HAJIME: Inside USA Judo

In this episode of the Inside USA Judo Interview Series, host Hannah Martin speaks with Oleksandr Nyzhnyk, the 2024 Junior Pan American Champion and two-time Senior National Champion in the -90 kg division.Born in Ukraine, Sasha moved to the United States at just 10 years old without speaking English. Through judo, he found a way to connect with others, build friendships, and adapt to a new life.In this conversation, Sasha shares his journey into the sport, what it's like living and training as a resident athlete at the US Performance Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the goals driving him toward the highest level of international competition.From overcoming challenges as a young immigrant to chasing his Olympic dream, this is a conversation you won't want to miss with one of the brightest rising stars in American judo.🥋 Subscribe for more athlete interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and exclusive content from USA Judo.

In this episode of the INSIDE USA JUDO Interview Series, host Hannah Martin sits down with Emily Jaspe, one of the brightest young talents in American judo.Currently ranked No. 1 in the world in the Junior -63kg category, Emily is a former Cadet and Junior Pan American Champion and the 2026 USA Judo Senior National Champion. As one of USA Judo's rising stars, she continues to build an impressive resume on both the national and international stage.In this interview, Emily shares how she first got started in judo, reflects on some of her favorite competition memories, and discusses the lessons she has learned along the way. She also talks about her future goals, what motivates her to keep improving, and her dream of one day representing Team USA at the Olympic Games.Don't miss this conversation with one of the most exciting young athletes in American judo today.

In this episode of the INSIDE USA JUDO Interview Series, host Hannah Martin speaks with Dominic Rodriguez, currently ranked No. 17 in the world in the -81kg category.A 2 time Pan American Champion and 3 time National Champion, Dominic has quickly established himself as one of the top young athletes in American judo. Training out of the Kitsusai National Training Center, he is currently fighting for a place on the 2028 Olympic Team and continues to make his mark on the international stage.In this interview, Dominic reflects on his journey, the mindset required to compete at the highest level, and the lessons he has learned while balancing pressure, expectations, and rapid success at a young age.

In this episode of the INSIDE USA JUDO Interview Series, host Hannah Martin speaks with Israel Hernández, 2-time Olympic bronze medalist and Head Coach of the United States Performance Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.A highly respected figure in international judo, Israel reflects on his beginnings in Cuba, where he first stepped onto the tatami and worked his way up to become a member of the Cuban National Team. He shares insights into his competitive journey and how he won his first Olympic Bronze Media. Now based in the United States, Israel continues leading and developing athletes as a coach. As Head Coach of the United States Performance Center, he brings a wealth of experience and a clear philosophy centered on discipline, adaptability, and building strong competitive character.Through his story, Israel highlights the importance of mindset, resilience, and evolving within the sport, both as an athlete and as a mentor to the next generation.To find out more about the resident program: https://www.usajudo.com/national-resident-training-center-teamComment if you would like us to have a second interview with Israel 👇

In this episode of the INSIDE USA JUDO Interview Series, host Hannah Martin speaks with Janine Cotti, former USA Judo National Team member, two time National Champion, and 2010 Pan American Championships Silver Medalist.A respected figure both on and off the mat, Janine reflects on her competitive career at the highest level of American judo and the lessons that shaped her as an athlete. Now a registered dietitian, Janine has transitioned her passion for performance into helping the next generation of judoka. Working closely with athletes, she focuses on practical nutrition strategies and building a healthier, more sustainable relationship with food to support both performance and long term well being.Comment, Like, and Subscribe to stay plugged into the stories behind USA Judo’s community.

In this episode of the INSIDE USA JUDO Interview Series, host Hannah Martin speaks with Daniel Liubimovski, the Junior World No. 1 and one of USA Judo’s most exciting rising stars in the 100kg category.Hailing from Staten Island, New York, Daniel shares his journey to the top of the junior world rankings and what it means to represent the United States on the international stage. Training out of the Colton Brown Training Center, he opens up about his daily training environment, key competition experiences, and the mindset required to perform under pressure.Comment, Like, and Subscribe to stay plugged into the stories behind USA Judo’s community.

In this episode of the INSIDE USA JUDO Interview Series, host Hannah Martin speaks with Johan Silot, the number one ranked athlete in -81 kg category in the United States and an Olympic hopeful for Los Angeles 2028.Originally from Cuba, Johan shares his journey from his roots in Cuban judo to becoming a USA National Champion and earning a silver medal at the Lima Grand Prix. He opens up about mindset and what is required to compete at the highest international level while chasing the dream of qualifying for the Olympic Games.Comment, Like, and Subscribe to stay plugged into the stories behind USA Judo’s community.

In this episode of the INSIDE USA JUDO Interview Series, host Hannah Martin speaks with Zoltan Bathory, founder and guitarist of Five Finger Death Punch.From his early days as a young judoka in Hungary to selling out arenas around the world, Zoltan breaks down how judo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and martial arts forged his discipline, grit, and no quit mindset. We talk judo, creativity, resilience, and how life on the tatami helped shape the artist and leader he is today.Comment, Like, and Subscribe to stay plugged into the stories behind USA Judo’s community.

In this episode of the INSIDE USA JUDO Interview Series, host Hannah Martin sits down with Dr. Jean Kanokogi for an inspiring and powerful conversation. Together, they dive into the legacy of her mother, Rusty Kanokogi, the groundbreaking force behind women’s judo, and explore Jean’s book Get Up and Fight.Jean also opens up about her own journey of resilience, her commitment to carrying Rusty’s mission forward, the evolution of women’s judo, and the impactful work of the Women’s Sports Foundation.Comment, Like, and subscribe to stay connected with the stories behind USA Judo's community!

In this episode of the Inside USA Judo Interview Series, host Hannah Martinsits down with Malia Manibog, one of the brightest rising stars on the tatami.With international medals already under her belt and a reputation for fierce determination, Malia Manibog shares her journey of judo, She opens up about balancing school and judo, international travel, and reflects on what drives her to keep chasing bigger goals.➡️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews with the next generation of judo champions!