THE EXTENT OF BRET GORDONS LIES SLANDER AND DEFAMATION

The extent of which Gordon lied about me over the years had no bounds. Gordon made multiple claims that my Judo instructors were fake people, nonexistent people, besmirched and admonished those who promoted me over the years. GORDON told a grossly exaggerated lie out of pure jealousy (over the fact my program and school is successful) and a pure hatred he has against competent, accomplished martial artists. 

I want to make this absolutely clear,,,,, Gordon lied about me and my background from the jump. Nothing Gordon has EVER written about me or my back ground was even remotely correct at any time! His original article was full of lies and every article he has written about me since. CLICK HERE  

When faced with my back ground all Gordon could do was double and triple down on his lies and lie even more about it. He certainly wont repeat his lies and bullshit to my face. He isnt man enough to. He is only forty minutes away, he wont randori or attend a open scrimmage to get on the mats with me. He would crap in his pants if I showed up at his place. 

In an article he wrote months ago he claimed that there are "gapping holes in my judo back ground". This article sheds more light on the extent that Gordon's lied and went to in his attempt to cover up the actual truth and the facts about my back ground. All my info and certs were up online for all to see and Gordon blatantly lied about it. LIED ABOUT ALL OF IT!

My formal training in judo started with my instructor who was forthcoming from the jump that  it would take, at least, seven years to attain black belt. He only tested once a year. It was a indeed a 7 year journey after which I was awarded my shodan. This is 2 to 3 times longer than what is required today in all the Judo orgs.

But Gordon wrote that there were "GAPING HOLES IN MY BACK GROUND." 

I was a shodan for 12 years, during this time I was teaching judo, competing and going to camps and coaches clinics. Time in grade for a shodan to be promoted to nidan is 3 years but I had 12 years Time in Grade (TIG)...4 times more than what was required by ALL the Judo orgs. 

12 years is the amount of time it takes to go from 1st degree to 3rd degree in all judo orgs. Total time from my white belt to my nidan was 19 years.

But Gordon wrote that there were "GAPING HOLES IN MY BACK GROUND." 

I was a 2nd degree black belt (nidan) for 8 years. During that 8 years I was still active in judo, teaching and going to coaching clinics and camps. Time in grade for nidan to be promoted to sandan is 4 years. I had 8 years time in grade, twice the amount required by all judo orgs.  

But Gordon wrote that there were "GAPING HOLES IN MY BACK GROUND." 

My total total time from white to sandan/3rd degree black  - 27 years. 

At this time Steve Scott, H.G. Robby Robinson and Patrick Burris recognized that the Judo organization's had ALL grossly  IGNORED and OVERLOOKED a lot of my years in judo. I had been active in judo for almost 30 years and was still a nidan.

But Gordon wrote that there were "GAPING HOLES IN MY BACK GROUND." 

I was a 3rd degree black belt for 4 years before being promoted to 4th degree BB. Time in grade for a 3rd dan to be promoted to 4th dan is 4 years. I had 4 years TIG. 

It takes approximately 20 years of being active in judo to go from shodan to godan (5th degree BB). I had TWENTY TWO  years from 1st degree black belt to the time I got promoted to 3rd degree (Sandan). When I got my 4th I had TWENTY SIX years. This isn't counting the 7 years I put in from white to 1st black. There were more than enough years for 5th dan (godan) and currently for a sixth dan (rokudan), a rank though I probably won't see for a few more years yet. My ranks were all earned and fought for through diligent study and training...not one was given. In addition I can certainly back up these years on the mats. 

Gordon wrote that there were "GAPING HOLES IN MY BACK GROUND" because he is a liar. Gordon knew the extent of my background, the years I had in formal training and my dan ranks attained in judo, all my dated rank certs were online for all to see. Gordon purposefully and maliciously and repeatedly lied about it...all of it.....MULITPLE TIMES!!! 

Lastly, Just a few months ago Gordon emailed one of my judo instructors asking my instructor to promote him. My instructor politely turned him down.  Gordon found out that rank from my instructors isnt just given away. Gordon's email proves beyond a doubt that Gordon knew I was 100 percent legitimate and that my instructors and promotions were and he purposely lied to defame and slander me any way that he could. 

