Product Description

Authored by the Takahashi family, who combine more than 200 years of experience teaching, coaching, and competing in judo, this book provides an in-depth description of judo history, culture, philosophy, techniques, tactics, training, and competition. 200 photos.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #273248 in Books
• Published on: 2005-05-19
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 214 pages

About the Author
The six member Takahashi family have over 200 years of combined experience in Martial Arts and 31 black belt degrees as competitors and teachers. Masao and June Takahashi own the Takahashi Martial Arts Centre in Ontario, Canada. Established in 1969, the Takahashi Centre is one of Canada's most successful dojos.

Customer Reviews

Second way to Judo
Another well-written and interesting text on Judo and Judo training. After Kodokan Judo this book is a must for any Judoka. There is a slightly different approach to explanations of moves and practices here that makes the book all the more interesting. The writer is an outstanding Judoka and coach. His expertise shows on every page of this volume!
Well worth the price and time.

A very unusual Judo Book!
I have to say that this is a very different judo book!!! I did not know what to expect from this book when I picked it up but it completely took me by surprise. I expected a judo book like so many others - showing techniques you need to know to get from Rok-kyu to Ik-kyu - but not this book.

First, the book gives a very nice general overview of judo. At the same time the author reminds the reader what Kano's ideas and concepts of judo actually were and how they have changed over the years (unfortunately not always in a positive way) - especially since judo was introduced to the Olympics.
He explains why kata, tradition, dojo etiquette, mental welfare etc. are also important aspects of judo and that they have to be preserved by today's judokas as well. Too many judokas these days seem to focus only on competition.

The book contains a nice variety of different judo techniques, which are used as examples to discuss different fighting styles and concepts. Very often coaches tell judo participants to develop strategies or fighting concepts but when asked by non-competitors how to define and to develop such strategies, many senseis are unable to answer these questions. Usually the interested non-competitive judoka is more or less left alone.
Takahashi finally tries to explain such terms and subjects to people outside the competitive circle and gives idea and guidance on how to approach these different aspects.

Another surprise the book keeps in store, are discussions about mental issues for the individual judoka (competition, training, etc.). Because today's judo is mostly focused on competition, the performance pressure on competitors is sometimes unbearable. Takahashi again makes us understand that good judokas should not be identified only by their victories. He reminds us that losing a fight/competition is part of martial arts and that every judoka needs to learn how to cope with it! But also here he offers the reader ideas and suggestions how to deal with these situations!

In addition the book provides ideas for individual training programs, which are not necessarily only for competitors. Non-competitors who want to improve their physique without the intention to compete, can use these programs as well and modify them at will.

Masao Takahashi makes a nice connection between competitors and non-competitors and gives a good understanding of their different needs.

I recommend this book to any judoka who wants to understand and get more involved in judo - not only on a competitive but also on a recreational level.

Art & Sport
I enjoyed reading this book mainly because the authors were able to balance the twin, and sometimes competing, themes of judo as art and sport. They put particular emphasis on the cultural and philosophical importance of judo, and were able to relate the maxims of judo to both sport and life. As the other review indicated, the authors also do not write in a vacuum. Several members of the family are accomplished wrestlers, and the advent of mixed martial arts and Brazilian jujitsu are not lost. They explain well the evolution of judo as a sport, recognize the differences between sport and self-defense, and advocate a realistic approach for the judoka.

This is not a "how-to" book so much. There is little to no explanation on how to do throws, although judo technique is presented for reference. The book presumes some working knowledge of judo, and seeks to improve on that knowledge with useful information on application.

This is a great book for the judoka because it focuses attention on the purpose and spirit of judo while giving practical tips for competition. This is also a great book for martial artists and grapplers who are interested in judo as a form of cross-training, especially students of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. Together with Mastering Jujitsu, by the same publisher, they are great references.