Inside the Junior Nationals: Rivalries, Reunions, and the Future of USA Judo | The Shintaro Higashi Show
A Weekend in Chicago: More Than Just Matches
Shintaro Higashi is back from the Junior Nationals, and this episode is packed with stories from one of the most important events on the American judo calendar. Held in the South Side of Chicago, the tournament was both a qualifying event for the Junior Worlds and a reunion for generations of judo athletes and coaches.
“It was in Chicago, but not even like the nice part of Chicago… The food there wasn’t bad though! We went to a Turkish place, barbecue, Italian—pretty good, honestly.”
But beyond the food and travel, this was a weekend about the future of the sport.
Watch the full video here ↓
The Pipeline to the World Stage
The Junior Nationals is where the next generation of American judoka earn their stripes—and a shot at international competition.
“There’s a few events—Junior US Open, Junior Nationals, Junior Olympics… They all accumulate towards a national ranking system and that gives them the right to travel outside the country.”
The focus is on the Cadet (U17) and IJF Junior (U20) divisions, where making the world team means entering the global judo elite.
Rivalries, Standouts, and the Next Generation
Shintaro highlights the fierce rivalries and rising stars that made this year’s event unforgettable:
“Jonathan Yang was a world cadet champion last year in Peru… This kid is so good, a phenom. He graduates out of cadets into the IJF, and he has a rivalry with Christopher Velasco… They’re constantly going back and forth.”
Other names to watch: Trent Tono, Adrien Cohen, Lenny Shinfeld, Kai Wallace, and even the next generation of judo families—kids of former Olympians and national champions.
“It’s really nice to catch up. It’s a little bit like a time machine… All these guys are bringing their kids now. They have judo programs, they coach, their kids are in the game.”
The Evolution of Tournament Culture: Smooth Comp & Professionalism
One of the biggest changes in recent years? Tournament technology and professionalism.
“Now it’s all on your phone… Smooth Comp system, instant replay, earpieces, everything’s automated. It’s almost recreating a higher level competition.”
Shintaro reflects on the days of paper brackets and how digital tools have made tournaments smoother, fairer, and more transparent.
“Back in the day, it was a lot more about who was sitting in the coach’s chair… Now, with instant replay, you have to be definitive.”
Coaching, Development, and the Realities of Competition
Shintaro shares insights on coaching at this level, especially for kids who aren’t yet at the top:
“You can’t have kids doing judo once or twice a week and compete at these things. You’re gonna get injured. But if a kid has the right mindset—‘next year, I’m coming back stronger’—that’s where real development happens.”
He emphasizes knowing your athletes, understanding the competition, and using these events as learning opportunities.
The Institutional Challenge: Funding, Growth, and the Future
The conversation turns to the bigger picture—how to grow judo in America, support athletes, and build sustainable dojos.
“The top 20% of dojos are producing 80% of the champions… But we lose a lot of kids to wrestling, to college, to other opportunities.”
Shintaro discusses the need for more full-time coaches, better funding, and collaboration among judo organizations:
“We need more full-timers… If everyone had 200-300 students, now you’ve got something. That should be the priority for USA Judo.”
He also reflects on the challenges of fundraising, politics, and the generational effort required to grow the sport.
Takeaways & Looking Forward
The 2025 Junior Nationals were more than just a tournament—they were a snapshot of where American judo is, and where it could go. From epic rivalries to institutional hurdles, Shintaro’s recap is a call to action for athletes, coaches, and fans alike.
“It’s very fulfilling to teach a technique, see kids win championships with it, and know you’re making an impact… But growing the sport is the work of a generation—maybe two.”
Listen to the full episode for more stories, insights, and behind-the-scenes moments from the Junior Nationals!
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