Customer Reviews (2)

Good Reference Book
This is a good reference book if you are trying to find the names of some more common techniques.Since there are so many variations of throws in Judo and JuJitsu, I use this book refresh my memory before, during and after class.

But be warned, it does not take you step by step through each technique, but gives an overview of techniques from different schools of Judo.

If you are trying to learn step by step techniques for throws, I would recommend the Kodokan - Throwing techniques (Daigo) and the Kodokan Judo book by (Kano). If you trying to learn grappling(Katame Waza) then you can't beat most of the Gracie and Machado books.There are lots of good grappling books available now.

One of the Must Have Judo Books
One of the most complete books on Judo throws, pins, chokes and joint locks.This is one of must have books on Judo.If you want to learn Judo this is very good place to start.

The book does not go into the competition techniques.If you want competition techniques, then you want the Judo Master Techniques Series.

You can also go to www.amazon.co.uk for more reviews on this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A great Judo text!
This is one of the better (of many) introductory / intermediate Judo books available."Techniques of Judo" briefly covers the basics (bowing, calisthenics, postures, falling, holding, unbalancing the opponent) and moves on to the core of the book, which is throws. This includes hand throws, hip throws, leg throws, and back and side throws. The four concluding chapters cover grappling techniques, including holds, strangling holds, and armlock techniques.

Each technique has about 4 or 5 photographs clearly showing the progression of the move, and 3 to 4 additional photographs showing alternate variations or a counter to the move. What separates this book from the pack is the excellent textual detail that is included with each technique. The authors do a fantastic job of presenting the dynamics associated with proper execution of the throw. The numerous variations and counters included in this text will make it a Judo text with lasting value.

A New Edition of a Classic!
The Techniques of Judo by Takagaki and Sharp is a reprint of a verycomprehensive and well-written text first published in 1957.It containssome techniques seldom taught in modern practice, such as Ganseki Otoshiand Yama Arashi, and it has extensive notes on counters and defenses. I ama sixth degree, and my highly-prized first edition is well worn with yearsof research.The contest illustrations are breathtaking examples offlawless technique, and the "flavor" of the book speaks volumesabout martial spirit and a style of Judo seldom seen in these days.HaroldSharp is well known for his work on another classic Judo text firstpublished in 1956 with Kiyoshi Kobayashi, entitled The Sport of Judo. Together, they are an impresive compendium of martial information and Judohistory. I give the Techniques of Judo to my advanced students, so theywon't forget that Judo is a martial art, not just a game. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Historical Value Mostly
This book is highly technical and somewhat dated. It is not the best book on judo if you are expecting general coverage, but it has a niche and I am very glad to see it re-published. When it was one of the few books available on judo we all had it, but there are now many more comprehensive guides to basic judo. Still, if you want to know about the mechanics of various throws this has the analysis and details that could be very interesting.

Technical, Sometimes Dry. Always Good
Let me preface this by saying I love physics. Especially mechanics. The book explains how techniques work and why.

Some of us learn better this way. If you know why a technique works, you will probably learn to apply it better. This book can help you understand the hows and whys, if you can concentrate on the descriptions. They can be dry and technical.

If you're missing something in a technique, this book may be able to help you.

Great
This book great for people who want to get better at the philosophy of Judo. It really breaks the art down in to a physics class that might be a little hard for some to understand but if you can follow along it will bring your game up to the next level and put you in the right direction.

Amazing
As a student of many of the martial sciences, I was amazed at the evidence that this book uses to support its tactics.It can be difficult at times to read, specifically if you have never taken a physics class, but it is insightful and exceptionally well done.A must for all those interested in Kodokan.

Accurate, but reads like a Physics book
This book to me was ok, becuase I like math and Physics and the like, but to the Judoka that is challenged by these subjects, they might find this book a little dry. The information is accurate though a little dated, and it did help me understand what Sensi was tring to explain. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Great reference.
A great reference for beginners, with a great approach to teaching.The book focuses more upon tactical situations, than upon the techniques.In other words: opponent is moving forward, here are some things you can do.If s/he stiffens or pulls back, try this or this.

Most judo books take the approach: here is an osoto-gari, here are a couple of ways to use it.

I think the book's tactical focus is a great method; buy this book if you need a beginner's reference (or a teacher's manual).

