Best Judo (Illustrated Japanese Classics) [Paperback]

Isao Inokuma (Author), Nobuyuki Sato (Author)

Book Description

Series: Illustrated Japanese Classics | Publication Date: March 15, 1987

This book is the joint effort of two of Japan's foremost judo instructors. Isao Inokuma and Nobuyuki Sato have also been world-class judo champions, and their advice and enthusiasm have helped train countless other judo practitioners. Among their students is the sensational Yasuhiro Yamashita, who captured the All-Japan Judo Championship nine times in a row from 1977 to 1985. Now, with Best Judo, their winning methods can be yours.

Best Judo can be used by beginners and veterans alike. It starts with the basic judo postures and salutations and shows you how to move on the mat, how to control your opponent, and how to be thrown safely. It then demonstrates the essential judo techniques: throwing, grappling, locking, choking, escaping, and sequence combinations.

Over 1,200 photos and easy-to-follow action sequences-many of them demonstrated by Yamashita present each movement clearly. Brief explanations emphasize important areas for study, caution, and concentration. There is also a section on training, full of ideas for building and vitalizing your body.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

ISAO INOKUMA is a professor of physical education at Tokai University, standing trustee of International Budo University, an international refree, and a member of the supporting committee of the All-Japan Judo Federation. He twice won the All-Japan Judo Championship and was the gold medal winner in the heavyweight division of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. He also won the open category in the Fourth World Judo Championships.

NOBUYUKI SATO is a professor of physical education at Tokai University. Winner of the All-Japan Judo Championship in 1974 and the light-heavyweight titles of the Fifth and Eighth World Judo Championships, he is a member of the supporting committee of the All-Japan Judo Federation.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Kodansha USA (March 15, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0870117866
• ISBN-13: 978-0870117862
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #329,762 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book will help anyone be their best in judo, August 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Best Judo (Illustrated Japanese Classics) (Paperback)

I trained for several years, and spent most of them on a plateau. This book helped me smash through that glass ceiling (or whatever it was) that held me back. Now, I am flawlessly executing complex moves I never thought I would be able to use. What I got from this book was one flash of insight after another. My only regret is the time I wasted BEFORE I latched onto Inokuma's powerful words. I am forever indebted to the author. My son is showing an interest in Judo. This will be his text.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Judo Book, October 18, 2000

By 

Enrique Vargas (Bronx, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Best Judo (Illustrated Japanese Classics) (Paperback)

This book is very well done. The photographs are high quality action photos done by some great judoka. What distinguishes this book from some other books are 1) great action photos, and 2) practical application of the techniques. It goes through some of the finer points of setting up your opponent for the technique with fakes and off-balancing maneuvers. Overall one of two books I would recommend to every aspiring Judoka (with the other being Kodokan Judo).

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From the basics to the very advanced, Best Judo has it all., December 11, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: Best Judo (Illustrated Japanese Classics) (Paperback)

When I wanted to be a Judoist two years ago, I was very impressed by the skills and and technique exhibited by the Judoists of my school. I badly wanted to be a good Judoist as I wanted to make my mark in the club. But the road ahead for me was very hard and frustrating. You see, having little or no experience whatsoever in the field or Judo or any martial art, I compared myself as weak and small with my seniors and the instructors in my club. Many times I wanted to give up, to quit Judo, saying that the sport was not suited for me, but deep down I knew that it was, and so I stayed on, trying very hard to perfect the techniques taught to me. I knew that if I trained hard, I would at last find the light at the end of my tunnel. To me, this light was the book, Best judo. I did not stumble on to it or find it by luck, I was searching for the BEST Judo instruction manual ever written and to day I still believe that the book entitled Best Judo was what I Had been searching for. This book to me was a godsend. It gave clear instruction in technique and skill. After being taught a new technique in Judo class, I would refer to Best Judo afterwards to refresh my memory on the throw and read up on the pointers and the things to look out for when making the throw. Night after night I studied the instruction manual and slowly but surely with practise I was improving, and boy was I improving! This year I was selected in the school Judo team and this was the bigest reward Best Judo hs ever given. To fight for the glory of my school in the arena of sports was indead a dream come true. Without Best Judo none of would have ever happened, and I am very grateful. So, if you are an avid Judoist or just a person learning Judo to keep fit, I urge you to buy the book. This will be the most rewarding investment "Judo-wise" you will ever make