This week was really great. At the beginning I hadn’t even dreamed of “virtual” meeting with Mr. Alex Davis, and at the end I am publishing interview about his view on the Judo in MMA. This all was possible due to unexpected help from Mr. Jeff Bolton, from MMA Profit Advisor who just out of the blue approached me with the great suggestion of making the interview with Alex. Few hours later Jeff introduced me and my site to Alex, who was really helpful. We quickly discussed some MMA Judo opinions.

Alex is one of the original teachers of Judo in MMA and founding manager of American Top Team (ATT is in the top 5 MMA gyms in the world). He is also a partner of Jeff Bolton from MMA Profit Advisor.

So here are the questions and answers:

1. Radovan Judoka : Lot of people know you, you are quite well known person in the media, but can you introduce yourself a little from the Judo in MMA point of view ? You are one of the original teachers of Judo in MMA...

Alex Davis: My sport is Judo. I began Judo at 12, and competed extensively, doing quiet well, almost making it to the 1984 olympics for Brazil. It was also through Judo that I became involved in MMA. I trainned with a very famous Judoka in Brazil, Luiz Virgilio, who introduced me to Marco Ruas, who was also a Judoka. Being of dual nationality, and also having competed at a pro level in Judo, gave me an understanding of competitive sports that did not exist in MMA and BJJ at the time. I tought Judo to many names...Rodrigo Nogeira, Rolles Gracie, Dustn Dennis, Ricardo Liborio, Wade Rome, Marcus Aurelio, Hermes Franca, Dan Lambert are just a few. I also tought Judo at ATT as I managed there. I was allways consulted when a fight was with someone that came from a judo background, or used Judo.

2. Radovan Judoka : How did you get to train Judo and later Judo in MMA ? 

Alex Davis: I started Judo in my home town under a real Japanese sensei, Takashi Yamagushi. I was very fortunate, he not only was an outstanding Judoka and sensei, but learning Judo from a Japanese is different than from a westerner, there is so much more to Judo than just competition and throws, and ufortunatly it is lost to most of the world today. For MMA, I was tought the real mechanics and reasons of how and why Judo works. I also tought the mentality of self surpassing and perfection, which serves very well for MMA. It’s not allways about beating the other guys, but rather, improving yourself. 

3. Radovan Judoka : What is your opinion about the use of Judo in the MMA ? What are the most important pros and cons ? 

Alex Davis: Judo can be a very important instrument in an MMA fight. Some more complex throws are hard to use by more inexperienced athletes, but others are easy to learn and use, mainly foot techniques, or Ashi Waza. Many oportunities for these techniques apear, but MMA is more wrestling focused, so not many people use them at the moment. Also not a lot of people who actualy know the techniques and the underlying principles. 

4. Radovan Judoka : Who are the best judokas in the famous American Top Team currently ? 

Alex Davis: Right now, Hector Lombard would have to be at the top of the list. Danillo Villefort is another high level Brazilian Judoka fighting out of ATT. 

5. Radovan Judoka : Are there any current fighters out of ATT who you also consider as great MMA judokas ? 

Alex Davis: Another great Brazilian Judoka comes to mind, Nicolae Curry. Top level Brazilian Judoka. Marcos Silva, Danilo Villeforts older brother is now teaching Judo at ATT. Former Brazilian Champion. 

6. Radovan Judoka : Which judo techniques are the most suitable for the MMA fights according to your practice ? Why? 

Alex Davis: I would say foot sweeps, trips and so forth. Because they are easy to use, and most people don’t expect them. All that is needed is understanding and practice. 

7. Radovan Judoka : What is the future of Judo in MMA ? What are the possibilities, trends or threads? Is it growing or not ? 

Alex Davis: MMA is a very competitive sport and fighters will allways be looking for ways to improve. Obviously, there is much in Judo that is not being used, but can be. 

8. Radovan Judoka : What would you do if Mr. Jigoro Kano hadn’t invented judo  ? 

Alex Davis: That’s a hard question. Because I was tought by Japanese, and what Jigoro Kano tought was such a big part of my up bringing, I would be a whole different person for sure. 

I would like to thank to both Alex Davis and Jeff Bolton for the interview. 

So what are your thoughts and opinions? Put them in the comments section below :)