Customer Reviews

The Secrets of Judo: A Text for Instructors and Students

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book, though dated by the artwork and photos, is still the standard text on the principles of Judo. This book is well written. They ideas being propogated are easy to understand and the photos and artwork complment the theories being discussed.

All the basic moves are covered and one could read this book and enter a dojo with an understanding on what his or her sensei is trying to teach. Even seasoned martial artists can refernce this text on an occasion as we often forget ideas ourselves. Highly recommended.

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.

Although this book offers some interesting insight along with some detailed discussion, it attacks the subject from such an academic angle that it eclipses the more practical considerations, such as demonstrating combinations or transition. It makes very little mention of training methods and, therefore, is of little use to a beginner, except as a reference to understand the basic mechanic principles of throwing. The majority of the book focuses on tachi-waza, so that, as a reference for ne-waza, the book is particularly limited.

This book is an incredible resource for all the physics of Judo. I've never seen so much information packed into only 180 pages. The science and explanations are right on, but many times the math went right over my head - this is not for the mathematically weak-at-heart. The good thing is, it's not one more "here's how you do it." Rather, it's a "here's how you do it, and why it works."

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.

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.

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.

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.

I'd say you would rather take a physics class than read this book. If you're interested in learning Judo techniques this is NOT the book for you. If you're looking for the science to why Judo works then go ahead and buy the book.

What can I say about this book? This book is ok. In my opinion, this book discusses the science aspect of judo too much. I would say the first 2/3 of the book is nothing but physics text.
The last 1/3 of the book gives step directions for many judo throws, some chokes, and some pins. Again, nothing special here.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a book for insight on the practice and application of judo I would skip this one. If you are fascinated with science then this book is for you.