Justin Flores on Reinvention After Judo Setbacks

Justin Flores is the focus of the latest JudoPod episode, reflecting on a sporting life shaped by judo, wrestling and repeated reinvention. A former US national team judoka and 2004 Olympic reserve, Flores shares how resilience became as important as results.

Before judo and wrestling took centre stage, Flores competed in rope skipping. His route into combat sport was far from conventional, and he did not feel the need to choose only one discipline. Instead, he learned to blend what each sport offered, using an opponent’s strengths to create opportunities for his own techniques.

That adaptable mindset became essential when injuries changed his relationship with competition. Flores underwent 12 knee surgeries and suffered seven ACL tears, forcing him to rely less on physical power. Efficiency, timing and grip fighting became central to how he approached judo.

The difficult moments also included the end of his Olympic ambition. Rather than allowing that disappointment to define him, Flores took lessons from it that would influence the next chapter of his career. The episode presents those setbacks not as a simple ending, but as experiences that reshaped his purpose in martial arts.

Flores later worked with athletes including Ronda Rousey, Kayla Harrison and Molly McCann. Those experiences reinforced a key coaching principle for him: athletes cannot all be developed through one fixed system. Each competitor needs an approach that recognises their individual strengths, needs and personality.

He eventually left the professional league after growing concerned about the financial realities facing fighters. His journey also led him to consider how martial arts can continue to develop, remain sustainable and connect with younger generations.

Today, Flores is focused on sharing what he has learned. When his son faced disappointment in competition, Flores used the moment to discuss setbacks, acceptance and the role of losing in personal growth.

Even now, memories of elite competition remain close. Flores still dreams of being back on the mat and pursuing an Olympic place, but he no longer sees those dreams only through the lens of what did not happen. For him, the value lies in the experiences, challenges and lessons collected along the way.

The full JudoPod interview with Justin Flores is available on JudoTV.

Source: IJF.org

Image source: IJF / International Judo Federation