Author Archives: Shintaro Higashi

JudoNYC clinic in North jersey

Over the weekend, I hosted a Judo clinic at North Jersey Judo. I taught a myriad of combinations off Sasae. Maybe I will share the video with you one day! But today, allow me to share with you, where it all began.

The sensei at North Jersey Judo is Ramon Hernandez. He was someone I looked up to in my early teenage years. You see, my father was very ambitious when it came to judo competition. He signed up in the local ADULT judo circuit as early as 12 years old. I remember when I was 12, i entered the Promotional judo tournament where I had to fight a 28 year old man. Boy did I fight for my life. Still to this day, it might have been one of my scariest moments. I was riddled with fear for the days before and after the tournament. Anyway, during that time in my life, Ramon was a stand out fighter. He was a charismatic young stud who launched his opposition, tournament after tournament. When I was 13 years old, I developed a natural respect and healthy fear of Ramon. One day, one of our many weekend competitions, our brackets crossed into each other. 2 lines converge into a slot designated for the Superior…

Left Uchimata. Boom. I should have left the gi at home and sported a parachute instead. That loss helped me propel my career forward. It was a humbling experience and it made me a better person. Thank you for that.

So here we are, a decade and a half later.

Judo clinic at North jersey judo

Judo clinic at North jersey judo

Thank you Ramon!
Kokushi Budo
Norther Jersey Judo

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If you don’t know what Judo looks like…

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Martial Artist’s mirror

This might be embarrassing for me admit, especially on a public site like this, but I stare into the mirror twice a day, everyday.

I think it is an absolutely fascinating phenomenon that I can completely deceive myself while looking at this reflection of mine. My perception changes from day to day, depending on my emotional state.  Sometimes, I can’t stop admiring myself while I flex and pose.  I see limitless potential, a Judo Olympic Gold, NYC marathon winner, strongest man in the world, a Nobel Laureate.   Then again, sometimes, the most minuscule flaws haunt me.  Are my shoulders uneven?  Are my calves too small?  Should I cut to 81kgs for my next Judo competition?

Everything about the mirror titillates my curiosity.  How humans are the only species in the world that uses this tool.  Or how a well placed mirror can open up the room, play with the light, change the levels, and complete your DIY feng shui project.  How some gyms uses skinny mirrors and how others use wide.

While doing a little reading about mirrors, I have come to realization that many people see mirrors as a negative thing.  Whether you are ugly or beautiful, fat or thin, mirrors can be your worst enemy.  So I challenge you, to defeat this emotional association.  Here is the challenge.

Every night before going to bed, stare into the mirror and ask yourself

  1. Did I exercise to develop my body and mind today to improve the reflection that I see now?
  2. Did I eat well so I can function at higher level?
  3. Did I learn something new today?
  4. Did I help someone today?
  5. Did I make progress towards my goals?

If you answered to yes to all the questions, then you are on your way making the best possible association with your own personal reflection.

Take this challenge every single night.  As opposed to seeing the outer most layer of your current self, see the bigger picture and all that untapped potential.  Make steps towards your ideal self and make the paradigm shift to loving the person staring back at you!

 

www.KokushiBudo.com

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Why Judo is underrated in MMA!

Judo Boom is coming to NYC I’m telling you!!

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1303377-judo-the-gentile-way-why-judo-is-so-underrated-in-mma-today

-Shintaro

Judo Schedule click here

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I love Judo!! NYC!~

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Sharing our love with our Judo brothers and sisters

INVITATION

SPECIAL MEMORIAL ART SHOW FOR JENE HIGHSTEIN

Let us be our dojo brother Lokke Highstein’s guest and see the Memorial Exhibit of his fathers work, who was a pioneering American sculptor. Jene Highstein, was a formative, process based, exploratory sculptor, who has sadly recently succumb to cancer and passed on. Come celebrate his life and work, absorbing organic sculpture and other works.

Thursday, July 25th
Meeting at 6:45 – 7pm SHARP

THE CLOCKTOWER GALLERY
108 Leonard Street
Tribeca

Important:

Please Email Sensei Shintaro at shintaro.higashi@gmail.com or Laird Banks at lbanks@nyc.rr.com with your name to be put on the list.

http://www.brooklynrail.org/2013/07/art/rememberingjene-highstein-1942819881982013#

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Judo NYC volunteers for Obon Festival

The Martial artists of Kokushi Budo will get together and volunteer at the Obon festival in Bryant park in NYC this Sunday July 14th.

You can click here for some reading on the festival.

The Judo, Jujitsu, Aikido and the Karate practitioners will help with set up and security starting at 9am. Throughout the day, we will be dancing, playing chess, eating lunch and engaging in rich conversations. If you would like to take part, Just show up! We will be the group of beautiful and fit martial artists roaming the scene. Hope to see you all there!

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Happy 4th of July from Judo NYC!

Happy 4th of July everyone from one of the oldest Judo school in NYC!

Celebrate responsibly.  Try not to undo ALL of the great work you have been doing by going overboard.  Remember moderation!

But please enjoy.  We will be open July 5th to burn off those excess calories!

Also check out the dojo website!

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Judo in NYC for Children and Adults

If you are looking for a Judo class that is truly differentiated to compliment you, You have come to the right place!

We are a premier Judo school that is located on the Upper west side of Manhattan in NYC.  With 50 years of tradition, we have survived the test of time without any advertising what-so-ever!  Well, now we do a little google ad-words, but we have to keep up with the times right?!

To schedule a free trial session, please Email me, at Shintaro@kokushiBudo.com.  My mission is to grow Judo in NYC, then eventually in the United States.   This is truly a sport for everyone.  The merits of Judo can be a great addition to your repertoire of tools for success.

Judo girls NYC

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Edie and Helen movie Sunday

 

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Attention Judo people.  Movie with Edie and Helen this Sunday in NYC!

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