Welcome to KBI

If you've ever wondered what it’s like to train at Kokushi Budo Institute (KBI) in New York City, this blog gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the dojo, the energy, and the techniques being worked on. Whether you're looking for drop-in classes, private lessons, or just to experience high-level Judo, KBI is the place to be.

Shintaro welcomes visitors from all over the world, including longtime Judo practitioners like Billy Gavan from South Carolina, who recently stopped by for training and private sessions. Drop-in classes are $40, and private lessons with Shintaro are available for $300—New York City prices, but worth every penny for high-level instruction.

Watch the full video here ↓

The Reality of Running a Judo Gym in NYC

Many people ask if YouTube helps bring in students to the dojo. The short answer? It helps with visibility, but most of KBI’s membership still comes from word of mouth and local searches like "Judo near me."

While YouTube has brought awareness to KBI, the reality is that running a Judo gym—especially in NYC—relies heavily on community engagement and consistent training culture. That being said, if you're in town and want to experience high-level Judo, reach out and come train!

Todays’ special: Inside Trip & Foot Sweep Combos

During training, the focus was on inside trip variations leading into foot sweeps. The key to executing these techniques effectively is hand positioning and timing the weight shift of your opponent.

1️⃣ Inside Trip to Foot Sweep

Gain dominant hand position.
Execute the inside trip, forcing weight onto the lead leg.
As the leg becomes weightless, transition into a foot sweep.

2️⃣ Modifying the Inside Trip

Instead of hooking the leg traditionally, push the opponent’s leg backwards to create a momentum shift.
This forces them to step forward, allowing a better angle for the sweep.
Keeping the hand high near the opponent’s chin ensures better control and prevents counterattacks.

3️⃣ Adjusting for Right vs. Left Matchups

The inside trip works well for right vs. right situations, but adjustments are needed for right vs. left matchups.
A shift in angle and direction makes it more effective when facing opposite stance opponents.

Shintaro on the way to Kokushi Budo Institute

Breaking Down the Finish

One of the key finishing mechanics covered was how to capitalize when an opponent resists an inside trip:

As they shift their weight to counterbalance, adjust your grip to the chin.
Elevate the leg and drive forward, creating an angle where the opponent’s base is completely removed.
Maintain constant control and pressure, ensuring they cannot recover mid-air.

The Vibes of KBI

Beyond just training techniques, the dojo has a strong community atmosphere. Whether it's drilling throws, troubleshooting positions, or just hanging out and talking Judo, KBI is a place where everyone—from beginners to advanced competitors—can improve.

Shintaro and his students push each other to refine techniques, experiment with different setups, and keep the energy high. Training is intense, but always balanced with technical discussions and mutual respect.

Shintaro teaches in Kokushi Budo Institute

Want to Visit KBI?

If you're ever in New York City, you're welcome to visit! Drop-in classes and private lessons are available, but make sure to reach out ahead of time to schedule.

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Train Judo with Me in NYC! A Day In The Life of Shintaro