What happens when four Judo black belts sit down for an honest, no-nonsense roundtable discussion about the state of Judo today? In this episode, Cole Stanley, Vernon Kirk, Austin Hansen, and Ken Nazemetz come together to tackle the conversations that matter most: Judo as an art vs. Judo as a sport, the challenges of promoting Judo in the United States, and what must change if we want to see real growth—especially among adults. This isn’t hype or politics; it’s lived experience from coaches and practitioners who care deeply about the future of Judo.

We also dig into why grassroots development is non-negotiable, how clubs can better attract and retain adult students, and—importantly—what’s actually going right in Judo right now. If you’re a coach, competitor, recreational player, or simply someone who loves Judo and wants to see it thrive, this discussion offers insight, perspective, and practical ideas worth hearing. Thoughtful, honest, and forward-looking—this is a conversation for anyone invested in Judo’s future.

Thank you to our sponsor: Darho Judo and Kwon USA. From now till January of 2026, recieve 25% off of any judo item on their website. Use promo code: cole25.

www.kwonusa.com

Contact me directly for 10% off any item in the catalog. student1stservices@gmail.com 704-219-6011

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