In a delightful cultural exchange that has taken social media by storm, World’s Strongest Man champion Martins Licis recently visited Keiji Judo Academy in Japan, where he trained with members of the Japanese National Team, including an Olympic gold medalist.
The highlight of this visit was captured in a viral video showing Licis engaging in a sparring session with one of the judo instructors. What began as a technical training session quickly transformed into an amusing display of raw strength versus martial arts technique.
“Going against Judokas is terrifying!! Have you seen their throws!?”
Licis wrote in his social media post.
“I panicked and went into atlas-stone-lift-and-smash mode just so I wouldn’t have to experience being thrown by my new Judoka friend.”
In the video, when faced with the judo master’s techniques, Licis appears to momentarily forget the moves he had just learned. Instead, his strongman instincts take over as he lifts his opponent and executes what some commenters have humorously described as more of a professional wrestling move than judo technique.
The reaction from the judo practitioners watching the match is priceless, with laughter erupting throughout the dojo. One spectator can be heard exclaiming through laughter,
“We taught you moves, man!”
as Licis reverts to his strength-based approach.
Despite the humorous nature of the encounter, there’s genuine respect on display. The judo instructor, while being lifted off his feet, maintains good spirits about the whole situation, and the video shows the camaraderie between these elite athletes from different disciplines.
Licis clarified in his post:
“DISCLAIMER: I am NOT a black belt. I apologize for dissuading anyone to think otherwise. We had no other belts to use.”
The Keiji Judo Academy later responded to Licis‘s post with appreciation:
“Thank you Martin. Berry berry berry good,”
showcasing the good-natured cultural exchange.
This crossover event has sparked discussions online about the relationship between technique and raw strength in combat sports, with one popular comment stating simply:
“Strength is a technique”
– a sentiment that garnered over 1,000 likes.
Followers of both strength sports and martial arts have embraced this collaboration, with popular fitness personality Jujimufu commenting,
“I can’t like this enough!!! Combat Martins is my new favorite Martins!”
Licis expressed gratitude for the experience, writing:
“I learned some cool tricks and refinements, and am very grateful for the time I got to spend with this amazing team.”
