020, Hohhot Grand Prix and Madrid Continental Open.
Commonwealth Bronze medallist Connie Ramsay joins us on the show today, and talks Judo and her new love- Boxing!
This weeks show features an interview with 2 time national champion Phil Awiti Alcaraz. Phil talks about coping and adapting to injury, his rivalry with Ben Fletcher in the run up to Rio 2016, and his goals over the next 2 years.
We get together to give a brief rundown of the European results (although by brief we still manage to chat for nearly an hour, despite me not managing to see as much of the Europeans as I’d like. As ever, Chris came armed with knowledge and it was really refreshing to get his take on some of the performances and aftermath of the europeans.
A few results and a preview featuring Chris Milward , a bit lateish, of the european championships, good luck to all involved!
We're back with Episode 24, with multiple world cup medallist Nathon Burns. Nathon talks about family, his time at Camberley Judo and representing Ireland. Enjoy!
Please leave a review on Itunes or Podbean, share or retweet and subscribe or follow us on facebook and twitter.
Finally if you want to support the podcast further, visit the contest judo page of the website, originaljudopod.com and follow the links to check out the video download of my contest Judo!
Catch up with Chris following the European team announcement.
This is the link to the article Chris mentions about mindset in wrestling- https://m.facebook.com/WrestlingMindset/posts/938750142926769.
If you want to check out the website, find us on originaljudopod.com
Simon talks about the Brain Tumour Charity event he is running in memory of Jamie MacDonald who sadly passed away last year after his battle with cancer. He also discusses the petition to get judo and the martial arts back on the GCSE syllabus. Please get involved anyway you can!
Details for the event can be found on the justgiving page-
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/charityjudo2018
Further details about the petition to get Judo and other martial arts back on the GCSE syllabus can be found at https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/201415
Mini episode reviewing the highlights of Paris and Dusseldorf Grand Slams.
Its only a short episode because i had some recording difficulties with the recording i made with Chris. We will have a full episode and interview back next week.
Chris is back on the show and we preview the next few months of Judo, talk about the world ranking, and ultimately decide whether Judo is a sport or a martial art!
Interview with World Bronze medallist Natalie Powell, preceded by a few thoughts on the new rules, and results from Tunisia GP.
Appreciation Society rejoice, its finally here- interview with the one and only Tom Reed. With multiple grand prix medals and Silver at Glasgow Commonwealth Games Tom competed at the highest level and talks starting out, missing out and self funding an olympic cycle.
Interview with Because of Judo creator Richard Goulding. If you haven't got a copy of this incredible book, you really should! Check out the preview video of the book at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Blj6J4GUMhU , or the website http://www.judo-book.com/ . The book is an absolute work of art that captures the passion, pain, strife and joy, and was something that i was lucky enough to be a part of.
Interview with Dan Kelly, Australia's 4-time Olympian and UFC pro. I'm a big fan of Dan's, and he talks about both his incredible careers in judo and mma.
Pre-worlds interview with Double Olympian and European medallist Ashley McKenzie, who talks about getting into judo, reality TV and his Olympic goals.
Interview and chat with Belgium and Israel's former U23 European champion and now dietician Amelie Rosseneu. Amelie talks the highs and lows of her career and her book, Making Weight and Everything Else, that she is trying to get published through a successful Kickstarter campaign. Go check out her campaign at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2009919706/making-weight-and-everything-else-nutrition-book-f
Rio Olympian Ben Fletcher joins the podcast today, and discusses early setbacks to his senior career, his thoughts on centralisation and his Rio experience.
Interview with Australia's London Olympian Ivo Dos Santos. Ivo talks about his goals, his Olympic experience, injury before Glasgow, and planning Olympic qualification for Oceania athletes.
Interview with Rio Olympic bronze medallist Sally Conway!, Sally talks about her both her olympic experiences, the commonwealth games, that medal, and what shes been up to since the games!
With Patrick Dawson, British Champion and former House Champion. Pat is brutally honest about his Commonwealth disappointment and the challenges he faced returning from injury and missing Olympic qualification. Finally, we find out what the House Championship is, and who is current title holder. There can only be one.
Interview with 2 time world medallist Euan Burton. Euan talks about his Olympic and commonwealth experiences, knowing when to finish, and trading it all in for that olympic medal
Interview with Australian Olympian Matt D'Aquino. Matt might be best known for Beyond Grappling, the massive online resource he has created to support people in their Judo development. Matt talks about some of the great projects he is involved with, including judogirescue, the university of judo and his role with Oceana Judo.
Interview with 3 time paralympian Sam Ingram, who has bronze and silver from Beijing and London Paralympics.
Interview with Colin Oates, 2 time Olympian and Commonwealth Champion. We discuss his Olympic and Commonwealth experiences, centralisation and rule changes.