About

The Judo Podcast started in the Spring of 2006, by Mike Darter, from Oklahoma City (Oklahoma City Defensive Tactics, Inc.) and Gene Shin, from Charlottesville, VA (Ssal Shin Jo Judo). Mike had been listening to podcasts while traveling with work, and thought it would be interesting to listen to one on judo. At first, Mike tried to convince other key figures of online judo to start a podcast, but had no success. After awhile, Mike decided to fill the void and convinced Gene to co-moderate The Judo Podcast.

Gene Shin has been playing judo for over 40 years. Growing up in one of the largest martial arts academies in Chicago, IL, Gene learned alot about many aspects of martial arts. Gene was an international competitor growing up and eventually crossed over into wrestling, where he became a 2 time All American collegiate wrestler for the University of Chicago. Gene later coached High School wrestling in Oklahoma City, where he met Mike, and later moved to Charlottesville, VA, where he conpleted his Masters Degree and PhD in Education. Today, Gene is employed for the VDOT where he is a cirriculum specialist.

Mike Darter has played judo for 18 years, and started in college while at the University of Oklahoma. Mike also played Rugby for OU, and completed his degree in Criminal Justice, where he later became a police officer in Oklahoma City. While there, Mike was an instructor for the department in Custody and Control and Defensive Tactics, and brought judo to the police academy while training the recruits. Mike also taught several veteran members of the department, and founded the Police judo team. Mike and his team competed in various law enforcement games including the International Law Enforcement Games and the World Police and Fire Games. In 2000, he and his team started a 501 c 3 organization, known as Oklahoma City Defensive Tactics, Inc. and began training public classes including children and adults. Today, Mike is a federal contractor for the ATF, and continues to work in law enforcement, and has special law enforcement judo classes every week.

If you would like to contact Mike or Gene, please feel free to send us an email. Thanks, and hope you enjoy the podcast!

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