Best Judo (Illustrated Japanese Classics) (Paperback)

~ (Author), (Author) "People who see judo contests at an arena or on television marvel at the grace and the fluidity of judo techniques or at the speed..." (more)
Key Phrases: seoi rage, shiho gatame, sankaku jime, All-Japan Judo Tournament, Tokai University, World Judo Tournament (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

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.

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 International (March 15, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0870117866
• ISBN-13: 978-0870117862
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #208,360 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 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 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).

14 of 15 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

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.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Written by the great minds in the game., April 24, 1999

By A Customer

This book is ideal for the judoka regardless of his/her experience. The book focuses on showing the techniques with action photos rather than on long passages of text that would bore the reader. It also contains a handy section on physical conditioning for the judoka which is essential for maximizing progress in a very physically demanding sport. The essays, at the back of the book, about the authors and Yamashita's experiences in judo are most inspirational.