Excellent book for the beginning student
This is an excellent manual for the beginning student, it does a great job of covering the beginning techniques and essential dojo knowledge and gives a very thorough overview of judo competition and beyond. The only downside is that I wished the techniques had been shown from different angles so the reader could see the little things that make even the basic techniques more effective. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

COMBAT CLASSIC
I just received mine the other day and was very pleased with it. I was a bit skeptical because of some of the reviews on the internet but still ordered it. Its a great addition to anyones Combat Classic Library,Good solid techniques.Mine will not be for sale. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Russian Sambo + Kodokan Judo = Sloppy Judo
It took the excellent 'Judo MasterClass Techniques' book: RUSSIAN JUDO (c. 1999) by Alexander Iatskevich, to openly present how the inchoate and inarticulate Sambo methods have clouded the art of Judo by de-emphasizing Judo's main principle of 'kuzushi' (balance) with Sambo strength based tactics and newaza.

RUSSIAN JUDO is a good 92 page paperback booklet containing excellent photos of hybrid Judo/Sambo technique, a historical and interesting account of the author's initial Judo training under the former Soviet bloc system, plus Sambo methodology and why they were incorporated into international Judo competition.

Wonderful step-by-step instructions in black & white photography clearly demonstrated Sambo's over-emphasis on juji-gatame in Judo newaza, and Sambo's obfuscation of kumi-kata which overtly contributed to the IJF prohibition of "unorthodox grips".It appeared in the booklet RUSSIAN JUDO that the Sambo/Judo approach to kumi-kata is nothing more than simply entangling your opponent's arms then moving in to throw at the awkward moment.

RUSSIAN JUDO is a must booklet for theJudo practitioner to own in order tobecome aware of Judo's excellent 'Sumi Gaeshi' counter against the Sambo intrusion of the 'belt grip' (page 9); theleglock (pg. 68); the Sambo version of Judo's Ura Nage called 'brosok cherez drudye' - the chest throw (p. ix),or the many other unorthodox procedures the former Soviet Judo players used against Dr. Kano's 'Classical Judo'.

Clearlythe booklet; RUSSIAN JUDO, demonstrated how clumsy Russian Sambo tactics were merely an act of desperation against the technically proficient Japanese Judoka; and that the basic Sambo counter-attacks were the only former Soviet way of acquiring a few low scoring 'koka' victories against classical Japanese Judo.

The good soft-cover booklet RUSSIAN JUDO also contained photographs of Sato sensei using Tai-Otoshi (body drop) to win a 1970s Sambo match in Riga, which impressed the host Sambo Club; photographs of Sambo/Judo techniques used in international competition; and a very interesting overall history of Russian wrestling, Judo, Sambo, and the author's own Judo training and international competition experiences under the former Soviet Union.

As an informative comparison to RUSSIAN JUDO, please read: FIGHTING JUDO by Katsuhiko Kashiwazaki, and VITAL JUDO by Isano Okano, to compare classic Kodokan Judo with the overt Sambo influence found in RUSSIAN JUDO. ... Read more

Product Description
Masters Yokoyama and Oshima were two of Kano's young protogees and this book written by tem both at the turn of the 20th Century was one of the very first ever written in the English language.297 pages filled with details on the techniques of pre sport Judo. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Library must
First, any judo player or historian MUST have this book as part of their library. Now, that said, there are SO many grammatical errors in this book that after reading the first 50 pages or so I went back to the biggining to catelog the errors.

However, this text was produced around 1915 and these gentlemen would have been students of Kano shihan himself. And if you appreciate "old school", more traditional judo you really ought to add this to your collection of judo books. ... Read more

Book Description
Classic Judo reprint of 1915 English translation of an earlier edition of Judo Kyohan published in Japan by one of the greatest judoka of Kano's time and close friend of Kyuzo Mifune. This title is of both historical and technical significance, such as, the "six" directions of kuzushi and the finer points of applying atemiwaza (beating, striking and kicking tricks) with detailed analysis of the tricks or techniques listed in the table of contents below by one of the greats in the early days of the Kodokwan. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great stuff!!!!
I only practice judo every now and than but even for someone who doesn't play, this is a great source of info.Well worth the price.

An Historical Gem...
Originally written and published a decade and a half after the turn of the last century (1915) by two of Jigoro Kano's student's, this book is an interesting, useful and valuable addition to your judo library with its beautifully translated language and historical photos. It represents Kano-sensei's art in its nearly original form, the book having been released about 30 years after the formal founding of kodokan judo. If you wish to "experience" judo as it was before it became an olympic sport, this book will go a long way toward accomplishing that for you. It's worth having even if it can be a bit challenging to get your hands on it. My copy took well over a month to arrive.

