How To Get Better | The Shintaro Higashi Show

Improvement in judo or Brazilian jiu-jitsu isn’t just about drilling techniques—it’s about knowing how to learn, what to focus on at each stage, and how to adjust your practice over time. In this episode, Shintaro and David Kim break down the essential steps to progress, building a blueprint that works for anyone from fresh white belt to seasoned purple or brown.

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Getting Started: Build Your Defensive Foundation

• In the Beginning:
  Most beginners focus too much on offense. Instead, prioritize grip fighting, defensive hand positioning, and—most importantly—how to fall safely. Learning early-stage and late-stage escape methods will mean you spend less time in survival mode and more time absorbing real lessons.

• Why So Many Quit:
  Beginners often get frustrated because they keep getting thrown, caught, or submitted. Survival mode makes it nearly impossible to reflect on what’s going wrong, and progress stalls.

The Progression: From White Belt to Intermediate

• Pull on the Easiest Threads:
  Early on, obvious weaknesses show up. In jiu-jitsu, if you’re always getting mounted, side controlled, or armbarred—not necessarily hitting submissions—focus on recognizing and defending where you’re most vulnerable. Aim to never get caught the same way twice.

• Judo’s Unique Challenge:
  In judo, it’s harder to self-diagnose since you may just get thrown flat out. Start with the basics of posture, grip, and defensive reactions. Accept mistakes as an unavoidable part of learning.

Planning Your Improvement: What to Work On

• Offense & Defense:
  Always have both an offensive and defensive focus for each practice. For example, if “open guard retention” is your current challenge in BJJ, commit to playing it from both top and bottom during sparring. If you’re working on a new judo throw, make sure you’re also learning how to defend against it.

• Micro-positions & Context:
  For intermediates, it’s not just “technique of the day.” Know the context: What positions or set-ups do you need before arriving at that move? What happens when you can’t get your favorite grips or your opponent kills your best hand?

• Active Drilling:
  Use open drilling sessions or specific training to workshop sticky points from live sparring. Mindful drilling—practicing the step or moment where your game broke down—yields far more value than mindless reps.

How Advanced Students Break Plateaus

• Assess Patterns:
  If you consistently get beat the same way across a range of partners, that’s a clue. Keep mental or written notes after class: “Got passed four times on left side today—need to work half guard defense.”

• Self-Guided Practice:
  As you get more experienced, coming to class and just following the teacher isn’t enough. Design your own plan for each class, and workshop your sticking points with trusted partners.

• Explore New Territory:
  Higher belts must resist narrowing their game to just “the best” path. Try unfamiliar grips, positions, or techniques—even if it means losing more while you learn.

• Balance Life Realistically:
  If you’re training fewer days a week because of work or family, aim to “keep the thread alive” rather than over-pressuring for rapid improvement. Sustainable practice beats burnout every time.

Real Advice for Getting Better

• Accept a reasonable rate of progress, especially as you get older or busier.

• Don’t beat yourself up for tough rolls or “bad days.” Progress is rarely linear.

• Be mindful: After each session, reflect on what happened—then shape your future training around fixing those weak points.

• Encourage “pick your own drill” time at open mats or in class, using that space to address your specific needs.

Final Thoughts:

Whether you’re a raw beginner or long-time grappler, the key to getting better is reflection, adaptation, and mindful, self-directed practice. Accept the ups and downs, stay consistent, and always keep learning—on and off the mat.

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