America’s Most Elite Judo Room: Inside NYAC’s Monthly Training | #NYC #Judo

When you think of judo in the United States, one place stands above the rest—the legendary New York Athletic Club in Manhattan. Known for producing Olympians, national champions, and some of the fiercest competitors in the country, this room has hosted countless unforgettable matches and training sessions. But once a month, it transforms into something even more special: a high-performance, invite-only training that brings together the region’s—and the nation’s—most elite judoka.Watch the full video here ↓

Once-a-Month Greatness

This isn’t a regular Monday or Wednesday NYAC class. As two-time Olympian Colton Brown explains, “We get the best players from the area to come in and we all train together. These are some of the best guys in the country, and even the local athletic members get to mix it up with them.”

On the mat this session:

• Lenny Shinfeld, fresh off a senior national title and a junior world team berth.

• Senior national champion Tony Pepe.

• Olympian and Grand Prix medalist Jack Hatton Esca.

• NYC judo legend Anthony Vanetti with his sharp left-handed game.

• Rising star Jayen Sanchez, who just battled through seven matches for a bronze at the Junior World Trials.

• Sam, senior national champ and world team member.

• Dominique, junior national silver medalist with a devastating uchimata and osoto, who gave an impromptu technique demo.

And that’s just a sample from a packed, world-class tatami.

The Energy on the Mat

The session was non-stop randori, high-output conditioning, and real competition-level intensity. Olympic-hopefuls mixed with local legends, juniors with seniors, up-and-comers with seasoned vets. Coaches kept the timer running, called out encouragement, and reminded everyone to keep the motion and the kuzushi sharp.

This was more than just a workout—it was an opportunity for athletes to feel new grips, new strategies, and new energy from partners they don’t normally see every week. In Colton’s words, “Today was a really high-level workout, going with some guys you never put your hands on before, or rarely get to. We’re always stronger together.”

Building More Than Just Skill

While the throws, transitions, and conditioning work were intense, there’s another mission here—growing the platform for American judo athletes. Between rounds, the message was clear: these athletes are stars and deserve visibility.

“We need a big following behind you guys—people rooting for you, supporting you,” Shintaro said. “If you want a platform, you’re welcome to be on YouTube. We’ll make you look good and help build your following.”

The goal isn't just sharpening skills—it’s building an audience, securing support, and showing the rest of the world what happens in one of the most important judo rooms in America.

Why This Matters

For a sport that’s still building mainstream recognition in the U.S., sessions like this are crucial. They bring together top-tier athletes to push each other while giving fans, sponsors, and the broader community a look into what it takes to compete at the highest levels.

With LA 2028 on the horizon, creating spaces like the NYAC’s monthly get-together is an investment in both performance and visibility. The combination of talent, history, and community here is rare—possibly unmatched anywhere else in the country.

Want to see the action yourself?
Follow Shintaro Higashi’s YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes coverage, athlete spotlights, and more from the mats of America’s most elite judo room.

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