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The Canon of Judo: Classic Teachings on Principles and Techniques [Hardcover]

Kyuzo Mifune , Françoise White
4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)

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Book Description

June 11, 2004
The Long-lost "bible of judo" is back in print after almost 30 years.

Judo's origins date back to ancient times, and through the course of its long history it has evolved into one of Japan's most renowned heritages, assimilating many aspects of Japanese culture. In recent years, Judo has acquired heightened popularity, both in Japan and around the world, as a martial art and a path to spiritual enlightenment.

Kyuzo Mifune (1883-1965) began Judo as a junior middle-school student, and in 1945 was awarded the rank of 10th dan. known as the "God of Judo," he was so famous that, in referring to him, the words "10th dan" alone sufficed. Legend has it that in his sixty years of practice he never lost a match and was never thrown.

This book is the completely revised edition of Canon of Judo, originally published in 1960. It is said the book played a big role in founding the International Judo Federation, and in helping Judo to become an Olympic sport in 1964.

Shortly before his death Mifune revised his work, and this new edition includes these revisions, as well as a completely new translation of the original. It also contains a completely new layout.

With around 1,000 photos of the author and his students, and detailed, thorough explanations of the techniques, The Canon of Judo is the only book of its kind to provide such a comprehensive guide to the various techniques and the spirit of Judo. It will be an indispensable resource for all Judo practitioners.

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Editorial Reviews

Review


"The Canon of Judo provides a unique insight into judo's spirit and techniques and, with very few exceptions, the content remains as relevant today and when it was originally written, half a century ago." -Journal of Asian Martial Arts


From the Publisher

Judo's origins date back to ancient times, and through the course of its long history it has evolved into one of Japan's most renowned heritages, assimilating many aspects of Japanese culture. In recent years, Judo has acquired heightened popularity, both in Japan and around the world, as a martial art and a path to spiritual enlightenment.

Kyuzo Mifune (1883-1965) began Judo as a junior middle-school student, and in 1920 was awarded the rank of 10th dan. Known as the "God of Judo," he was so famous that, in referring to him, the words "10th dan" alone sufficed. Legend has it that in his sixty years of practice he never lost a match and was never thrown.

This book is the completely revised edition of CANON OF JUDO, originally published in 1960. It is said the book played a big role in founding the International Judo Association, and in helping Judo to become an Olympic sport in 1964.

Shortly before his death Mifune revised his work, and this new edition includes these revisions, as well as correcting flaws in the translation of the original. It also contains a completely new layout.

With around 1,000 photos of the author and his students, and detailed, through explanations of the techniques, THE CANON OF JUDO is the only book of its kind to provide such a comprehensive guide to the various techniques and the spirit of Judo. It will be an indispensable resource for all Judo practitioners.


Product Details

  • Hardcover: 224 pages
  • Publisher: Kodansha USA; 2nd edition (June 11, 2004)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 4770029799
  • ISBN-13: 978-4770029799
  • Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 1 x 10.2 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #428,043 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
(27)
4.9 out of 5 stars
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
42 of 43 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars The best book on Judo - period! July 22, 2004
Format:Hardcover
I can't believe how incredibly good this book is! I am especially thrilled at all the joint-locking and choking manoevers, their entries, defenses, reversals and so on. The ground-grappling part of this book is huge, and contains so many things that I have never even thought of in my 16 years doing Judo! And, for those of you into using the so-called 'guard' position in grappling: there is a whole host of moves concerned with it: passings, chokes, armlocks etc. In addition, this book shows you how to use leg and ankle locks both to submit your opponent and to escape from chokes etc. The 'real fighting' comments Mifune makes are really interesting and fun. For example, I didn't know that the 'thrusting' choke was intended for use primarily against someone backed up against a wall; hadaka jime (arms-only strangle) is best adapted for use against a punch: sidestep and squish the neck. Mifune (the author) is the best Judo fighter in history, and we can see this in all the wisdom he has collected from his lifetime of beating people. Your fighting skill will definitely improve with each of the techniques he teaches, and your victories in Judo (or in any grappling system that allows joint locks and chokes) will increase steadily in number. THIS book is the best Judo book; nothing else really compares to it at all. It will open up whole new avenues to victory that you never would have thought of on your own. If you take your training seriously, you have to have it. Buy it!
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20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Best Judo book ever !!! November 12, 2005
Format:Hardcover
The Canon of Judo is the bible of Judo by the man known as the "God of Judo" Kyuzo Mifune. Mifune started learning Judo under Founder Jigoro Kano when he was 13 and was one of only 6 persons ever promoted to 10th Dan at the Kodokan. Mifune not only goes through the Gokyu No Waza (the 40 Basic Judo Throws ) but also includes most of remaining 67 throws along with variations that make up the present Judo throwing syllabus. His section on defenses and counters of both the throws and the grappling is superb with many you won't see elsewhere. He even includes a Ura no Kata that he designed of 15 throws where if your opponent tries throw X; you counter with throw Y. The Canon of Judo is the definitive reference Judo book presently in print.

