Product Description
Excellenta classic in its genre' Robert Twigger, Sunday Times One of the year's most entertaining sports books, and the best one to be written about a martial art since Robert Twigger's Angry White Pyjamas. It's lively, it's witty and, above all, so persuasively enthusiastic that by the end you'll find yourself feeling an intense urge to try it for yourself' James Delingpole, Mail on Sunday This is damn fine stuff, and will entertain and enlighten an audience far beyond the confines of the dojo' Andrew Baker, Daily Telegraph Mark Law's book is the first literary sports book on the most popular of the martial arts. Law took up judo at 50; he follows the history of the sport back to its Samurai beginnings, profiles the legends of judo from the Japanese Kimura to the giant Dutchman Geesink, and at his London club even finds himself battling Brian Jacks, the former BBC Superstars champion. Superbly well written, intellectually rigorous and brilliantly witty, this is a magisterial exploration of a sport practised by thousands in Britain, but still one of the most enigmatic of pastimes. Mark Law is Editor of the online magazine The First Post (www.thefistpost.co.uk).He has been a member of a judo club for some years. He lives in London. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A.K.A. "Falling Hard: A Journey Into the World of Judo"
see UK site for add'l reviews

ALTERNATE TITLE:

"FALLING HARD: A JOURNEY INTO THE WORLD OF JUDO"

A JOURNEY WORTH TAKING
Any student of judo knows that most of the books written about the art/sport/science are generally nothing more than "how-to" manuals.Mark Law's THE PYJAMA GAME:A JOURNEY INTO JUDO is a lot more than that.Law writes about the history of judo and how it came to the western world.He writes about the sport's legendary early practioners and how it came to be an Olympic sport.And he writes about judo's philosophy.But more than this,Law writes about his own personal experiances in the world of judo.And that's what makes this book special. This isn't just a book by some judo champion writing about how he became a champion and his favorite techniques.It's a book by an average man who takes up the discipline.And as such it's a book about judo that just about anyone can understand.It's a book that I can't recommend enough to any and all judokas.And I can't wait for the release of Law's follow up book FALLING HARD:A JOURNEY INTO THE WORLD OF JUDO.

A Wonderful Journey Into Judo
I loved The Pyjama Game: A Journey Into Judo by Mark Law. The book is well-written and an enjoyable read throughout, although the title is a misnomer (judo is not a game and the training uniform is certainly not for sleeping). I especially like that it is one of the few books that makes judo understandable to a non-judo audience. Many parts are humorous, others contain tough stories of training and combat, others contain insights into judo history. It is a wonderful introduction to judo for new students as it transmits some of the beauty and magic of judo while paradoxically explaining the rigors of training and heartbreak of competition. For more knowledgeable judoka, the book is a great reminder of the long road we have traveled and the common bond that ties us together regardless of where in the world we practice.

I recommend The Pyjama Game for anyone with an interest in judo.[...]
Quotes from the book:

"The dojo is a place where men can behave like children and children can behave like men."

"Commitment aside, for many people the sport is just too unpleasant. The white suits and the bowing are fine. But not only is there repeated and sudden contact with the mat, there is quite a bit of unpleasant contact with your partner. For instance, just to be on the receiving end of uchikomi, which involves no fighting at all, is uncomfortable; with certain people this drill can feel like skiing into a tree a hundred times. Randori is extremely tiring and sometimes painful. People come to the conclusion that being repeatedly smacked on the floor is not how they really want to spend their precious spare time."

"As the judoka progresses, he will learn to handle extreme physical exertion and suffering, but there is one thing that will push his endurance to its very limits. This occurs in social encounters with friends from the world outside the dojo who will, during a lull in the conversation, suddenly flatten their palms and do some weird movements while asking, 'Are you still doing the old...karate?'" ... Read more

Product Description
Ages 6 to 9 years. This book takes kids into the exciting world of judo. Kids will be fascinated to learn the history, etiquette, and inventive moves of this peaceful martial art. Bright photos and exciting text help bring judo to life by outlining: how to perform the basic moves; throws, holds, locks , and kata; safety in the dojo. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A blast from the past...
Back in the early 1980s I endured a lot of bullying as a small high-schooler with a big mouth.I began taking karate lessons in order to protect myself and eagerly looked for any martial arts books I could find.Ironically I discovered "Judo Boy," the tale of a lad who takes up Judo to combat bullies, in the sanctuary of my school library.I ended up reading "Judo Boy" a couple of times because of the encouragement it offered during a difficult life stage.