For those interested in a classical study of Judo
A wonderful book for those who love classical Judo and are upset with competition Judo.It gives claerly translated explanations of tricks or techniques that are not far removed from Kano himself.It discusses, in an indirect fashion, the notions of energy that are so important in Judo. ... Read more

Book Description
Judo is known as the gentle martial art, but when two judokas square off, the action is fast and furious. Yet the art and sport forms of judo both require great control and swiftness. Indeed, a key to greatness in the sport is the ability to use an opponent's own strength against him rather than trying to subdue or combat it.

Competitive Judo is your guide to developing the technical skills, tactical maneuvers, and proper mind-set to achieve ultimate success in the sport. Master the use of various grips such as the sleeve lapel and double lapel, as well as popular throws such as the leg grab (te waza). The book also details how to set up throw attacks for inducing opposite reaction in the opponent, use stepping patterns, execute combination techniques, and utilize blocks and stumbles. In setting up groundwork techniques, various transitions, combination ground techniques, and reversals are also covered in depth.

Long-time elite competitor and coach Ron Angus covers every facet of being a winning judoka, from scouting your opponent to building strength and speed to recovering. Apply his advice on training and competing, and then experience the excitement of scoring ippon in your next shiai. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Other Sports Judo Books Tap Out to Competitive Judo
This book definitely fills a void in the literature of modern judo fighting. I say "judo fighting," because there is little in current national and international competition that resembles judo as "the gentle way." Admittedly "gentle" is a misnomer for the term "Ju".

Written for elite players, a small niche audience here in North America, the book is a worthwhile study in training methods and strategies to be successful in the rarefied world of Olympic-style judo.

The author, Mr. Angus, goes into detail on the importance of knowing the rules of the game, and then "being able to use the rules to your advantage, how to develop a match plan with the skills that are right for you and how to get the most out of training."

Attention is given to grip fighting as one of the gates to winning. In my personal opinion, as a continuing student of judo with far less competition experience than the author (but with years of experience in judo), an over-emphasis on grip fighting is ultimately harmful to the sport at any level. The author underlines the challenges of grip fighting by including a photo of his hands after 30 years of fighting for grips. It is apparent that gripfights have taken their toll on his joints.

Overall, a very educational look at elite judo. One small suggestion for improvement in any subsequent editions would be to edit the Japanese judo terms: the frequent misspellings of the techniques are slightly distracting from an otherwise fine book. Recommended reading.

The Best Fighter's Book Available
This is a book that every Judo and Grappling competitor/fighter needs.It focusses on the techniques and tactics that are most effective for winning, and most 'deadly'.The author uses his vast knowledge of and experience in Judo, Sambo and Grappling coupled with modern scientific analyses to construct a secure recipe for success.There is a vast wealth of knowledge poured into this volume, enough to more than satisfy even the most avid student of the combat arts.At the heart of the book are its winning moves: throws and submission techniques, each one categorized, analyzed, scrutinized, described and presented so as to enable the reader in the most efficient way possible to use them to defeat challengers.Every stage of combat is covered in great detail, as are strategies, combinations, fight-training, exercises, the psyche, and even how to use the referees and rules to one's own advantage.The style of the writing is very readable and interesting, so it is very much a book to be enjoyed.Besides Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Judo and Sambo stylists, Mixed-Martial-Arts competitors stand to benefit greatly from this book - to gain insight, skill and theory for their grappling game.Knowledge that took experts lifetimes to develop and test is presented here for us.For the grappler who wants to win, it is a definite must-read.Very impressive and hard to put-down! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Great Teaching on this Technique
I am a big fan of the Master Class series. This book is written by a great judo player from England named Neil Adams. I had the privilege of training under him in 1994 and have found his insights extremely valuable. In this book, he overviews the history of this move and its current evolutionary forms.

Contents:
A Personal View
History of Tai-Otoshi
The Basics
Variations
Combinations and Counters
Training
Competition Tai-Otoshi
Epilogue

Beside each variation, there are pictures to aid in helping you practice this move at your club. I used this book to help me grow and adapt my tai-otoshi for the international level. I really enjoy the set up of these books and have found them quite helpful. I highly recommend that each club have a copy on hand. ... Read more

Book Description
Mental Judo is the application of the principles of physical judo to human communication and persuasion.Mental Judo is a 21st century technology that enables even conflict avoidant individuals to be powerful and effective.The incredible secrets of Mental Judo can be successfully employed in every facet of business and personal life.Sales are multiplied through the power of Mental Judo's gentle persuasion.Business relationships and negotiations improve as customers, associates, superiors and subordinates are gently convinced to see things "your way".All areas of internal/external communications are vastly improved, including customer service,sales, management, employee and public relations, social and family interactions.Anyone can acquire this dynamic ability of persuasive communication.Each of us possesses great power that is often over-shadowed by fear, embarrassment or lack of confidence.Mental Judo strips away barriers allowing us to achieve total command of any circumstance.The same time tested Judo techniques that enable a meek competitor to conquer a powerful opponent are utilized in Mental Judo with outstanding results. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Corporate America survival guide
This book is highly recommend for dealing with issues faced with in Corporate America.I've read it at least five times within the past 10 years.It works. You never stop learning !!!

