Kodokan Judo: The Essential Guide to Judo by Its Founder Jigoro Kano

I found this book a great help as a supplement to my regular classes. I study japanese jiu jitsu but have found that the majority of books are focused primarily on Brazilian JJ, and don't have enough emphasis for 'standing' techniques for my liking. This book has a lot of decent photos, some are a bit grainy but most are more than clear enough. The main benefit though is the description of the execution of each move, and the purpose. Subtle changes to your technique make the difference between sloppy throws and effective throws, and this is where the book really shines. Reading the book away from class means I spend more time focusing my technique rather than learning the basic movements when in the dojo, and the great sense of satisfaction which comes from executing a good throw keeps me coming back for more. This would make a great gift for anyone who studies a grappling martial art, such as sambo l, jj, bjj or wrestling. I tend to use the book in conjunction with youtube to get a good indication of how new techniques should look when applied properly, youtube is good for seeing the whole throw, the book is great for pinning the detail which takes you from ok to good, or good to great

Its a great book, fantastic learning resource for revision of Technique but as I was always told; "You need to be doing the sport to learn the sport". The Illustrations are in fantastic detail, the explanations are very detailed. To me I prefer books to Videos when it comes to martial arts, because you can watch a video all you want, I'll only contain so much information. That being said; its the same for a book, you'll only learn what you practice but the difference between a video and a book is; A book is portable and you can take it to the Dojo wih you. Along with Toshiro Daigo's book its a great way to revise, I wish I had Toshiro Daigo's book but as I can't find it anywhere for a price that isn't extortionate I'd settle for having one rather than both. Another note is; The best advice you'll get is from your Master, you'll learn certain techniques that have been passed down from Master to Master which will add up and eventually you'll pass them on to another along with your own.

This is THE judo book. There are lots of really good pictures in here that illustrate each part of each throw and hold at key stages. There are also lexical explanations beneath so you can match up the words with the picture. Quite annoying when your senseis argue with Jigaro though....

If you do Judo and looking for a reference book this is excellent. It is a bit old fashioned though, thats the only issue i might bring up with it. However all the moves are there, from bjj aswell (some throws have different names) There is also alot of bonus material such as striking methods, kicks... even how to poke people in the eyes.... Also defense from knives and guns is in there. There is an excellent introdution into Judo also. There is good material for Judo players in randori too in the 'continous attack' chapter shows you good combos. All in all a very good book, I reccomend it. :)

This book has helped me in my martial arts career more than any other. Recommended to me by the late John Plumbridge (6th Dan JuJitsu, 2nd Dan Judo) to help me study for my own Sho Dan grading. It is concise with good photography. It will take you through every throw from the judo world. I have used it as reference point for teaching many times and for my own personal study. If you practice a throwing art this book is a must, however as with all martial arts manuals nothing will replace being on the mat and doing some hard work! Having this next to you will help though!!!

Arrived quickly. Fantastic book. Very useful. Loads of techniques and historical information.

Great book for practicing judoka and new starters to the art. I refer to this book on a regular basis and recommend that there is at leak one at every dojo.

Fantastic book. Ideal for a judoka of any level. The detail in the Kata's in brilliant.

Bello perché in pratica é la spegazione del judo fatta dal suo inventore; occhio che questo libro é in inglese (per questo costa meno) e comunque didatticamente le foto (essendo quasi tutte vecchie, parliamo del '56) sono meno chiare di disegni o di quanto immagino si possa trovare su libri appena scritti.

Best

Compré el libro sabiendo lo que iba a comprar, así que no ha sido ninguna sorpresa. Vienen todas los fundamentos técnicos, el gokyo y los katas, todo ello con explicaciones y fotos. Lo bueno ha sido la diligencia de amazon en el pedido.

Jeder Judoka muss es haben. Es handelt sich um die Erklärung von Judo laut seines Begründer Jigoro Kano. Das Buch ist wichtig um zu wissen "was ist Judo" ? Jigoro Kano lebte natürlich vor 100 Jahre und daher ist sein Denken etwas alt. Er ist auf jedem Fall der Erfinder eines supertollen olimpischen Spieles und daher ist sehr interessant seine Idee direkt von dem Begründer zu lessen. Das Buch ist aber mit sehr gute Qualität präsentiert, ohne Fehler, alles konsistent. Hier sind die Techniken und Kata. Es könnte das erste Buch von jedem Judoka zu kaufen.

This is an excellent and very comprehensive reference book for judoka of all ages and skill levels. Highly recommended.