The story concerns Rod Mitchell, a young man who gets soundly thumped by the student body's resident tormentor.Seeking help, Rod is introduced to Judo by an Asian-American friend, and he fervently works to gain anti-bully skills.We follow Rod's training and see him grow not only in ability but in maturity as well.Of course, Rod eventually comes face-to-face with his nemesis, and their confrontation is as satisfying as one might expect.Although it was written in the 1960s, "Judo Boy" is quite similar in theme to the "Karate Kid" movie that also captivated me in my youth.

Bear in mind that it has been almost twenty-seven years since I read "Judo Boy" so I'm a bit fuzzy on the details.Indeed, I had to refer to this page's Customer Image for a reminder of our hero's name and the existence of his crucial friend.Over the years I've thought about this book from time to time, and recently reading an interesting non-fiction account of Judo titled "Falling Hard" by Mark Law made me wonder if "Judo Boy" is still available.I fondly remember carrying it around school with me like a talisman (and how mortified I was when, after forgetting it on the school bus, the driver held it up in front of everyone to find the owner), and I'd like to have a copy in my library.

Although I never had the satisfaction of a decisive victory over my high-school tormentors, "Judo Boy" and karate helped me to grow up, endure a rough situation, and arrive at graduation intact so I could escape into the Marine Corps.That was probably a more optimal outcome than a fight would've been anyway.Now, after studying various self-defense methods over the years and earning a 2nd-degree black belt in Kenpo karate, I look fondly upon Mr. Ball's book as the genesis of a lifelong affection for the martial arts.Someday I hope to read "Judo Boy" again, and perhaps pass it on to someone else for their own personal edification. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A GUIDE TO ARMLOCK MASTERY
This is another great volume from the Masterclass series of judo books.This one is written by Neil Adams,one of Europe's all-time great judokas.A world champion(1981),Adams also took the silver medal in both the 1980 and 1984 Olympics.Known throughout the world for his ground techniques and armlocks I can't think of anyone better qualified to write this book.There's a brief history of armlocks in grappling. And though the book concentrates on the juji gatame and it's different variations,there are chapters on the ude gatame,ude garami(a.k.a the kimura),waki gatame and others.There's even a chapter on using armlocks in self-defense situations.A really great book and one I recommend to all judo practioners. ... Read more

Book Description
From Karate to Jiu Jitsu and Judo, this book brings the best known of the martial arts together in one fascinating and informative volume with step-by-step pictorial instructions and detailed text. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great
This book is great for beginners.An excellent introduction to some of the basic techniques im martial arts.A must have for all beginners.Written excellently. ... Read more

Product Description
A fantastic book full of information, detailed pictures and descriptions of self defence with judo throwing techniques. ... Read more

Product Description
Concentrates on basic and effective sweeps, reaps and wheels. Fully illustrated. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

An excellent introduction to using foot throws whether you are into judo, karate or self-defense.
The author is a well-known judo expert who also studied karate.His insight on how to use various foot throws for karate and self-defense is superb.He covers the basic and advanced techniques in this great book.He shows how to set up and execute various foot throws for street self-defense, as well as when doing formal karate or judo.In conclusion, this is a book for anyone who desires to learn how to use foot throws in combination with karate and self-defense situations.Rating: 5 stars.Joseph J. Truncale (Author:Martial Art Myths, Season of the Warrior: a poetic tribute to warriors, Never Trust a Politician, Pro-Systems Combatives manuals vol. 1.2, Monadnock Defensive Tactics System).

Good review but a bit dated.
This is a good review of the basic sweeps for different situations.However, it is basic and the presentation is a bit dated.No real use for competitive judo, as far as, set-ups and combos.Still a good book if looking for basics or a practioner of a different art other than judo who would like to increase knowledge of foot sweeps.