Mental Judo
ich bin Mohamed 33. Jahre Alt, ich habe eine schune Frau und zwei KinderMohab und basant.......1,001

Timeless advice
This book is an excellelt guide on how to apply the principles of Judo to your daily interpersonal experiences.It teaches mental skills to handle any situation, especially those you wished you handled better. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Add words to your insurmountable arsenal.
I first read this book right after law school, when I went to work in the criminal courts as a clerk and bailiff.At that time, in a metropolitan area of over one million, there were no security screeners at the entrances.Gang types were active in the halls.I had to "face up" with the most alpha-dominant types you have ever imagined.Oh, you have to deal with them ever day.Understood.These were people who enjoy, and even get off, on pure evil.This book taught me to actually take their "macho" and add it to my power over them.You probably don't leave home without your kevlar.If you are, or wish you could, absorb this book into the very fabric of your being... because next to kevlar it can save your life.Then give it to your partner.And then to your spouse take a look at - you will gain a whole new receptivity to your daily activities.Be proud, be professional - and become a master in the incredibly effective martial art of verbal judo.

" DONT BE IGNORANT.....BUY THIS BOOK ! "
Many in the " Law Enforcement / Security " Field would greatly improve their chances of survival and become better communicators by mastering the material in this easy to read manual for learning how to" Talk & Deal " with your fellow man & woman. This bookhas probably saved me from Past Mistakes that would surely have resulted inphysical confrontations,...to re-hash an old saying " WINNING THEHEARTS & MINDS ". So save yourself a " LAWSUIT"... Dontbe ignorant... buy this book !. ... Read more

Book Description
The Judo Twins is a compelling book that will capture both the heart and mind of the reader. It is the story of twin brothers who were given up by their dysfunctional parents as infants and sent to orphanages where they would spend their entire childhood. Yet, they grew up to become world class athletes in the noble sport of Judo and became known the world over as the Judo Twins! The difficult journey of the twins to this proverbial mountain top makes for a moving human interest story as they overcome considerable adversity to reach their goals. But, it was their great passion for the unique sport of Judo that provided the pathway in their unending quest for improvement and self-expression. Some of the biggest names on the national and international judo scene in the last 50 years voice their innermost thoughts in this book to explain why this sport has had such an overwhelming impact on their own lives. There is, however, another important dimension to this story and that is the strong and indestructible life-long commitment that the twins have had to each other. When all of these themes come together, the result is a multi-faceted tale that every reader can enjoy. The Judo Twins pulled and pushed themselves up to the top of their particular mountain and readers will be delighted to go along on this interesting and unusual ride. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Review of The Judo Twins
This is a fascinating human interest story of how these twin brothers, placed in an orphanage at the age of three and not emerging from another orphanage until age 18, climbed to the very top of the Judo world! What an uphill climb they had to endure and the reader, whether you be a Judo fan or just an interested reader, will be most impressed by their perseverance and their talents in this unique sport.
I was a social worker and I worked in their 2nd orphanage and I knew the twins when they were there. However, I knew nothing about their adult lives and was astonished by their later impressive achievements as world class Judo champions. One of the twins, Bernard, went on to win four successive Gold Medals in four successive Macabiah Games in Israel, a feat no-one has ever duplicated, before or since.
As stated above, this book has something for everyone and I recommend it to all readers with great enthusiasm.
Sam George Arcus ... Read more

Book Description
This manual for the complete study of sport judo includes a revised section on the official tournament rules and judging standards of the IJF. Nishioka has won the Pan-American Games Gold Medal and the U.S. AAU National Grand Championship, and has been a member of four U.S. international teams. West was a three-time Southern California Open Division champion. Fully illustrated. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Early Attempt to Reform Japanese Judo.
In THE JUDO TEXT BOOK: IN PRACTICAL APPLICATION (C1979) by Mr. Hayward Nishioka, and others, has managed to reduce the thirty-six throws of the Gokyu No Waza into ten techniques he has personally decided, over Kodokan wisdom, to teach to a beginner.

