Say Hello to a Special Guest: Midjitsu? | The Shintaro Higashi Show

In this episode of The Shintaro Higashi Show, we welcome a guest many of you will find incredibly relatable — David Kim, better known as “Midjitsu.” He’s a jiu-jitsu practitioner, tech entrepreneur, Harvard grad, father of four, and husband who somehow manages to train multiple times a week. How does he do it? The answer lies in communication, compromise, and one very understanding wife.

“I’m incredibly organized,” David jokes. “And incredibly handsome. That helps.” But in truth, it’s about balance. With a spouse who trains and a family that supports his passion for jiu-jitsu, David’s managed to build a training routine that fits into his life as a middle-aged athlete.

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Why He Chose Jiu-Jitsu (And Not Judo)

Starting martial arts in his 40s wasn’t easy. “Judo is dynamic, explosive,” David explains. “I didn’t want to get bombed into the mat at 43.” So he went with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where he felt safer learning from the ground up — literally. Nearly 10 years later, he’s a purple belt, still training, still learning, and still working through the daily grind of adulthood.

“I started in terrible shape,” he admits. “But it was so fun, I didn’t mind being sore all the time.”

Training While Married With Kids

For married folks with kids who are struggling to find time for the mats, David offers hard-earned perspective. “We coordinate,” he says. “It’s not like I train while everyone’s asleep. But when I do go, it’s because my schedule allows it and my family understands it’s my time.”

His kids train too — wrestling and jiu-jitsu — but they don’t all train together. “They need a break from me,” he laughs. “And honestly, I need one from them too.”

The key to keeping his training sustainable? Clear boundaries, communication with his spouse, and keeping jiu-jitsu for him. Not everything has to be a shared activity.

Jiu-Jitsu at 40+: Advice and Real Talk

Looking back, David has some sound advice for late starters:

“Think smaller. Instead of ‘pass the guard,’ think ‘get to headquarters.’ Shrink your goals to something manageable. Otherwise, it’s overwhelming.”

David’s also become a student of different training methodologies. He’s explored ecological and constraint-led approaches, especially under Jeff Morris, and finds it particularly effective for beginners and older grapplers who need to balance safety with activity.

“It’s efficient,” he says. “You’re live the whole class, but you’re not in danger of some guy diving into your knees. It’s smart training.”

Midjitsu: A Brand for the Rest of Us

David runs a jiu-jitsu Instagram account called Midjitsu, a nod to being middle-aged, middle-ranked, and — as he puts it — mid-level skilled.

“It’s a joke, but also serious,” he says. “I want to show people in their 40s or 50s that it’s still possible. You’re not alone. We’re all figuring it out.”

Through his content, he gives voice to older practitioners who are navigating the realities of aging bodies, family obligations, and limited time — but still want to train hard and improve.

Competing with a Rebuilt Neck

David even managed to squeeze in a few competitions — after undergoing spinal surgery and getting two artificial discs. “I promised my wife I wouldn’t compete anymore, but I snuck a couple in,” he laughs. One highlight? Hitting a clean tomoe-nage in competition.

“I had the adrenaline dump after the throw. That was the only reason I entered the tournament — to land that throw. I lost the match, but I didn’t care.”

Lessons from Marriage and Grappling

Perhaps the most powerful part of the conversation was David’s comparison between marriage and grappling:

“You’re trying to ride a wave. Sometimes everything clicks. Other times, it feels like you’re falling down stairs face first. But you stick with it, because you trust that it’ll get better. That’s true for jiu-jitsu — and it’s true for relationships.”

Wise words from a man who’s lived it.

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