#35 - Max Schneider - One Judoka: What's Tougher On The Body, Judo or Wrestling
Aug 20, 2024
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Max Schneider, a skilled grappling coach with experience training MMA fighters like Holly Holm and Yair Rodriguez, shares his dynamic journey through judo and wrestling. He discusses the physical toll of Olympic training and reflects on vibrant experiences from Rio. Delving into grappling techniques, Max emphasizes the evolution of judo and contrasts it with wrestling. He also highlights the importance of mentorship in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and shares insights on competitive grappling landscapes, including ADCC dynamics and standout athletes.
Max Schneider's journey through judo and wrestling illustrates the significant physical and mental challenges athletes face during their transitions and injuries.
The discussion on the evolution of judo rules and their impact on training reflects the ongoing adaptation athletes must make in response to competition changes.
Max emphasizes a holistic training approach for young athletes, advocating for foundational skills before formal martial arts to promote long-term success.
Deep dives
Journey from Judo to Wrestling to Jiu-Jitsu
The speaker's martial arts journey began in 1999 with judo at a small dojo in Chicago. They achieved a black belt and transitioned to high school wrestling, winning state championships and earning a Division 1 scholarship to Cal Poly. After two years of wrestling, they returned to judo and trained at the Olympic Training Center, where they participated as an Olympic training partner for Team USA. The experience provided insights into the training dynamics of elite athletes, showing the importance of having a supportive environment during preparation for high-stakes competitions.
Olympic Experiences and Insights
The speaker shared their experience training for the Olympics, including participating in practices leading up to competitions. They illustrated the physically demanding nature of these sessions, emphasizing the importance of having training partners to absorb the more challenging throws and techniques. The time spent in Rio for the 2016 Olympics was memorable, offering a unique experience within the Olympic ecosystem, albeit with the understanding that the event had mixed effects on the host city’s economy. Their discussions revealed the pressure and expectations that surrounded Olympic athletes, highlighting the camaraderie fostered during training.
The Evolution and Adaptation of Judo
Significant changes in judo rules have impacted training and performance, particularly concerning ground techniques and submissions. The speaker emphasized the debate within judo regarding the acceptance of chokes and submissions, noting how the sport has evolved to allow more ground time to showcase athletes’ grappling abilities. The discussion also highlighted the shift from techniques allowed in judo to those restricted in wrestling, stressing how these changes impacted their personal technique development. Their insights reflect the ongoing adaptation needed in grappling sports as they respond to rule changes and the setting of competition.
Overcoming Injuries and Setbacks
Injuries played a significant role in shaping the speaker's athletic journey, including multiple surgeries that hindered their performance. They revealed that their experiences transitioning from wrestling back to judo involved significant recovery and mental challenges, ultimately leading to returning to competition after facing homelessness. The narrative emphasizes the struggle of regaining form and confidence after serious injuries while managing the expectations of support from coaches and the community. The influences of peer encouragement and belonging played a crucial role in motivating their return to the mats and competitive scene.
The Future of Grappling and Training Philosophy
The speaker expressed their belief in the importance of a holistic approach to training in grappling, particularly for younger athletes. They recommended delaying entry into formal martial arts until children's bodies have developed better coordination and strength, with an emphasis on foundational movement skills. Their views on the role of judo as a primer for falling safely and building a strong grappling foundation for all children highlight a desire for longevity in martial arts. As an experienced grappler, they also shared thoughts on the importance of adaptability across different grappling styles, all while mentoring the next generation in their pursuit of martial arts.
Expect to get the everyday perspective on Max's journey with Judo, into wrestling and back again, his experience competing as a youth player, his clunky transition but successful time wrestling, the toll on his body over the years, starting BJJ, his thoughts on CJI and much more.
Max is a highly skilled and experienced grappling coach with a passion for helping his students achieve their full potential. He began his coaching career in 2013 in Chicago, where he quickly established himself as a top-notch coach with a deep understanding of grappling techniques and strategies.
Over the years, Max has had the opportunity to work with a variety of MMA fighters, including some of the most successful fighters in the sport. Some of the fighters he has worked with include Yair Rodriguez, Holly Holm, Paddy Pimblett, Jeremy Stephens, and Jay-Jay Wilson. His extensive experience in coaching top-level fighters has given him a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in MMA.
Currently, Max teaches classes at two different locations in San Diego – The Arena and Studio 540. His classes are designed to help students of all levels develop their grappling skills and improve their overall fitness and conditioning. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics of grappling or an experienced fighter looking to take your skills to the next level, Max has the expertise and knowledge to help you achieve your goals.
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00:00 Olympics in Rio 08:00 Youth Judo 16:38 Transition to Wrestling 25:54 Judo Olympic Run 30:42 Wrestling Injuries 40:33 Starting BJJ 51:56 Kids Shouldn’t Start Young 56:54 ADCC and CJI
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