Be warned that some of the pictures are difficult to figure out due to the poor camera angles, the fact both Mifune and his Uke are wearing white gi's (only ones available back then) in small black and white photos, and some pictures are not in same order from page to page. Some of the technique text is difficult to understand possibly "lost in translation" (though not nearly as bad as the movie by the same name). In spite of it's short comings, it has an overwhelming abundance of information as most of the nearly 1000 photos are easily discernable by the even the novice and intermediate judoka. The more expert can mine the more esoteric photos and cryptic descriptions for the pure nuggets of gold and wealth plentiful in this comprehensive book. I like this book even better than Kodokan Judo by Founder Jigoro Kano (See my review) to which Mifune contributed to and is pictured in for some techniques.
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Tough to Rate Any Other Way September 16, 2005
Format:Hardcover
There really isn't anything to say that others haven't said already. I just wanted to weigh in with my perspective.

I've been studying Judo for a couple of years, now, after an eighteen year layoff from it. During this time, I've studied other forms of martial arts - especially wreslting and BJJ.

Judo has become a major part of my Jiu Jitsu and 'The Canon of Judo' takes pride of place in my library. Not just as a technical manual, but as a hearty slice of martial arts history.

Judo was one of the earliest "mixed" martial arts styles and Mifune was one of the earliest and truest masters. To read his descriptions and see his performance in the photos is somewhat inspiring.

Further, earlier texts give us a chance to see where the more modern systems come from. The Canon shows me the origin of my BJJ and helps me understand its roots.

The book doesn't have the luxuries of modern photography and the translations can lose something, but that's not really the point with books like this one.

A most important text.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars This product has been what I expected it to be and and it has been...
This product has been what I expected it to be and and it has been very useful for its purpose
Published 2 months ago by Travis J Whalen
5.0 out of 5 stars Rich details, everyone should buy this book
If you are a sport Judoka, or a martial artist studying the way. This book is for you. Buy it now before the price goes up!!
Published 3 months ago by MTheadric
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!!!
This book is very insightgul and detail is very good. i reccomend for anyone who is interested in learning judo.
Published 5 months ago by Ironman6769
5.0 out of 5 stars The Canon of Judo
One of the best! Called "The Bible of Judo" for a reason. Kyuzo Mifune was one of Dr. Kano's greatest students! This is his way to "pay it back! Read more
Published on March 22, 2011 by Vernthepitbull
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read, and One of the top three required
This book is an absolute must read; and for those serious students and practitioners, a must own.

No matter that it is an older book with not the best photography--for... Read more
Published on February 10, 2011 by Hikaze Shinjin
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
This book was recommended to me by a martial artist who has his 8th dan in Judo. The book explains everything with pictures and words....just what I needed. Read more
Published on August 5, 2010 by LucyDe
5.0 out of 5 stars JUDO SUPREME!!!
If you were looking for a good book about Judo and didn't know where to start I would say get The Canon Of Judo by Kyuzo Mifune, 10th dan. Read more
Published on November 5, 2009 by Victor Jackson
5.0 out of 5 stars Classical Judo
Mifune's 'The Canon of Judo' is an outstanding work and certainly joins Kano's 'Kodokan Judo' as an essential book for all Judoka. Read more
Published on September 30, 2007 by J. W. Regan
5.0 out of 5 stars The Real Deal
I wish I had bought this book while I still an actively practicing Judo. It is comprehensive and impressive. Read more
Published on May 17, 2007 by R. Mason
5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended for all Martial Artists
Each page has about six pictures showing progressions of the various techniques. Some pages have four pictures and some have eight or nine. Read more
Published on August 10, 2006 by Basil Hoyl
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