END OF STORY! 

One Handed Seoi Nage - Split Entry Drop Knee

 Without a doubt The CRAZIEST throw in JUDO history is the one handed Seoi nage. The Great Toshiko Koga is renowned for this technique. He hit a standing variation in the 1989 world championships. Since then, the Koreans have some drop knee variations of it as well. 

Designed to catch your opponent off guard, this one handed variation of seoi nage utilizes the split step entry and dropping to the right knee. 

1.) Blue and white are standing with the right foot forward.

2.) White reaches with his right hand attempting to get his grip. Blue parries the grip attempt

3.) Blue immediately punches in a grip with his right hand at white's right lapel. 

4.) Blue's left foot drags up to the back of his right foot as the right foot starts to move forward.

5.) As Blue pivots his right elbow comes up under white's left armpit.  As the right foot enters between white's feet drop to the right knee. (The placement of the knee should be past the toes of the opponent's lead foot.) Blue pulls with his right hand turning his body counter clockwise.  Blue's places his left hand on whites left hand keeping control of it to keep white from cartwheeling out of the throw,

6.) Then the left foot slides back past the right knee for maximum leverage. Bring the right elbow to the left hip turning counter clockwise to finish the throw.

Barron Shepherd Judo Makes 2024's Top 10 Best Judo Blogs and Websites

Both my judo blogs have made it in the top 10 of the 15 best judo blogs and websites on the web in 2024, taking the number 6 and number 9 spots. My blogs cover how to effectively fight with judo for sport as well as how to effectively utilize judo for the street.

Both judo blogs are in the top 10 of the best Judo blogs from thousands of blogs and websites on the web. The blogs are ranked by relevancy, authority, freshness and social media followers. 

This is the 3rd year in a row both my judo blogs made the list. I want to take the number 1 and number 2 spots. Just sayin'

https://mma.feedspot.com/judo_blogs 

Barron Shepherd is a Judoka who knows how to fight with Judo! - Alain Burresse

Judo has many styles and variations in its application but none are as progressive as Barron Shepherd Judo. The Biggest takeaway……Barron’s high level attack oriented game. – Andrew Kinchen

"Barron Shepherd, 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 punching in his grips combined with his split entries, has redefined our understanding of kuzushi—not just as breaking balance, but as a method of destroying the opponent’s foundation entirely." – The Judoka Grappler 

“Coach Barron's ballistic, threatening style of Judo, is a force to be reckoned with.” – Rich Meager

“An explosive showing of precision and power, Barron Shepherd's style of Judo is dynamic and is always moving forward. A constant onslaught of technique, one right after the other, changing direction and almost all with just a one handed grip. He is scrupulous in his technique and dedicated to preserve the dignity and spirit of Judo, something he has dedicated his life to.” - Derek Walker

BARRON SHEPHERD JUDO - ONE HANDED TECHNIQUES SERIES

My specialization and my obsession (LOL) with the one handed style of judo began when I first saw Toshihiko Koga hit a one handed seoi nage in the 89 world judo championships. His dynamic one handed standing seoi-nage captured my imagination. I remember immediately doing my best to replicate it in class after class. Since then it's been a almost 40 journey, a lifestyle dedicated to specializing in that particular method adding more and more to it and to this day continuing to build on it and will probably do so until I die.

There have been few who have used this method. And by few I mean about 4. Not many at all. The master of the one handed Seoi nage was Toshihiko Koga. There are only very few one handed throwers Udo Quelmaz and most recently Soichi Hashimoto and Hifumi Abe (both have a one handed sode tsuri komi goshi). There are indeed a plethora of throws to be executed from a one handed grip. 

Barron Shepherd Judo 

There are three things I say all the time;  

1.) First grip. First attack. Finish and try to look dope while you're doing it.  

2.) Grip fight like a boxer and have footwork like Barry Sanders.  

3.) Anytime judo is used transcend rule, transcend theory and become a demon. 

The one handed style is a dynamic, ballistic and athletic method that is better utilized from a more upright stance, like that of a boxer. Everything about this fighting method of Judo from the stance (false lead) onward is unorthodox and has a distinct purpose. The one handed style catches the opponent off guard. The split stance or split step entry gets the hips under the opponent’s and makes it easy to load him up. Once the opponent is loaded up there’s little he can do to avoid getting thrown.

