Former UFC champion Ronda Rousey recently reconnected with her longtime judo coach Justin Flores for an intense training session that showcased their remarkable 27-year relationship.
The session, documented in a new training video, highlights the chemistry and technical precision that comes from nearly three decades of working together on the mat. Their partnership began when Rousey was just a grade-schooler and Flores was in ninth grade.
“Justin used to say ‘oh my god I can’t get your dog off me,'” Rousey reminisced during their workout, comparing her younger self to a persistent tick. Even as a child, Rousey’s determination was evident. “He was like you know, won the state wrestling championship three times and a lot of the other athletes who were more his age didn’t want to work with him because they he was so much better.”
Flores recalled how the young Rousey would persistently ask, “Go with me next, go with me next,” while he would try to avoid working with the smaller athlete, preferring bigger training partners. Her persistence clearly paid off, as their working relationship has spanned nearly three decades.
The training session featured a variety of judo techniques, including osoto gari and koshi guruma throws. Throughout the workout, their comfort level with each other was apparent, with playful banter punctuating the serious technical work.
Rousey demonstrated her famous armbar technique – the submission that helped her dominate in UFC – with Flores providing specific guidance on transitional movements and submissions. When discussing criticism she’s received about her technique, Rousey didn’t hold back, recalling how even prominent commentators have tried to correct her form.
“People that try to correct my toes… Joe Rogan one of my high school was like ‘she needs to squeeze her knees.’ I mean shut the up Joe,” Rousey said, defending her well-established technique.
The session concluded with flowing, dynamic movements that highlighted Rousey’s still-impressive skills and the seamless connection between athlete and coach that has stood the test of time.
This training session offers a rare glimpse into the foundation of Rousey’s style and the important role Flores has played in developing her.