Desent Book
This book is filled with a lot of pictures, but at times they are hard to follow what actually the author is doing.I would not recommend this book for beginners!

Great step-by-step guide to foot throws
I had the great pleasure of getting the snot kicked out of me by Dr. Nishioka at a judo seminar some 20 years ago. He is not only one of the best practitioners ever to compete in the sport but an excellent instructor and lecturer as well. I learned more during those few hours than I did in many of the preceding months.

This fine text covers the dynamics of sweeps, reels, and leg throws in an easy to read and understand manner. While you cannot learn any martial art purely from a book, the graphics are clear and the step-by-step explanations are excellent. It is an excellent supplement for judo training. Practitioners of other martial arts can still benefit from understanding the principles of unbalancing and throwing an opponent. While I have studied judo in the past, I'm almost entirely focused on karate today. Many of the concepts and techniques discussed in this book are equally applicable to both arts.

Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction

An excellent resource for beginners and advanced Judo player
This fine work provides basic, intermediate and advanced techniques for the Judo player.It is clearly written and provides excellent photography to help the reader understand the movements. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Judo In Action, throwing techniques

I have been looking for this older book for quite awhile.I have the companion book to this one.My five grandsons and their father find these two books very helpful in their Judo trainning.The book arrived quickly and was in very good condition.

A fantastic basic guide to Judo Throwing Techniques by a true master of the art.
This was one of the first Judo books I had ever read when I was active in that great sport and martial art.The photographs are clear and easy to follow.The step by step format makes this book a valuable aid when used in combination with actual training in a dojo with qualified black belt instructors.This book covers the essential basic principles of how to set up and complete numerous Judo throws such as Ogoshi, Tai a Toshi, Uki-goshi, De Ashi Barai and many other throws. In conclusion, this book is a classic that anyone involved in Judo will love.Rating: 5 Stars.Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Monadnock Defensive Tactics System, Use of the Monadnock Straight Baton, PR-24 Police Baton Advanced Techniques, Martial Art Myths, Season of the Warrior, Never Trust a Politician).

Fantastic and Informative
Fantastic book that illustrates throwing technique, step by step, highly recommend it. A good compliment to the Judo in Action, grappling techniques book.

Magnificent little book
This book is an exemplar of the golden age of martial arts texts. The black and white photography is crystal clear, and there are stop action photos from every angle.

The author was a direct student of Jigoro Kano, and that shows before page one, in the quotation about perfecting yourself and contributing something of value to the world.

That's one of the reasons that judo and karate have flourished; the cornerstones of martial arts here in the United States started with perfection of character and moved from that point to technique.

In this little volume, the photographs are as clear as though the book were tabletop sized.

The book has a mass of information, including tips to get better results and common mistakes.

This is a book about the throws used in sport judo, and that is the focus of the book. If you're looking for a book about crushing throats or breaking necks and sentry stalking, look at book about World War II combatives, not here.

This is a breathtakingly beautiful and encyclopedic pictoral essay about judo throws used in sport judo (it's a rough sport, but it's a sport).

The currently-famous BJJ versions of this discipline spring from exactly the same roots as the techniques shown in this book. If you're studying BJJ, you may want to review this because the emphasis is a little different, and you may pick up one or two techniques that aren't frequently encountered in your competitions (and having an extra waza in your bag 'o tricks never hurts).

For those interested in sport judo, this is an excellent resource. For those interesting in seeing if they can find a new trick for street defense, this is a fully stocked larder; you'll need to sift, but this is pure gold.

The price-per-technique ration here is great, and the quality of exposition is also world class.

Frankly, the only way you can go wrong with this book is if you want to learn dog grooming and get this book by mistake.

Very good book.
This is a very good book on standing judo techniques.But keep in mind that it is a "catalog" book that shows the throws, but does not have a whole lot of material on variations or tactics. ... Read more

Product Description
Introduces the history, basic moves, and terminology of this martial art. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A SOLID JUDO TRAINING MANUAL
If you were to purchase a book on overall judo training you couldn't do too much better than this one.It's written by Mike Swain,the first American to win a world championship in judo.The 4-time Olympian takes you through all the basics here.Throwing,grappling,gripping and training methods.There's even a brief bio on this judoka who has won medals in all the major international tournaments that he competed in.The one drawback to this book is that quite a few of the photo illustrations are too small to study.Otherwise I recommend this book.