One handed Ippon Seoi Nage Drill - Split Step Entry

1.) Stand with the right foot forward 2.) Punch in your grip with the left hand.  3.) Pull with your left and and bring your left foot up to your right foot.  

4.) as the left foot comes up toward the top of the triangle pivot slightly toward 6 o'clock as your right foot moves past the base line of the triangle next to the opponent's right foot.  5.) The left foot slides back toward the baseline of the triangle next to the opponent's left foot.  Straighten the legs and pop your hips upward.  6.) Turn your body counter clockwise taking your right elbow to your left hip to finish the throw.

Entering into the Throw with the Rear Foot

In one of his Seoi nage variations Toshihiko Koga would enter into a seoi nage with the rear foot. In this variation of the one handed drill, I am entering into ippon seoi nage with the rear foot using a back step. My rear foot steps behind my lead foot past the base line and to the corner of the triangle. 

Koga variation in competition...........

The following throw is the koga variation that he used used in competition. The rear/right foot steps to the bottom corner of the triangle just inside the opponent's right foot.

The Importance of Taping a Triangle on the Mat.................

If you notice in the pictures I have a triangle taped on the mat with a single straight line taped a foot past the base line of the triangle. Stepping to certain points of the triangle ensures maximum leverage creating a more effortless throw. 

NEXT UP ON TAP: Tsuri Komi Goshi 

Eddie Sebastia, IBJJF Competitor, 62-2 In competition. Purple Belt World Champion, Brown Belt World Champion, Black Belt Pan American Champion, 2023 IBJJF No-Gi World Champion

I have been doing some form of grappling for over 40 years. I started wrestling as a young teenager. I went on to Judo in my later years. After years in this sport, I pursued BJJ. I have achieved the level of a 2-stripe Black Belt. BJJ is where I became a 2 times Masters IBJJF World Champion and 2 times Pan Am Champion and 2023 Masters IBJJF  No-Gi World Champion.

I met Barron after a BJJ tournament in 2022, he was teaching Judo at one of our Carlson Gracie schools. I have been working one on one with Barron, both of us trading knowledge of the different aspects of our particular styles, BJJ and Judo. 

When it comes to judo, I appreciate Barron’s style of teaching, not only with the specific drills that he utilizes to supplement and reinforce his judo techniques, but his overall approach of how to properly execute the techniques. 

One of the things that I especially like about Barron’s style of Judo is his approach to grip fighting and his one-handed style gripping attack. I have implemented this into my game. It has not only helped me with my stand up, but also with my ground game.

Dr. Rich Meagher

I have been doing martial arts for nearly 30 years, and I've never met anyone that can throw like Coach Barron Shepherd. Unlike traditional Judo stylists, Barron doesn't concern himself with complex grips or ideal timing. His focus is on getting the grip that matters and then delivering a ballistic throw. Coach Barron's explosive, dynamic style catches everyone off-guard, no matter if it's a sport or street context. His functional footwork is the Hallmark of his explosive throws. 

Coach Barron is the sole reason I am able to execute Judo throws in a modern, combative situation. The Combat Judo curriculum is an excellent way to introduce students to throws and how to hit them in real altercations. Anyone who can develop at least half of Coach Barron's ballistic, threatening style of Judo, is a force to be reckoned with.

Lauren Meece, 2000 Olympian, Coach, Scouter and Trainer US National Champion Pan Am Games Bronze Medalist 9th place finish – World Championships

Carlson Gracie Winter Haven’s openness to judo is primarily due to Barron Shepherd’s passion to ensure judo is adapted and utilized for their BJJ students. I have traveled all over Central Florida, and while most BJJ and MMA locations seem to discredit judo, (and the overall effectiveness of adapting judo gripping strategies), Barron and his team at Carlson Gracie are the minority that truly understand the value of what judo can bring. 

There are many common misconceptions about the effectiveness of judo, however, it is eye opening to see individuals like Barron and his Carlson Gracie Team continue the legacy of judo and display its relevancy in the world of martial arts. 

