Inside the Toughest Room in NY | The Shintaro Higashi Show
In this episode of The Shintaro Higashi Show, Shintaro is joined by co-host David Kim to talk about the resurgence of high-level judo practices in New York City—specifically, the revitalized monthly training sessions at the legendary New York Athletic Club (NYAC). Together with Olympian Colton Brown, Shintaro is helping to bring back the intensity, talent, and tradition that once made this room one of the toughest in the country
Watch the full video here ↓
Reviving the New York Athletic Club Judo Program
The NYAC has long been a hub for elite judo and wrestling athletes, offering sponsorships and athletic memberships to national champions, Olympians, and world-level competitors. But over time, participation in the club’s judo practices dwindled as athletes moved away or retired. Recognizing the void, Shintaro and Colton decided to take action.
“We got to get this program up and running again. We want energy in the room.” — Shintaro
Now, they’ve started hosting monthly training sessions with a renewed purpose: reigniting the spirit of high-level training and bringing elite-level athletes back together under one roof.
Structure of the Monthly Training
While Colton Brown primarily runs the sessions—bringing the same energy he delivers as a national-level coach—Shintaro participates as an athlete. The room has quickly filled with black belts, rising competitors, and international talent, making these gatherings a must-attend for serious judoka in the tri-state area.
“We probably had like 40 to 50 black belts in the room. And some super high level guys.” — Shintaro
The format is simple and hard-hitting: minimal instruction, nonstop randori (sparring), and focused technical drilling. The atmosphere is intense, action-packed, and—for many athletes—a rare opportunity to train with top-tier talent in one place.
The History and Prestige of the NYAC
Located in a historic building on Central Park South, the NYAC isn’t your average dojo. With its own judo room on the seventh floor, the club boasts a long-standing tradition of supporting Olympic and world-level athletes. Though the judo room was once perched overlooking Central Park, it has since moved to a more tucked-away part of the building. But the legacy remains strong.
“It’s a really cool facility. They’ve got everything—pool, courts, gym, restaurant, hotel. And now we’re bringing judo back into that legacy.” — Shintaro
Safeguarding Athletes While Raising the Level
With dozens of high-level athletes throwing down on the mats, safety is a concern—and Shintaro and Colton make sure everyone is protected. From monitoring intensity to strategically pairing athletes, their leadership ensures each session is beneficial for every skill level.
Notably, Shintaro speaks about selectively introducing athletes like Kensuke Gunji, who’s recovering from two ACL surgeries, to the environment:
“I don’t want to expose him to the risk just yet. We’re going to talk more in-depth before bringing him in.”
A Win for the Community
What started as a passion project is now turning into a movement—an effort to raise the standard of judo locally while offering developmental opportunities for newer athletes.
“It’s a win-win. People want to see this. I get to showcase these young, talented judoka—and it benefits everyone.” — Shintaro
From showcasing breakout athletes like Lenny to creating safe yet challenging environments for younger competitors, this initiative is shaping up to become a staple of New York judo.
Closing Thoughts
This episode highlights what’s possible when strong leadership, community, and elite training align. With Shintaro and Colton at the helm, the NYAC is becoming a beacon for serious judo athletes once again.
“There’s just no way, with the judo population in the U.S., to get this many good guys in the room at once. It’s special.” — Shintaro
Whether you’re an aspiring judoka or a veteran competitor, the message is clear: if you’re in New York, this is the room to be in.
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