Jiu Jitsu Complete. Kiyose Nakae. Citadel Press, Secaucus, NJ, 1958. Barely adequate drawings of various typical self defense reactions. 175 pp. Paperback.

Judo. M. Feldenkrais. Frederick Warne & Co., Ltd., 1944, 1953. Basic book by an intelligent practitioner who went on to do other unusual things.

Judo. Daeshik Kim and Kyung Sun Shin. William C. Brown Publishers, 1969, 1983. The picture on the cover of a class clearly practicing karate is not an auspicious omen, but the book provides an inexpensive introduction to Judo.

Judo. Sadaki Nakabayashi. Athletic Institute Series (New York: Sterling Publishing Co., Inc), 128 pp. Hardcover. A typical introductory book, with photos and directional arrows superimposed to show the direction of action. Good photos, good explanation, some slightly different methods than standard textbook Judo. Just warmups, throws, holddowns, and cooling off exercises, no chokes or armbars.

Judo. T. Shozo Kuwashima and Asbel R. Welch, Prentice-Hall, 1944. This is an early English language look at Judo before the West really had a sense of it as a competitive sport, hence the sub-title, "Forty one lessons in the Modern Science of Jiu-Jitsu." It is a minimal explanation of a very few and basic Judo skills, but with an emphasis more on self-defense usages.

Judo. Kenji Tomiki, Japan Travel Bureau, 1956. Hardback, 177 pp. Tomiki was one of Kano's top students, sent to learn Aikido from Ueshiba. He learned it and added a Kodokan flavor of his own now called Tomiki Aikido. This book describes Judo, but Aikido is also described in this book. Apparently this was the first English text discussing Aikido in any depth. Interestingly, however, the discussion itself describes the techniques as mere variants of Judo techniques, "adapted for self-defense ...". [p. 159]. The term "aikido" is not even used in the body of the text describing these variants, only the term "Judo."

Judo -- Sports Illustrated. By Paul Stewart. Time, Inc., 1976. 96 pp. hardcover small format. Sports Illustrated put out these nifty introductory books to various sports in the mid-1970's, this was the only martial art book in the series. Purely an introductory book, with coverage of representative techniques from standing throws, chokes, arm bars, and hold downs. The usual terminology glossary, and a very brief history, less than most. But, look at the demonstrator in the photographs: Yoshisada Yonezuka, a well known instructor and dynamic technician. He has been chairman of the USA Kodokan Committee for years, and so Americans certifying their rank through the Kodokan go through him. The very good photographs in this small book show dynamic, powerful techniques, probably not appreciated at all by the beginners for whom the book was written. [4/28/2000]. 

Judo at-a-glance. E. J. Harrison. Ottenheimer Publishers, 1954. An introductory perspective on Judo from a giant in British Judo, with a short but interesting history of Ju Jitsu.

Judo for the West. Geoff Gleeson. A.S. Barnes and Company, 1967. 203 pp. Written when Gleeson was British National Judo Coach, this is a coaching and teaching manual, using Gleeson's emphasis on Western pedagogical methods. The idea and theory of being "coach" is explored in depth in this book, and applied to both beginning and intermediate Judo students.

Judo for Young Men. Tadao Otaki and Donn Draeger. Kodansha International. 1965. 336 pp., Hardcover, slipcase. The subtitle is "An Interscholastic and Intercollegiate Standard," and it very well is. This is an introductory textbook that one would expect as an introduction to a sport for a sport major. In this case, its Judo, and it ranges from the basics of etiquette, history, theory and classifications of techniques,  to well-developed training drills for a wide range of standing and grappling techniques. Choking and arm-locking techniques are, oddly, not described in the book, as "instructors must constantly bear in mind that many of the young men that use this book are physiologically limited by a lack of maturity." Well, that's a little odd since even kids are taught such techniques these days, but this reflects the thoughts of the early 1960's. This is one of three training texts written and published by Draeger, all quite rare for some reason, but which represent the pinnacle of Judo training textbooks for the serious Judoka or instructor of a serious academic Judo curriculum. [6/12/2000].

Judo for Women. Ruth Horan. Bonanza Books, 1965. 149pp. hardcover. 326 photographs show a very good and diverse self-defense curriculum using Judo skills. Mr. Horan appears throughout as a somewhat older, gentle, patient, bemused looking individual who is thrown, manipulated, kicked, punched, torqued and twisted throughout the book. Hopefully their marriage survived the production of this book, and it is a useful book to have.

Judo in Action. Kazuzo Kudo, Japan Publications Trading Co. 1967, softcover. This is a two volume, slim set, one for grappling techniques and one for throwing techniques. It is one of the best catalogue books of Judo techniques, with excellent photographs and diagrams, important variations, and good explanations. Very well done approach. In hardcover, published as a single volume as Dynamic Judo, which contains additional material.