Thank you to Barron and Carlson Gracie Winter Haven for ensuring that judo lives on and adapts for the BJJ community to access as well. As judo and BJJ evolves, I see minorities like this becoming pioneers not only in BJJ and judo, but in the overall spectrum of mixed martial arts. 

 

Andrew Kinchen, owner/Head Instructor Carlson Gracie Winter Haven. Instructor Carlson Gracie South Lakeland. Instructor Carlson Gracie Lakeland

Andrew Kinchen and Carlson Gracie Jr. 

Judo has many styles and variations in its application but none are as progressive as Barron Shepherd Judo. 

I first came across Coach Barron Shepherd around 2016. A training partner of mine, Brian Bradway was attending Barron’s Friday Night open mat sessions at the City of Winter Havens chain of lakes complex. At that time, I was a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and just looking to add some tools into my game. I was immediately taken by Barron’s willingness to cater his curriculum to what we were looking for. He narrowed down a combination of throws that would work well in the BJJ arena. I would go on to drop in on his Friday Night classes to continue learning Judo from him. As the years went on and Covid came into our world, the Judo program was shut down by the city. 

After becoming a black belt in BJJ under Rafa Santos I again sought out to continue my learning. I reached out to Barron to bring his style of judo within the walls of Carlson Gracie Winter Haven. The biggest take was Barron’s high-level attack-oriented game.

I’ve proudly trained under Barron for the better part of 7 years. Learning to aggressively grip, the dynamic entries and his unique one handed style of Judo has added many new options and facets to my game. Being able to play very quick allowed the BJJ players in our gym to continue our attacking style openings to dictate the pace and position of fights. I’ve been able to add to my personal game; I actively compete and the confidence has helped tremendously. I’ve implemented several throws and variations into my existing game helping give me an advantage on the competition scene. As we evolved with Barron and implemented a one-handed style gripping and attacking many of our guys have evolved into having a well-rounded stand up arsenal to complement our ground game.

Edward Coleman, Brown Belt - Judo 

Sensei Barron’s Judo program is the most dynamic and explosive Judo training I have experienced. His boxing style approach to grip fighting and progressive gripping strategies to Judo, gives a very powerful advantage for grapplers of any system.

In just a short time of training with Sensei Barron, my outlook on grappling strategies and throwing mechanics have changed significantly and has increased my effectiveness in Judo. Sensei Barron’s ease in teaching and personable approach to his students, makes learning from him very engaging and enjoyable.

Derek Walker Brown belt Carlson Gracie Jiujitsu, Coach and Competitor

An explosive showing of precision and power, Barron Shepherd's style of Judo is dynamic and is always moving forward. My name is Derek Walker, I am a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Practitioner for thirteen years. 

I met Coach Barron more than a year ago when he joined our Jiu-Jitsu team. Spending time with Barron it is immediately clear he is an experienced Judoka. He is scrupulous in his technique and is dedicated to preserve the dignity and spirit of Judo, something he has dedicated his life to.

Even after the very first lesson Coach Barron taught us, it became clear that his teachings were not classical but very evolved to deal with real life issues. With the popularity of Jiu-Jitsu along with all combat sports, people have become more knowledgeable. Everybody knows throws exist and certainly do not want to walk into them willingly, enter the one-handed style. When Coach Barron grabs your kimono it is with the speed, precision and force. What sets Coach Barron apart from other Judo players I have trained with is when he achieves his first grip the throw immediately begins.

Before Barron trained with us, a single grip on my kimono was bad, but not catastrophic. I did not feel threatened until my opponent achieved BOTH grips. Then like most people, I become hyper defensive, like I can imagine myself being thrown through the air at any second. Coach Barron’s ability to punch in his grip, achieve an off balance and quickly begin his attacks is something practical. It has become an amazing opener in my game. If your opponent is standing in-front of you Coach Barron brings multiple tools to get the job done. A constant onslaught of technique, changing direction one after another will ensure a fundamentally solid stand up game, almost all including just one hand. 

I will say even in a short time practicing these techniques, I have added multiple layers to my game and made them my own. To the gripping style to techniques from classic trips to modern throws. There is something for everyone to add to their arsenal.