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April 20, 2024 • 2hr 35min
#427 – Neil Adams: Judo, Olympics, Winning, Losing, and the Champion Mindset
Lex Fridman Podcast
Neil Adams is a legendary figure in the world of judo. He is a world champion, two-time Olympic silver medalist, five-time European champion, and is often referred to as the "Voice of Judo" for his commentary work. In this wide-ranging conversation, Adams discusses his competitive career, training methods, the evolution of judo, great champions he has seen, and his experiences as a commentator. His insights provide a fascinating look into the physical and mental challenges of competing at the highest levels of judo, as well as how the sport has changed over the decades.
#427 – Neil Adams: Judo, Olympics, Winning, Losing, and the Champion Mindset
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Key Takeaways
- Neil Adams is a judo legend - world champion, two-time Olympic silver medalist, five-time European champion, and often referred to as the "Voice of Judo" for his commentary
- Winning mentality was crucial to Adams' success - He had an intense drive to win from a young age that propelled him to the top of the sport
- Losing Olympic finals was devastating - Adams lost two Olympic finals in 1980 and 1984, which still haunt him decades later
- Training methodology focused on high volume - Adams did 40-50 randori (sparring) sessions per week at his peak, much more than many modern judoka
- Proper technique and skills training is critical - Adams emphasizes the importance of correct repetition and skills development, not just conditioning
- Judo has evolved over time - Rule changes have shifted the sport away from leg grabs and towards more traditional throwing techniques
- Mental toughness is key at the highest levels - Being able to push through exhaustion and dig deep in competition separates champions
- Teddy Riner is considered the greatest judo competitor ever - His dominance and longevity are unmatched, though Adams believes Yasuhiro Yamashita may have been the most skilled judoka
- Commentating requires balancing excitement and empathy - Adams tries to celebrate great moments while being sensitive to defeated athletes
- The upcoming Paris Olympics will be a major judo event - With passionate French fans, it should be an incredible atmosphere for the sport
Introduction
Neil Adams is a legendary figure in the world of judo. He is a world champion, two-time Olympic silver medalist, five-time European champion, and is often referred to as the "Voice of Judo" for his commentary work. In this wide-ranging conversation, Adams discusses his competitive career, training methods, the evolution of judo, great champions he has seen, and his experiences as a commentator. His insights provide a fascinating look into the physical and mental challenges of competing at the highest levels of judo, as well as how the sport has changed over the decades.
Topics Discussed
1980 and 1984 Olympic Experiences (9:13)
Adams discusses his experiences at the 1980 and 1984 Olympic Games, where he won silver medals but fell short of his goal of gold. Some key points:
- For 1980, Adams had to make a difficult weight cut to 71kg, which he feels may have cost him in the final
- He dominated early rounds but lost a close final to Ezio Gamba of Italy
- The 1984 final loss to Frank Wieneke of Germany was especially devastating
- "Split moment, devastating and lift it. Probably not every day, but, you know, Nikki, my wife, will tell you that. Woken up in sweats and, you know, and I think they contributed as well because I had a period of my, my life after where I was drinking too much"
Training Methodology (2:03:59)
Adams provides insights into his training approach and philosophy:
- Did 40-50 randori (sparring) sessions per week at his peak
- Focused on high volume of technical repetitions and skills training
- Emphasized correct technique over just conditioning
- "If you're doing a skill, if you're doing it 99 times incorrectly, all right, then repetition doesn't make perfect. Repetition makes permanent. So you've got to make it as perfect as you possibly can."
- Trained twice a day, with morning sessions focused on skills and conditioning
Evolution of Judo (26:35)
Adams discusses how judo has changed over the decades:
- Rule changes in the 1990s shifted the sport away from leg grabs and wrestling-style techniques
- This was done to differentiate judo from wrestling and encourage more traditional throwing techniques
- Modern judo places more emphasis on gripping and control before executing throws
- Some countries like Georgia and Mongolia have adapted wrestling-influenced styles to the new rules
Mental Aspects of Competition (34:40)
Adams provides insights into the psychological challenges of high-level judo:
- Having an intense drive to win was crucial to his success
- Learning to handle losses gracefully is the mark of a true champion
- Being able to dig deep and push through exhaustion is key in tough matches
- "I hate losing more, but I love winning."
Training in Japan (1:37:12)
Adams talks about his experiences training in Japan:
- Japanese dojos provided a high level of competition and "danger" that pushed him to improve
- Was able to do 50-60 randori sessions per week due to the lighter intensity
- Facing tough Japanese opponents as a teenager motivated him to get better
- "In Japan, that was the place I used to go to train because I felt the danger. And so my defenses would be heightened."
Greatest Judo Champions (1:17:37)
Adams gives his perspective on some of the all-time great judoka:
- Considers Teddy Riner the greatest competitor ever due to his dominance and longevity
- Believes Yasuhiro Yamashita may have been the most skilled judoka he's seen
- Praises Shohei Ono for his versatile technique
- Tadahiro Nomura's three Olympic golds without losing a match is an incredible feat
Commentating Experiences (1:14:15)
Adams reflects on his work as a judo commentator:
- Started doing voiceovers in 1982 and developed his style over time
- Tries to balance excitement for great moments with empathy for defeated athletes
- The Paris tournament stands out for its passionate, knowledgeable crowd
- Feels pressure to "get it right" for athletes, especially in Olympic finals
- "I'll celebrate a massive throw and then have an empathy to the one that's been thrown because it's not the best feeling in the world, especially in Olympic finals."
Advice for Beginners (2:27:18)
Adams offers some guidance for those starting out in judo:
- Find a club with good instruction and a positive atmosphere
- Focus on developing proper technique and a solid foundation
- Enjoy the process and don't put too much pressure on winning early on
- "With really good instruction and a good foundation and a good base, you get more enjoyment because you have more success. And let's be honest, you know, the more success we have with something, the more we like it."
Conclusion
Neil Adams provides a fascinating look into the world of high-level judo through the lens of his decorated competitive career and decades of experience as a commentator. His insights on training methodology, the mental aspects of competition, and the evolution of the sport offer valuable lessons for judoka of all levels. Adams' passion for judo and his ability to articulate the finer points of technique and strategy have made him the "Voice of Judo" for good reason. As judo continues to evolve and the Paris Olympics approach, Adams' perspective as both a champion and a commentator will undoubtedly continue to shape how fans and practitioners alike appreciate the art and sport of judo.