Judo Inside Out. Geof Gleeson. Lepus books, 1983. This is what Geof Gleeson thought about Judo, the way everyone else practiced it, and why they were wrong. Gleeson was intelligent and well read, and this book reflects a lifetime of this reading, observation of Judo psychology, coaching, Japanese concepts and how they have collided with Western (British) concepts. He discusses how Kano borrowed heavily from British sport as well as political and social philosophy in the original formulation of Judo, and how the Japanese culture had difficulty understanding and incorporating these concepts, which plagues Judo identity to this day. Gleeson was one of the few writers on Judo to begin to plumb just how profound Kano's understanding was of political philosophy, human relationships, sport dynamics, physical training, martial endeavors and modernity. That Judo represented a synthesis of many powerful ideas and cultural influences, and a purpose transcending, engulfing, martial arts, is still poorly understood today.

Judo in the U.S., Michel Brousse and David Matsumoto. USJF. 2005. Softcover large format , 160 pp. A history of Judo in the United States, lavishly illustrated. This is really a good job. Well written, it is a fun read, and an important cultural and political contribution to the history of Judo in the United States. At Amazon Books. [09/20/2008]

Judo, Formal Techniques. Tadao Otaki and Donn Draeger, Charles Tuttle and Co., 1983. This is a big book, dedicated to examining the Randori-no-Kata of Judo. It is complete, and it is thorough. It is the definitive book on the foundation kata of Judo. 451 pp. Hardbound. Paperback reprint Available at Amazon Books.

                            Judo Games. Geof Gleeson (London: A&C Black, 1989). small format paperback, 71 pp. Could we expect, from the Geof Gleeson, a simple book of Judo games? Of course not.  He analyzes Judo convention from the standpoint of sport theory, pointing out that each individual gains success by exploiting his or her particular strengths, not by emulating a standardized form. He uses words like "syncretistic vision" and then quotes Pablo Picasso. Well, that is vintage Geof Gleeson. Gleeson identifies four types of games, fun games, training games, tactical and strategy games, and moral games. Any game, according to Gleeson, should have three components: fun, educational (physical and moral) and ritual. Judo games need a particularly analytical component, because "Judo coaching moves along the sticky rails of orthodox technique." Finally, by page 33, we get to the chapter "how to use games." We haven't actually seen any games yet. But, he mentions that Judo is an exceptionally "bonding" sport, and noting how warm ups and games can satisfy that group participation that Judo people, in particular, enjoy. FINALLY, at page 35, he actually starts discussing some actual games. They are good ones. and cover a wide range of skill, strength and perceptual development. By page 55, Gleeson is back to theory again. A few more actual games would have been a nice addition to this book. But, for a coach or instructor, looking to understand games as well as obtain some good ones, this is the book. No longer in print, but worth looking for. [9/1/2002]

Judo Handbook. George A. Edwards and Alan R. Menzies. (New York: Bell Publishing Co., 1964. 104 pp., hardcover. A short history of British Judo and the European Judo Union precede a standard text on throwing, 20 throws, nine holddowns, six choking techniques, and six armlock techniques, plus a section on a typical promotional exam for colored and black belts, how to join a Judo club in Britain, and an appendix listing the members of the European Judo Union, finished off by a very good glossary of Japanese Judo terms, including terms not frequently seen, but useful to use such as "Ohkiku" to make a very big motion, "osoi," slow, "sukoshi" a little, "tsuyoi" strong, along with the more standard Judo words. [9/1/2002]

Judo: Heart and Soul. Hayward Nishioka. OHara Publications. 2000.  As a long-time professor at Los Angeles City College, Hayward Nishioka has had a rich and full career, dedicated to Judo. This book is a kind of reflective autobiography, but nicely organized in short chapters, each one dedicated to a particular passing thought, of the kind of thoughts that one might have from time to time in Judo. These vary from superstitions in Judo to what makes a champion, to a variety of Japanese terms that have special cultural connotations, which Nishioka nicely summarizes. Su ram pu, for instance, is the Japanese word for "slump"; the explanation quickly turns to how to deal with these slumps, in training, in everyday life. Nebarizuoi means tenacious or persevering, and Nishioka exemplifies this attitude with Canadian Nicholas Gill, and how he won two key matches solely because of this attitude, These multitude of short chapters range broadly from everyday Judo injuries, to dealing with difficult opponents, to changes in Judo, to sport, to training methodologies. You name it, you've thought about it, there's probably something here for you. The bonus in this book, though, is from Nishioka's scrapbook, taken over a 40 year span of Judo. Bruce Lee looks like Bruce Lee, but Chuck Norris, he looks like he's 16. Gene LaBell looked like THAT when he was 25? The mischief has not left his face 40 years later. Nishioka's family, his father and grandfather, various tournaments, champions, friends, and coaches, this is a sensitive collection of photos and memories of a life in Judo. Combined with the eminently readable practical as well as philosophical content, the reader can leave this book with a much broader understanding of a life of Judo, and the firm conviction that this was a wonderful life indeed. This book is, for some reason, a little hard to get even though recently published. Available at Amazon Books.

