Anthony Colon, is a blogger known as the JudokaGrappler (Click Here for his Blogs), a judoka since 2009 and blue belt in bjj. Anthony has attended several of my mini-clinics that are held before each of our Freestyle Judo scrimmages as well setting up my 3 hour clinic held at De La Riva Tampa. He gives his impressions of my style of Judo.
I will add that it is reviews like these that push me to get better, become more efficient. My training partner and friend Andrew Kinchen, a BJJ black belt mentioned to me after a scrimmage that what we are doing with Barron Shepherd Judo was like the special forces of Judo. My only focus with Barron Shepherd Judo/Florida Freestyle Judo is to continually raise the bar setting higher and higher standards and increasing expectations.
“Attending Barron Shepherd’s Judo clinic was a transformative experience for our team. Barron, a 5th degree black belt in Judo, introduced us to an innovative style that blends traditional Judo techniques with combative elements, deeply rooted in the philosophy of Jigoro Kano. His unique approach, particularly the use of punch gripping and split entries, has redefined our understanding of kuzushi—not just as breaking balance, but as a method of destroying the opponent’s foundation entirely.
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| Our custom Florida Freestyle Judo Rash guard designed by Flow and Roll |
In his teachings, Barron emphasized the importance of adaptability and learning from other disciplines, reflecting Kano’s vision as articulated in “Mind Over Muscle: Writings from the Founder of Judo.” By adopting stances and grips similar to those in Western boxing, Barron showed us how to maintain better mobility and responsiveness, significantly enhancing our effectiveness on the mat.
During our recent scrimmages, the impact of Barron’s techniques was undeniable. The punch grip allowed us to control our opponents’ posture more aggressively and effectively, creating opportunities for throws that were previously difficult to execute. This shift from traditional kuzushi to a more dynamic and foundation-breaking approach has not only improved our physical performance but also instilled a sense of psychological dominance over our opponents.
Barron’s teachings have also fostered a deeper connection between Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), bridging the gap between these disciplines and creating a more holistic approach to grappling. His philosophy of integrating elements from various martial arts has resonated deeply with us, aligning with the principle that continual learning and adaptability are key to growth and mastery.
The Judo clinics and scrimmages we participated in under Barron’s guidance have sparked a shift in the dynamics of Judo and BJJ schools in the US. More practitioners are now embracing this innovative approach, recognizing the value of blending traditional techniques with new, adaptive methods.
Barron Shepherd’s influence has been profound, not just in enhancing our technical skills but in reshaping our mindset towards Judo and grappling. His teachings are a testament to the enduring relevance of Kano’s philosophy, emphasizing that true mastery comes from the willingness to learn, adapt, and evolve. In the words of Proverbs 1:5, “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.” Barron embodies this wisdom, guiding us towards a deeper understanding and more effective practice of Judo. We are incredibly grateful for his insights and mentorship, which have profoundly enriched our journey as JudokaGrapplers.” - Anthony Colon
