"Judo is the way of the highest or most efficient use of both physical and mental energy. Through training in the attack and defence techniques of judo, the practitioner nurtures their physical and mental strength, and gradually embodies the essence of the Way of Judo. Thus, the ultimate objective of Judo discipline is to be utilized as a means to self-perfection, and thenceforth to make a positive contribution to society."
Dr. Jigoro Kano
Judo Founder
(1860-1938)
Recommended Reading
HAGAKURE: The Book of the Samurai
by Yamamoto Tsunetomo (Author), William Scott Wilson (Translator)
"A Classic of Japanese thought…. Poetic, robust…a feast of aphorisms and martial anecdotes." -- New York Review of Books
"A fascinating glimpse into another place and time." -- Library Journal
"A guidebook and inspiration for ... anyone interested in achieving a courageous and transcendent understanding of life." -- East West Journal
"Yamamoto brought together three temperaments: loyalty to his master, a literary sensibility, and the enlightenment of Zen." -- Choice
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MY JUDO – An autobiography
By Masahiko Kimura
"Kimura no mae ni Kimura naku, Kimura no ato ni Kimura nashi."
“There never was a fighter like Kimura, before or since.”
Tsuneo Tomita - author of Sugata Sanshiro.
The official autobiography of one of the greatest Judoka of all time,
Masahiko Kimura (1917-1993). No English translation here. Also includes
20 pages of Judo throw instruction by Kimura himself.
At age 16, after six years of judo, Kimura was promoted to 4th dan. He
had defeated six opponents (who were all 3rd and 4th dan) in a row. In
1935 at age 18 he became the youngest ever godan (5th degree black
belt) when he defeated eight consecutive opponents at Kodokan. In 1937
Masahiko Kimura won the All Japan Championship at age 20. For the next
13 years he was undefeated before he retired.
In 1955, Kimura, at 38 years old, participated in a match in which he
defeated Hélio Gracie of the famous Gracie Jiu Jitsu family in a
submission judo match held in Brazil. As a tribute to Kimura's victory,
the reverse ude-garami technique has since been commonly referred to as
the Kimura, in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts circles.
KODOKAN JUDO: The Essential Guide to Judo
by Jigoro Kano
Judo, or the Way of Gentleness, an ideal form of physical exercise and a reliable system of self-defense, was specially created from traditional Japanese martial arts. This book by the creator of Kodokan judo is uniquely comprehensive and the most authoritative guide to this martial art ever published.
Over a hundred years ago Jigoro Kano mastered swordsmanship and
hand-to-hand combat. Failing to discover any underlying principle, he
set about designing a new martial art to reflect the concept of maximum
efficiency in the use of physical and mental energy. Today, the
concepts and techniques of judo taught at the Kodokan are the ones
originally devised by their creator and collected together in this
book. Covering everything from the fundamental techniques to
prearranged formal exercises for both men and women, the book offers
detailed explanations of how techniques are combined in two types of
practice: randori (free practice) and kata (the practice of forms).
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MIND OVER MUSCLE
By Jigoro Kano
This book is a collection of the life's work and essential teachings of Jigoro Kano, who founded Kodokan Judo in Tokyo in 1882. Kodokan Judo was for Kano the culmination of a lifelong devotion to the jujutsu of the past, which he reorganized along educational lines while taking great care to retain its classical traditions. In doing so, he opened the path from "jutsu" (skill) to "do" (way), and broadened the horizons of knowledge until he reached the point at which he began to advocate "seiryoku zenyo" (maximum efficiency) and "jita kyoei" (mutual prosperity), which represent the universality and ideal of human existence, and are the core values of judo.
Kodokan Judo / Throwing Techniques
By Toshiro Daigo
Throughout the long history of Japan's martial traditions, judo has evolved into one of the nation's richest and most revered cultural legacies. The vast array of judo techniques has branched out into three distinct categories: throwing techniques, grappling techniques, and striking techniques. Of these, throwing techniques (nage-waza) represent some of the most dynamic and compelling aspects of this world-famous martial art.
Judo: History, Theory, Practice
By Vladimir Putin
Written by Vladimir Putin, world leader and Judo black belt. Judo covers virtually every aspect of this combination sport and self-defense practice. The book includes highlights in the history and development of judo, all phases of its practice, plus a scientific analysis of techniques. Topics include judo uniforms, where matches take place, what rules fighters must follow, and how to start training. The book contains practical recommendations for judo fighters regarding diet and weight regulation as well as injury prevention. Designed for coaches, practitioners, and fans, this guided tour of Judo is packed with dynamic photos and illustrations.