Recently, I attended a seminar with Justin Flores, one of the top minds in judo and grappling. Known for blending traditional judo techniques with wrestling and jiu-jitsu, JFlo brought a level of precision and creativity that was eye-opening. We started with grip fighting, where he emphasized not just controlling your opponent but creating opportunities for throws with subtle shifts in balance and positioning. His attention to detail made even the smallest adjustments feel like game-changers.
From there, we moved into some of his signature techniques, with several different grip variations for foot sweeps. Watching him demo was a masterclass in efficiency—every movement was deliberate and purposeful. He stressed the importance of timing and positioning over brute force, constantly reminding us, “Don’t force the throw. Create the moment for it to happen.” It’s a simple concept, but it completely shifted the way I approached my takedowns during the seminar.
The live drills at the end were where it all came together. You could see everyone experimenting with the techniques, and even when the throws didn’t land perfectly, the setups led smoothly into follow-ups. It was like learning a chain reaction of attacks rather than isolated moves. For me, it reinforced how important it is to train concepts, not just techniques—a lesson I definitely brought back to my school and my own training.
If you ever have the chance to train with Justin Flores, take it. His ability to break down complex movements and connect them to broader grappling strategies is invaluable, whether you’re focused on competing or just sharpening your skills.