Starting off with such fundamentals as obi tying; Judo gi folding; rei-ing; and all the basic falls; the author proceeds to demonstrate his preferred Nage Wazas while shrewdly including photographs of the same technique being applied in shiai by a past Judo great in international tournament: such as Anton Geesink winning with Sotomaki Komi or Isao Okano winning with Ippon Seoinage.

The book also contains a copy of out-dated IJF contest rules; sections on the positive power of Judo thinking; pep talks; some basic newaza techniques; excellent historical photographs of Judo legends; some photos from past Black Belt magazines; some interesting historic photographs of Dr. Jigoro Kano; and on martial arts masters unrelated to Judo, as if the author is unaware of the deeper facets of Judo other than tournament.

While the founder of Judo and genius, Dr. Jigoro Kano, insisted for good reason, that the ratio of Judo training to be: Randori: 80%, Kata: 17%, and Shiai: 3%; Mr. Hayward Nishioka devotes his book a full 100% to Shiai neglecting the other more important aspects of Judo, such as kata training.
Since France has won several Olympic gold medals in Judo compared to America's none, and they emphasize the 'Kaeshi No Kata' (form of counters) training from beginning to end in all their Judo practice, it is amazing that Hayward Nishioka, and other US Judo instructors, haven't picked up on this correlation?

The work: THE JUDO TEXT BOOK: IN PRACTICAL APPLICATION is too basic for advanced players, and too inappropriate for the beginner. It is worth the money for the collection of historical photographs and some of the vintage photographs of legendary competitors and masters.But this is still a contribution of Western Judo trying to undermine the integrity of Japanese Judo!

Effective, clear instruction
This book clearly shows many basic techniques of judo in a useable format.I have read through other judo texts that don't give you enough info. on the techniques described, this is one of the good ones.However, a largerbook covering more techniques would be desirable.Another good book isBest Judo by Isao Inokuma. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great overview of grips
I am currently a brown belt within Karl Geis Kodokan Judo and this book has been a tremendous help in my training.I am currently using CoC grippers to enhance my gripping strength.This book is a valuable tool in learning different ways to engage grips, breaking them (defense), and different grip positions for various throws.

outstanding
Adam gives a great overview of different grips and strategies for attaining the grip you want.It is a must for a serious judoka. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Okano is the Master.
Simply the strongest books ever written for the serious Judoka!
These are treasures. It is a crime no publisher is printing them. Nothing printed today compares. If you think Judo is just about throwing, study the book and accomplishments of Okano! Your Newaza will improve.

the greatest
I have read a number of Judo books.So far, the Vital Judo Books are the easiest to learn from. It doesn't tackle the basics and formalities of judo but deals mainly on competition techniques which is what most judokas need from books.The grappling techniques in this book are worth studying and proven effective in competition.The Vital Judo Books by far are the best buys when looking for judo related books.

The Vital Judo books are my all-time favorite Judo books.
There are two volumes - Throwing Techniques and Grappling Techniques. Rather than the usual textbooks which include only the basics, these booksare dedicated solely to applications and combinations.If you want ideason how and where to apply your favorite throw or ne-waza move, these booksare for you.These books are much more like the Judo MasterclassTechniques, and I wish someone was still publishing these as they areoutstanding.

This book describes excellent grappling techniques of Judo.
I am very impressed with this book. It describes some of the besttechniques I've seen and many which I had not seen. Nowadays, Judo is beingpracticed as only throws, but this book recognizes the importance of propergrappling techniques(newaza). With the wide coverage being devoted to"Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu" people think that these techniques are newor recently discovered, but the reality of the matter is that most comefrom "True Judo". The author emphasizes that a Judoka should be"as good throwing as he is grappling; and, as good grappling as he isthrowing".This book is great for the beginner and the seasoned Judoka. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

An honest account
This is one of the rare judo books that deal with the sport in a sincere way. Others should try to approach matters (not only judo) in the same spirit, and the world might be better place.

Modern Judo: Techniques of East and West
Peter Seisenbacher is one of the great judo champions.George Kerr was his coach and a judoka (judo student) trained in the old, traditional style of judo.Both present their ideas and views about judo in this wellwritten text.Judo students will gain a deeper understanding of thephilosophy and principles of judo from two different perspectives.Thebook begins with George Kerr telling about judo and his training.PeterSeisenbacher then writes about his ideas and understanding of judo.Thecontrasting views provide the reader with insight and a betterunderstanding of judo philosophy.In addition, Peter Seisenbacher presentsinvaluablecommentary on the techniques and tactics that made him sosuccessful in sport judo.This book will be an invaluable addition to anyjudo students library. ... Read more