Modern Judo by a world champion
Championship Judo is written by Mike Swain, World Champion, Olympic medalist and a writer of several books, videos and DVDs of grappling. The book si intended to intermediate, modern Judoka or grappler that is interested on more than the basics.

The book starts with ordinary stuff; bio, falling, basic gripping, etc. The throwing section shows the standard way plus competitive variations, a big plus. The groundwork part is well thought of and shows plenty of turns, wicked chokes and escapes. A much more thorough treatment than inmany current books.

The competitive Judo section covers advanced gripping (hard to find elsewhere), transitions to groundwork. The final section of the book is dedicated to excercises and sample programs.

For modest sum of money you get a good solid book with much content. Would have rated this a five star, but for typos in japanese terminology with small black and white pictures. ... Read more

Product Description
In this collection of vignettes from the Black Belt Hall of Fame member (1968, Judo Competitor of the Year and 1977, Judo Instructor of the Year) and judo champion (Pan-American Games gold medal, AAU Nationals grand champion, National Masters champion), Hayward Nishioka shares memories of his glory days and explains how the positive qualities of judo practice and competition changed his life. He also gives you training tips and competition advice. Fully illustrated. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Inspirational Tidbits from A Judo Expert
I read this when I start to get discouraged and it always brings me up. Very encouraging and inspiring wisdom tidbits to get you more centered and focused. Transcends Judo techniques and is applicable to life outside the mat.

But then again, that is what Judo is all about. Judo is a "microcosm of life". Get fired up, get inspired. Read this book!

Helped Change the way I Fight...
I will keep this short...one of my instructors is an old school Judo player.This instructor pulled me aside one day and told me to get this book and read it from cover to cover.He then told me to read it again right before my next shiai(Judo Comp).I did and took what the book said to heart.Now it is not an uncommon thing for me to sweep the divisions I fight in by staying in thewhenever I fight.

Judo Heart and Soul
In reviewing the book, Judo Heart and Soul, I found the layout of photo's and text both relevent to the subject of Judo on both the experiences and the follow up pictures very relevant and informative for both the novice as well as the more experienced Judoka. not only at the club level, but also at all levels of competition, be it regional,inter state, national & international. The dedication and hard training necessary can be realized by the descriptions throughout the book. excellent work and material for an aspiring Judoka.Ken Whitney

Fills the void
Judo: Heart & Soul is such a good book.
It is not technical in nature so you will not learn new techniques from it.

What you will get from this book is the set of small wisdoms, tips and stories about Judo that we all live through, or that we will be going through.


What I like about this book is that it fills the void
in what Judo books usually cover. Most of the books out there (and many of them are great) are Judo technical or reference books. That is all great, but what I always wanted was
this kind of a practice and competition guide - full of wisdoms, tips, and mental guides. This book is exactly that
- it is a group of essays that talk about common experiences in Judo that keep you going.
What was the most helpful to me was the set of confirmations that I found in the book about how I approach Judo, how I practice it,
what I do and think in competition ...
In other words, I realize now that I am not crazy - we all (Judoka) are.

Great book
I had the great pleasure of getting the snot kicked out of me by Dr. Nishioka at a judo seminar some 20 years ago. He is not only one of the best practitioners ever to compete in the sport but an excellent instructor and lecturer as well. I learned more during those few hours than I did in many of the preceding months.

This excellent book reads very much like meeting him in person. His stories are interesting and inspirational. His training tips are solid and well illustrated. The first chapter is a collection of short vignettes. The second provides excellent technical advice, mostly about throws. The third chapter is strategic, focusing on competition and how to better your chances of becoming a champion. The final chapter is more vignettes and philosophy from this outstanding martial artist. You don't have to be a judoka to enjoy it but you'll find a greater depth of appreciate for this book if you are.

Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction ... Read more

Product Description
The book in two parts, follows the author from early days in Glasgow, when he first fell in love with the sport on an amazing journey to become a contest player and compete for his country at Olympic level. Covering all the highs and lows the disappointments and struggles both physical and emotional, the sacrifices and decisions that he made to achieve his aims. The book gives an insight to the fears and the ambition of a contest player; it follows the author through his judo path to present time with an amazing honesty to his thoughts about judo. The main criteria of the book is contest orientated, it provides the serious minded judoka with an insight to judo at power level, the training and the thought process of planning and preparation for competition as well as the attitude required to be successful. Building on strength's, knowing your weaknesses as well as training the mind to adapt to extreme situations, the thought process of being egotistic and feeling you are the best is highlighted on the authors journey to find himself.The technical side, and skills cover both Tachi waza and Ne waza, with insight of how you can secure the skills to a contest situation, Renraku waza and Kaeshi waza, (combination and counter techniques) are prominent in the book as are the main throws used in competitions judo today.Basic holds as well as the dynamic Sangaku techniques to roll over also illustrated, with detailed explanations of checkmate holds and what they mean. The book, will give the young aspiring judoka inspiration and ambition, as well as belief in themselves to achieve there aims. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

An excellent basic guide to Judo techniques and tactics mainly for sport.
Gene LeBell is a true living legend in the wrestling and martial art fields.This was his first book on judo and it covers the basic throws, pins and locks that are used in traditional judo tournaments.Though some of the techniques shown are nolonger allowed in modern judo tournaments; nevertheless, this is a excellent introduction to judo from a true master of the art.Rating: 4 Stars.Joseph J. Truncale (Author:Bushi Satori Ryu Official Jujitsu Manual, Martial Art Myths, Season of the Warrior, Never Trust a Politician, Monadnock Defensive Tactics System, Use of the Monadnock Straight Baton).

Winning in SPORT Judo or SPORT Grappling +++
This book modestly claims to be a step-by-step guide to winning in sport Judo. Indeed, Gene Lebell, and assistants, present a compact and systemized manual on the best of modern free-style Judo. The strategy is simple amd excellent -- such as The Moving-Wheel [when standing] and The Triangle and The Outrigger [when on-matt]. I was grateful to learn to apply such strategy when Wrestling. It applies to all SPORT grappling -- including free-style Wrestling -- and makes for quick and accurate reaction for SPORT grappling. Indeed, Gene Lebell makes great usage of free-style Wrestling compatible with Judo -- givng such Judo more angles and options -- expanding and extending it. In fact, much of this Gene Lebell Judo has moves not allowed in recent formal sport Judo. This includes "illegal" arm, leg, spine and neck locks -- and even some elbow moves not allowed -- such as the "short rib rest" [jabbing elbow point into foe's ribs]. This book is easy to follow -- very clear and modular [by theme]. Even if you do NOT want to "go-to-ground" due to sparring, grappling and self-defense concerns -- "Gene Lebell's Handbook of Judo" IS a fine way to learn about free-style Judo useful for SPORT grappling.

It IS very good to know how to COUNTER going-to-ground -- EVEN IF IMPRACTICAL FOR GENERAL SELF-DEFENSE -- due to a number of likely concerns. Any remote possibilty of allies [unarmed or armed] makes it dangerous for defenders to be entangled on the ground -- due to getting stomped, smashed, stabbed or shot by an ally [of any type] -- or clawed and bitten by an animal [of any type]. Even a single unarmed foe can BITE or head-butt -- grip or slam harshly with a free arm -- and kick or knee harshly with a free leg. A crazy drunk, drugged or deranged single foe may feel little or no pain -- while attacking in a crazy frenzy -- including the above all-out attacks. Then there is possible hard harsh terrain [to fall-on and roll-on] and hard harsh courts -- who may rule-out self-defense for those who go-to-ground with foes -- due to the mutual entangled aggression involved. So it's NOT a good habit to train in SEEKING going-to-ground for general self-defense.

