How J-Flo changed MMA’s perspective on Judo

If you’re into martial arts then you may have heard of Justin Flores, or J-Flo as he’s commonly known. Based on the West Coast of the USA, he is arguably one of the greatest Judo coaches ever – especially when it comes to using it in a modern setting. By this, we’re mostly on about using Judo in MMA and training without the gi.

Typically, when most people think about takedowns in MMA or without the gi, they naturally think about wrestling. This is a sensible assumption to make, but it would also be unfair to leave out Judo from the equation. Although Judo has been used in MMA for a while, arguably J-Flo helped make it more effective and efficient than ever before.

Using Judo in MMA and no-gi

Traditionally, when we think of Judo, we think of using the gi. Most of the times that is correct, but J-Flo is arguably better known for teaching Judo without the gi. Obviously, this has real applications for use in an MMA setting where the gi is absent. Unsurprisingly then, it’s no surprise that J-Flo has coached some top MMA fighters over the years.

Perhaps one reason for this is due to his open-minded approach. Too often, Judo gyms will focus entirely on training in the gi. Whilst this is still fun and good for tradition, it also restricts the student’s training. Arguably, if a dojo taught in gi and no-gi Judo, it could actually get more students. However, that’s a debate for another time. Still, the point remains that J-Flo is somewhat of a renaissance man when it comes to his Judo approach.

Notable MMA fighters coached

As mentioned, J-Flo has coached a lot of elite-level MMA fighters over the years. This roster includes Ronda Rousey who is certainly the most famous Judoka to have ever graced the cage. A UFC champion, Rousey re-defined Judo in MMA and proved that it worked without the gi. J-Flo was there with her when she won her fights and was instrumental in her training throughout.

However, it’s not just Rousey that he’s trained with either. Other notable UFC fighters include Cat Zingano, Paddy Pimblett and Molly McCann. Due to his growing reputation and success as a coach, it’s no surprise that a number of top fighters have sought him out to learn and improve their Judo under him. It’s not just MMA fighters either, Flores has also coached the USA’s Judo team on a few ocassions which says it all.

Using Judo in BJJ and wrestling

As the saying goes, good grappling is good grappling. Ultimately, whilst all styles have their own nuances, Judo has more in common with the likes of wrestling and BJJ than differences. For example, J-Flo also has a black belt in BJJ which isn’t too surprising given the cross-over.

Anyway, the point is that wrestling can be used to counter Judo, and Judo can be used to counter wrestling – so they’re both worth learning. Obviously, some rule sets will dictate what can and can’t be used, but when training for MMA the two both compliment each other. An example of this could be countering the wrestling bodylock with an Uchi Mata.

Without restrictive rules, this combines the best parts of grappling together. Whilst on the subject of combining the two, it’s worth mentioning that J-Flo was also previously a D1 wrestler in Nebraska which probably explains how he can transition in between the two so well.

Aside from wrestling, Judo is also very good for applying to BJJ. For instance, J-Flo also teaches at Keenan Cornelius’s Legion gym in San Diego. Undoubtedly, adding Judo to their game will only help those who want to become better at takedowns and throws.

Summary

Whilst it would be a stretch to label J-Flo a pioneer, it’s fair to say that he’s helped change the landscape of Judo in MMA and no-gi Judo in particular. With this in mind, it’s fair to say that J-Flo will go down as one of MMA’s most underrated coaches and although Judo in MMA would still be around without him, it probably wouldn’t be as prominent.

It’s also worth noting that in the big scheme of things, J-Flo hasn’t been around for too long either. This means that his influence may yet to be seen on a larger scale. Specifically, we’re on about more Judo gyms beginning to teach without the gi and creating a hybrid of Judo and wrestling in the process. Lastly, if you’re an MMA fighter or grappler who wants to get ahead of the curve then following his teachings would certainly be ideal and it’s fair to say that he’s an innovator of modern grappling.