Judo, A Pictorial Manual. Pat Harrington, Charles E. Tuttle Company, 1987. This is a very thorough overview of Judo, with an appropriate emphasis on women in Judo. If a Judoka wanted a textbook on Judo, with a thorough coverage of its many facets, this book comes very close to an ideal, including a strong emphasis on the Gokyo and on several kata, including the usual Randori no kata but also several which are rarely performed, including the National Physical Education Kata, Ju no kata and others. Available at Amazon Books

Judo: Revival Points. D. & J. Lawson-Wood. Health Science Press, 1960. 49pp. This little hardcover book mentions Judo perhaps twice, and then switches to Chinese massage skills and techniques, or "kwappo," not only with the idea of fixing cramps and other injuries, but improving overall posture and health. No Judo techniques, except that the authors point out that the skills they expound upon used to be part of Judo curriculum.

  Judo: Techniques & Tactics. Jimmy Pedro. Human Kinetics Publishers, 2001. Softcover, 183 pp. William Durban Co-author. Jimmy Pedro has been a hard-working and inspirational Judo competitor, a three time Olympian and 1996 Olympic bronze medalist. Sadly, the book does not tell us much about how Jimmy Pedro does Judo, or why, but it is a workmanlike beginner's text for Judo, with broad coverage of history, philosophy, class etiquette, a cross section of important Judo standing and mat techniques, a brief look at competition and some warm-up exercises. The publisher is Human Kinetics, a well-known publisher of physical education textbooks, and it no doubt dictated this approach as its offerings have long been weak in martial arts, with a long-standing need for a basic Judo textbook. Well, here it is. It is competent, but uninspiring. It does not match the career of its dedicated author. However, for the novice student it provides a clear, straightforward introduction to Judo. Available at Amazon Books! [1/28/2002]. Link includes several sample pages.

Judo Textbook. Hayward Nishioka and James R. West. Ohara Publications, 1979. An introductory book, it covers belt tying, breakfalls, etiquette, basic techniques, a very extensive reference to Japanese terminology throughout which is quite useful, and some good discussion on philosophy and history. Available at Amazon Books: Judo Textbook : In Practical Application.

Judo Top Action. Ulrich Klocke. Meyer and Meyer, 2001. The editor of the German publication Judo Sport Journal has put together a very nice book of modern Judo throws, shown through actual tournament photographs of recent years. Modern champions are given nice sidebar treatment, and there is a nice short statistical survey of the most successful Judo throws of the 1999 World Championships. The book has a very nice layout, spectacular photographs, and excellent descriptive text. A serious competitor will want this book. Available at Amazon Books. [12/6/2001].

Judo, Through the Looking Glass. Jerry Hicks. Redcliffe Press, Ltd., 1994. Judo is an experience art, consistent with its Zen foundations. This is a collection of stories about various experiences in Judo; subtitled "Tales of Now and Zen".

Judo Training Methods. Donn Draeger and Takahiko Ishikawa. Charles A. Tuttle Co., Rutland, VT and Tokyo, 1961. 324 pp. Hardbound. A preeminent historian of Japanese Martial Arts, Draeger, combines with one of the competitive greats, Ishikawa, the only Judoka to outlast Kimura in an All-Japan Championship, to produce a fine book on Judo training. Ishikawa fought Kimura to a standstill in the 1949 All-Japan Championships in one of the most remarkable contests in Judo history. The referee, Mifune, finally had to declare, for the first and only time in the All-Japan Championship history, a draw, and that they were both "All-Japan Champions." This book is meant to be a thorough training guide for the serious Judoka, and includes discussion of philosophy, modern sport physiology, weight training, re-definition of many Judo techniques, and various recommended training programs to achieve specific results. Suggested teaching curriculums are included, for beginners on up. This appears to have represented an attempt, an extremely good attempt, at formulating a modern textbook of Judo, meeting the standards of any rigorous university physical education department. Many scientific studies are included and very good photographs, many, many photographs, using Ishikawa and Draeger as the subjects. Perhaps one-third of the book is devoted to weight training where Draeger shows off his physique. Really an outstanding book, useful to this day. This remarkable book is back in print at Amazon Books: Judo Training Methods : A Sourcebook.

Judo Yell. Alice Sankey. Albert Whitman & Co., Toronto, 1972, 128 pp. hardcover. I suppose, if there is a method of comparing the non-competitive martial arts and their effect on children, with the competitive martial arts, it is in the dearth of novels and stories that are outgrowths of how children overcome personal challenges in every day life using the non-competitive arts. Judo is different, and this is one of those short little novelettes, designed for ages 15 and under, but enjoyable by anyone, wherein a boy overcomes pain and social awkwardness to obtain some measure and sense of self worth by his accomplishments in Judo.