In this episode of the Cage & Ring Podcast, we sit down with Chris Lofton – a brown belt in Judo, and competitor under the United States Judo Federation. He is known for mentoring junior students on the mat. Chris opens up about his Judo journey: how he got started, why proper falling technique matters far beyond the dojo, and the throw he’s become known for. We talk about competition life, training his daughter, and what he believes is the most effective art for real self-defense. We also get into the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano fight, MMA vs. Judo misconceptions, and the advice Chris would give anyone just starting out. A conversation about mentorship, fundamentals, and what martial arts can teach you both on the mat and off it.
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Combat Sports & Martial Arts Writer| Partnership Marketing and Digital Strategy Lead (Combat Sports)
I have been an avid viewer of Boxing and MMA for almost three decades. Since 2001, I have enjoyed watching the UFC. I hold an academic background in Gerontology from Madonna University, and spent 25 years working across both clinical and non-clinical healthcare settings. But a lifelong passion for writing and martial arts eventually pulled me toward a new chapter. Today, I write for FightMatrix.com. Additionally, I interview professionals in the Combat Sports sector.