BUT for know-how in SPORT Judo or any sport allowing standing and ground ground grappling -- "Gene LeBell's Handbbok of Judo" IS a great single source for strategy, tactics and practice +++

Very unique judo book
This book has it all, from basic to combination throws, pins and controlling techniques, gi and no-gi techniques...Gene LeBell has long been acknowledged as one of the best grapplers ever to come out of the US, and one look at this book will show you why.In addition to covering throws and pins in detail, LeBell also shows counters to these techniques, as well as variations of standard techniques.The chapters on illegal holds and grapevining also shows how well he was able to blend judo with catch-wrestling techniques.While I would say that the book could be usefull to students of traditional judo, I belive that those who would bennifit the most are students of grappling arts which are more inclusive with their holds, such as BJJ and Sambo.I also think that anyone transitioning from freestyle wrestling to judo would find this book usefull.The only downside I can think of is that the photos are not of the best quality.Anyone serious about martial arts in general, and grappling in particular, should own this book.

Competitive Grappling Guide from a Master Technician!
This volume, originally published in 1962, was "Judo" Gene LeBell's first book.The basics are covered briefly, and most of the volume is concerned with covering competition techniques and theories, with clear illustrations to explain the dynamics of each move along with precise narrative.Among others, LeBell expounds upon the Triangle Theory (pg 98), The Outrigger Theory (pg 99), counters, fakes, transitions, and entire chapter devoted to grapevines (immobilizing the lower body), strangles, locks, and true to the spirit of a practical nuts-and-bolts fighter like LeBell, a chapter on banned techniques entitled " 'Necking' Not Allowed/Noncompetitive Neck Locks", and another on banned leg locks.

This book is in essence a primer on grappling, more than simply a text on competitive judo.Despite having been originally published over 40 years ago, you will find that the tactics covered in this volume are still relevent and effective in todays world--and that nany of the techniques people credit to Brazilin jiu-jitsu were being used in the US of A long before the Gracies first set foot over here.I would recommend this and LeBell's other books "Grappling World" and "Grappling Master" along with Renzo and Royler Gracie's "Brazilian Jiu Jitsu" for anyone who has no problem learning from precise technical manuals on grappling.

Great
This is the best Judo book ever IMO.Gene does a great job at explaining all the moves.He is very descriptive.You should check it out even if you're not into Judo. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Advanced Application for its Time!
His third book out of three; JUDO PRINCIPLES OF NEWAZA (c. 1967, 1969)by Antonius Johannes Geesink, 7th Dan (now 10th Dan), is the sequel to his 'GOKYO' and the second book of a series.In JUDO PRINCIPLES OF NEWAZA, Anton Geesink continued his 1967 seminal argument "that 'Ne-waza' was being unjustly left out in the cold by many judokas" (p. 7).This was the ground breaking 1967 opinion that led to the emphasis of 'matwork' in Western Judo competition throughout the 1970s, and beyond, which was validated by the author's 1964 Olympic gold medal in Judo won by Kesa-Gatame.

In JUDO PRINCIPLES OF NEWAZA the author demonstrated that there is no dominant position to take in Judo newaza since your opponent can be defeated regardless of his position."For example, Tori can effect a certain strangling technique in a variety of ways: on top of Uke; underneath him; to the rear of him; with uke on his stomach, etc. The same thing can be said of certain other holds or arm locks." (p. 9).

In this 1967 work Anton Geesink further demonstrated in clear black & white photographs an active use of legwork to control the opponent while applying a technique.On page 44 Sensei Geesink demonstrated Ude-Garami (Arm Winding), then on page 45 Kazure Ude-Garame I (variation I) then Kazure Ude-Garame II through IV from pages 45 to 50.Similarly, Sensei Geesink performed Sankaku-Jime (Triangle Strangle) on pages 92 and its variations from Yoko-Shiho-Gatame, Kazure Sankaku-Jime on pages 94-95.Sensei Geesink was a big practitioner of Sankaku-Jime in the 1960s Judo competitions.

The Katame No Kata was developed at the Kodokan between 1884 and 1887 following the development of the Nage No Kata, and contained a much smaller amount of techniques than in the case of Tachi-Waza.The principles of ne-newaza, Sensei Geesink observed, "that it is by no means difficult for the novice and junior judokas to master them." (p.9).But these principles in contest can prove rather advantageous because the competitors can "vary them in every possible way." (p.9).

