HAJIME: Inside USA Judo
HAJIME USA JUDO Podcast Your front-row seat to the heart of American judo.Hosted by Hannah Martin, a world-class judoka with over 20 international medals to her name, including podium finishes at the Pan American Games and multiple Grand Prix events. Each episode pulls back the curtain on the judo world — from small-town dojos to Olympic dreams — through powerful stories, honest conversations, and exclusive interviews with athletes, coaches, referees, and game-changers who are shaping judo across the U.S. Whether you’re a lifelong judoka, a coach on the grind, or just judo-curious, HAJIME USA JUDO is your go-to source for inspiration, insight, and everything in between. Hajime — let’s begin.
Episodes

Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
In this episode of HAJIME: Inside USA JUDO, host and former National Team Member Hannah Martin sits down with Kristin El Idrissi, former Kata National Champion, mother of two, and longtime contributor to the U.S. judo community.Kristin shares the unique story of how her judo journey evolved—from competitive athlete to discovering her passion for kata, the formal demonstration of judo techniques that emphasizes precision, tradition, and connection. She opens up about the mental and physical benefits of kata, especially in her life as a busy mom balancing family, training, and mentorship.Whether you're new to judo, a lifelong competitor, or someone curious about kata’s role in personal growth, this episode offers something meaningful for everyone.👉 Tune in for a deep dive into Kristin’s story, the evolution of women in judo, and how kata can be a lifelong path for judoka of all ages.🟥 Watch now and subscribe to stay connected with the stories behind USA Judo’s athletes, coaches, and changemakers.#USAJudo #HajimePodcast #JudoLife #KataJudo #KristinElIdrissi #HannahMartin #WomenInJudo #JudoMoms #InsideUSAJudo #JudoJourney #JudoPodcast

Wednesday May 14, 2025
Wednesday May 14, 2025
🎙️ Inside USA Judo Interview Series | Episode with Nina Cutro-KellyIn this episode of the Inside USA Judo Interview Series, host Hannah Martin—recently retired USA Judo National Team athlete—sits down with longtime teammate Nina Cutro-Kelly, a 2020 Olympian and 5x Pan American Championship Medalist.From career highlights to laugh-out-loud moments on and off the mat, Nina shares her journey through elite competition, the keys to her longevity in the sport, and what keeps her rooted in the judo community. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or fan, you won't want to miss this candid and inspiring conversation.🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with America’s top judo talent👍 Like if you enjoy behind-the-scenes stories from the world of judo💬 Comment with your favorite moment from the episode#USAJudo #JudoInterview #NinaCutroKelly #Olympian #InsideUSAJudo #CombatSports

Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
In this episode of the Inside USA Judo Interview Series, host Hannah Martin—recently retired USA Judo National Team athlete—sits down with Dr. Chris Round, a 4th-degree black belt in judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and international-level coach. With a PhD in Environmental Science and Policy, Chris brings a rare combination of academic insight and elite-level judo experience.Chris has trained alongside members of four Olympic teams and provided scouting services for the 2016 Olympic Games, the 2019 World Championships, and the 2022 Pan American Teams. Now coaching at High Noon Judo, he shares his knowledge with the next generation of athletes.In this powerful conversation, Chris opens up about his journey through judo as an autistic athlete and coach—offering a deeply personal and inspiring perspective on how the sport has shaped his life, his coaching style, and his mission to create inclusive, high-level training environments.➡️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews with influential figures in the judo community!#USAJudo #HannahMartin #JudoInterview #ChrisRound #HighNoonJudo #JudoCoach #AutismInSport #InclusiveCoaching #JudoCommunity #InsideUSAJudo

Friday Mar 07, 2025
Friday Mar 07, 2025
In this episode of the Inside USA Judo Interview Series, Hannah Martin sits down with Carrie Chandler, 2005 Pan American Champion (-52kg), former world No. 9, and owner of Chandler Judo Academy. Carrie has seamlessly transitioned from an elite competitor to a highly respected coach, guiding athletes on the international stage. Most recently, she’s served as a coach for Team USA at the 2024 Cadet World Championships, Senior World Championships, and Pan American Championships.As we celebrate International Women’s Day, this conversation highlights the impact of strong female leaders in judo. Carrie shares her journey from the tatami as a fierce competitor to shaping the next generation of judoka, offering insights into coaching at the highest level and her passion for growing the sport.➡️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews with influential figures in the judo community!#USAJudo #HannahMartin #JudoInterview #CarrieChandler #ChandlerJudoAcademy #JudoCoach #InternationalWomensDay #WomenInJudo #JudoCommunity

Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
In this episode of the Inside USA Judo Interview Series, Hannah Martin sits down with Maurice Allan, Head Coach and Owner of Sport Judo. Maurice has an incredible martial arts legacy—he represented the UK in freestyle wrestling at the 1976 Olympics, won gold at the 1975 World Sambo Wrestling Championships, and is a multiple-time national champion in both judo and wrestling. Most recently, he was awarded his 9th Dan—congratulations, Maurice!With a lifetime dedicated to combat sports, Maurice shares his experiences as an athlete and coach, his philosophy on training, and the lessons he's learned throughout his remarkable career.➡️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews with influential figures in the judo community!#USAJudo #HannahMartin #JudoInterview #MauriceAllan #SportJudo #9thDan #JudoCoach #OlympicWrestling #JudoCommunity

Friday Jan 24, 2025
Friday Jan 24, 2025
Inside USA Judo Interview Series with Hannah Martin | Featuring Jim HrbekIn this episode of the Inside USA Judo Interview Series, Hannah Martin sits down with Jim Hrbek, who was recently awarded his 9th Dan—one of the highest honors in judo.Jim shares unforgettable coaching moments as the owner and head coach of Universal Judo in San Antonio, Texas, and reflects on his incredible judo journey,With an impressive coaching resume, Jim has been:Past U.S. Olympic Coach (1988, 1992)World Judo Team Coach (Seniors: 1984, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1997; Juniors: 2002, 2004; Cadets: 2009, 2013)Sambo World Team Coach (2011)Tune in to hear his thoughts on judo, his philosophy as a coach, and the lessons he's learned throughout his decades-long career.➡️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews with influential figures in the judo community!#USAJudo #HannahMartin #JudoInterview #JimHrbek #JudoCoach #9thDan #UniversalJudo #OlympicJudo #JudoCommunity


