Flores’ unconventional sporting journey began with competitive rope skipping before judo and wrestling shaped his career. Rather than choosing one discipline, he learned to combine them, turning his opponents’ strengths into opportunities for his own techniques. His experience became a reminder that being different can be a competitive advantage.
That ability to adapt became even more important as injuries transformed his own career. After 12 knee surgeries and seven ACL tears, Flores was forced to move away from relying on physical power and towards efficiency, timing and grip fighting. Some of his biggest disappointments, including a heartbreaking end to his Olympic dream, became lessons that would shape his future.
His journey then took him into working with stars including Ronda Rousey, Kayla Harrison and Molly McCann. Each athlete required a different approach, reinforcing his belief that great coaching is not about imposing one system, but understanding the individual.
Flores eventually stepped away from the professional league after becoming increasingly concerned about the financial realities faced by fighters. His experiences also led him to think deeply about how different martial arts develop, survive and attract the next generation.
Today, his focus is on passing those lessons on. When his own son experienced disappointment in competition, Flores chose to turn it into a lesson about accepting setbacks and understanding that losing is part of growth.
Even after leaving elite competition behind, the memories remain. Flores still dreams of being back in the fight, chasing an Olympic place. Rather than seeing those dreams as failures, he has learned to see them as part of what made him who he is. His philosophy is beautifully simple,
The latest JudoPod episode offers a rare and deeply personal look at the man behind the coach, and at how the hardest moments of a sporting life can become its greatest lessons.
Watch the full interview on JudoTV.