A martial arts biography of the legendary founder of judo, Jigoro Kano, and the colorful coterie of disciples who wanted to carry on his legacy Kodokan judo, one of the most well-known martial arts in the world today, was originated by Jigoro Kano (1860–1938), a martial artist and career educator who developed the art after studying several types of jujutsu, sumo, and Western wrestling. Openness and refinement were hallmarks of his personal and professional style, and he relentlessly searched for the best way to practice, teach, and perform techniques. This biography shows how Kano saw judo as a vehicle not just for self-defense, but for physical, spiritual, and moral development as well. His teachings clearly emphasize his ideal of judo as a way of self-cultivation that leads to physical health, ethical behavior, and ultimately a better society. Kano was a tireless activist who promoted the practical application of judo’s principles in all realms of life—in one’s personal behavior, for education, in work, for economic benefit, and in both the local and international political arenas. Kano’s students were a colorful, sometimes notorious bunch, and this book reveals how several went on to become famous—or infamous—in their own right. They include a prime minister of Japan, the leader of the Communist party in China, a famous novelist, a spy, high-level military leaders, and a media mogul, among many others.

Traces the history of judo, demonstrates basic practice routines, and examines the connection between meditation and the martial arts

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.

The term "judoka" refers to one who does judo, the modern martial art with origins in 19th century Japan, a fighting art with a particular emphasis on the use of an opponent's own strengths to effect his defeat. This book is an account of the adventures of such a man, a judoka, but it is not just about this man, or the martial art he practices. Rather, it is about the "way" of judo, as both a fighting art and an approach to living ("a way"), and what this way might be able to tell us about who we are and who we might choose to become. The book does not prescribe "a way" for others to follow; that is, it does not simply offer advice about what to believe or how to behave, or point out the faults in other ways of being. It simply describes the way of one particular man, with commentary explaining, or rather reasoning through, the choices he has made, with the story presenting the consequences that these choices have for him. Reviews for the 1st edition: "This extraordinary little novella is reminiscent of Castaneda but far more intelligible." -Alan Watts "His direct writing about judo is clear and quietly restrained, hard to match in the literature of the subject." -New York Times

A product of over twenty years of exhaustive research, Judo Training Methods is a comprehensive examination of the Japanese Judo. Written by martial arts authority Donn Draeger and judo champion and instructor Takahiko Ishikawa, it is an expert martial arts guide. Although the examples are geared toward judo, the training and conditioning methods set out are valuable for all martial artists and athletes, whatever their art or sport. Judo Training Methods is an "encyclopedia of judo" covering not only Judo techniques and training methods but also dojo etiquette, tournament rules, and promotion requirements. This illustrated judo book features over 1,000 photos and 200 conditioning exercises. A perfect introduction to Judo for beginners, the exercises in this classic text are also valuable conditioning exercises for football, basketball, track, swimming, wrestling, boxing, tennis, baseball, mixed martial arts and more! Chapters introduce readers to the principles and practice of Judo, including: Physical Judo Re-Examined Classification of Exercises and Muscle Groups Kinesiological Principles About Muscle Judo Training Advice Judo and Weight Training Judo Training Routines Preparatory Exercises Supplementary Exercises Compound Exercises Auxiliary Exercises

Written by the founder of Kodokan judo, Jigoro Kano, this text explains theriginal concepts and techniques of judo in detail.

A guided tour of the art of self-defense is offered by Russian president Vladimir Putin, a judo expert. Photos & illustrations.