The Secrets of Judo: A Text for Instructors and Students (Paperback)

~ Jiichi Watanabe (Author), Lindy Avakian (Author) "WITH THE rapid expansion of interest in judo throughout the world today, there has developed a need for a textbook on the art and science..." (more)
Key Phrases: joint nerve center, sliding collar strangle, unconditioned reflex action, Jigoro Kano (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This book explains the numerous techniques of throwing and grappling, and outlines judo's origins, the relationship between judo and Zen, and the theory and physical applications of judo techniques.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing (July 15, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080481631X
• ISBN-13: 978-0804816311
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #475,028 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Primer on the Gentle Way, October 19, 2002

By	K.H. - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

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.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not a complete reference., October 13, 1999

By	Kimberly Bennett (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Technical, Sometimes Dry. Always Good, September 16, 2005

By	C. K. Mccracken "Jiu Jitsu Guy and One Time P... (Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.