The 1967 book JUDO PRINCIPLES OF NEWAZA is made further interesting for the author's use of Judo champions such as Isao Okano and Yamanaka as Uke to demonstrate chokes, hold-downs, and arm bars - and for Sensei Geesink's advanced advocacy on 'matwork' for victory in contest Judo.

One of very few books on the subject
One of the only English language books ever written on the Judo ground technique of Ne-Waza, this book offers detailed (yet practical and easy to follow) text and photo diagrams on fundamental and advanced tactics and techniques in this martial arts discipline. The book is long out of print and has become quite a sought after reference work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A good concise Judo book for the aspiring Judoka
A concise Judo book written by a professional writer with Judo skills. Many of the fighters illustrating his techniques have become British judo champions. ... Read more

Product Description
Commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the United States Judo Federation, this volume traces the more than 100-year history of judo practice in America. The authors begin with a comprehensive survey of Japan’s classical disciplines, which sets the foundation for understanding what judo is and what it means to the people who practice it. They show how, from its arrival on U.S. shores in the late nineteenth century, judo has built upon the strengths of the two societies it bridges. For martial arts practitioners and others interested in Asian and American cultural history, this thoroughly researched and richly illustrated book is an indispensable resource for understanding judo’s ongoing role in the contemporary life of the United States. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Helped me understand US judo organizations
This is a very nice history of judo in the US, with lots of interesting pictures of early literature, photos, and the like.One thing that I really liked about the book is that it explains the history and politics of the various judo organizations in the US, which had always been a mystery to me.

From an old hand.
Great book for the dedicated Judoka.Since I have been involved since 1965 reading it brought back many memories.

An inspiration for other judo organizations in the world!
This is a great book about the history of judo in the USA. The photos and artifacts are outstanding and give the reader a good impression of how judo has changed over the centuries.
For me as judoka from Germany, training now in the US, the book helped me to understand the developments and relationships between the different American judo organizations. I hope that this book is an inspiration for other judo organizations in the world (for example the Deutsche (German) Judo Bund) to write down their own judo history before it has been forgotten

A few gaps but still entertaining.
While I think a few very important folks were overlooked, I think this is an important history of Judo.Tons of trivia that wont be found elsewere. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

great place to start a study of martial arts, or to add to your toolbox
This guy is a seminal martial arts teacher. And an early exponent of mixed martial arts!

I have purist martial arts expert buddies who sneer at him because his technique isn't the same as the technique taught in their styles. Or because he doesn't teach obviously vicious and death-dealing techniques.

Well, too bad!

What they don't understand is that Tegner was writing to a civilian population in a relatively safe, law abiding world, where most guys were going to deal, at worst, with some bullying and a challenge to "take it outside". He was not, in this book, preparing guys to be commandos or inner-city cops.

Tegner knew that most of the people who read his books were not going to spend ten or twenty years in a dojo learning techniques that had only some application to the real world.

Tegner was a serious judo guy. He'd studied all his life. And judo guys aren't sissies; they call it the gentle way, but when a judo guy hits you with the biggest weapon around (the planet Earth) it doesn't feel very gentle. And you can get seriously hurt in judo if you aren't lucky.

He'd also studied broadly, and had a good knowledge of what techniques were available for hand to hand combat of all sorts, including military hand to hand.

He made intelligent choices of techniques that laymen without a lot of time to spend on training could practice to improve their chances of surviving a fight.

If you are a beginner to martial arts and want to read an author who has balanced ease of use, length of practice to proficiency, and likelihood that the techniques will send you to Sing Sing after the fistfight, this is a perfectly good place to start.

Bear in mind that no book can teach you to fight, and that you'll need to practice with a partner (very carefully and under competent supervision) and on a bag. Also bear in mind that the laws of self defense differs between jurisdictions.

In any case, buying all the Tegner books there are and reviewing the sorts of tricks he teaches is a perfectly good way to begin a study of self defense.

And I give this guy five stars partly because of the cost to technique ratio!

Self defense
Very easy to use techniques for self defense.Bruce Tegner combines best of all self defense styles and demos them for the average person. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Juji-Gatame.
If you like juji-gatame (the prone cross-body armlock), then buy this book.Could have used more photos, from some different angles, so 4 instead of 5 stars. ... Read more