Mastering Judo (Mastering Martial Arts Series)
by Masao Takahashi
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Book Summary Information
Author: Masao TakahashiEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2005-05-03
ISBN: 073605099X
Number of pages: 224
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Book Reviews of Mastering Judo (Mastering Martial Arts Series)
Book Review: The title tells it all!
Summary: 5 Stars
Judo has proven itself one of the most effective styles in MMA, along with Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai. This book provides an excellent opportunity for experienced martial artists to enrich their game with Judo concepts, and for Judoka to deepen their understanding of their chosen art and to enhance their performance significantly both on the tournament floor and on the street.
I very much enjoyed this book and I will continue to refer to it and learn from it in the future. I will list the things about it that struck me the most:
It points out the differences between training in Judo for sport and training in Judo for combat, and it devotes about equal time to both facets. It points out though that it is best not to prefer one over the other but to strive to excell in them both equally.
It covers in depth strategy, gripping, combination techniques, the butterfly guard, passing the guard, sweeps, defences to strikes, throws, strikes, joint locks, pins and chokes.
It has a great deal to say also about competition psychology, strength training, conditioning and nutrition.
There is a lengthy and very detailed section on self-defence applications that is particularly interesting. I love the direct methods, particularly the knee-strike and guillotine choke combination.
All the kata sequences are listed and described.
There are pictures of all the techniques of Judo, organized by category.
There is a great deal of attention payed to ground fighting, of great interest obviously to self-defence and MMA fans.
The tone of the book is very humble and its style very direct. Although it mentions MMA, it veers away from getting into a style-versus-style analysis. Regarding MMA (since many potential purchasers may be interested in knowing what this book has to say about it), it simply states that Judoka are not encouraged to take part in it although some go against the norm, that Brazilian Jiu-jitsu which has many competitors in MMA encompasses the same techniques as Judo, and that MMA is facing the same problems that Judo faced early on, and is adapting to them in very similar ways: for example, periods of stalemate on the ground are now broken up in MMA and the competitors are re-started standing up, as in modern Judo; also MMA is trying to give more emphasis to the standing element of fighting through short rounds that begin standing, since this is more exciting for the crowd. Kimura's name pops up a few times, and his victory over Helio Gracie is described as evidence for the credibility of Judo as a fighting art. I think the general gist of the book is that Judo should be seen as something of an 'ultimate fighting' art in its own right, since it encompasses so many skills and provides good training in using them through ground and standing free-fighting (randori), competition and other methods. The authors have nothing but respect for other systems. The Takahashi dojo offers classes in MMA, Karate, Aikido, Kendo and several other arts besides Judo, so one can readily appreciate how broad the family's knowledge of martial arts is. The success of all the authors in Judo competition, coaching and self-defence instruction (including teaching two prime-ministers and their children) lends a great deal of weight to all the advice they give.
I highly recommend this book.
Summary of Mastering Judo (Mastering Martial Arts Series)
Immerse yourself in the art and sport of judo like never before in Mastering Judo. Gain a rich understanding of the philosophy, history, and practices that distinguish judo from other martial arts. Become more proficient in the techniques, tactics, and training necessary to rise through the ranks.
Mastering Judo will add to your appreciation of the principles that distinguish the art in formal exercises (kata) and to your toughness and spontaneity in both freestyle fighting (randori) and competitive matches (shiai). Firmer grounding in the roots and wisdom of traditional judo practices will enhance your ability to use your body and your mind to the ultimate advantage when facing an opponent.
Written by the Takahashi family, with more than 200 years of experience teaching, coaching, and competing in judo throughout the world, this resource crosses both generation and national boundaries in its approach and application.
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