7 Judo Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Drawing from his extensive experience as a sixth-degree black belt and pioneer in the scientific study of Judo, Jiichi Watanabe teams up with Lindy Avakian and Neil Ohlenkamp to unpack the mechanics behind grappling and throwing techniques. You’ll gain a clear understanding of the forces at play in moves like hip throws and foot sweeps, backed by over 200 detailed illustrations and 40 photos that reveal why these techniques work. The book goes beyond physical execution, exploring the psychological principles underpinning Judo’s philosophy, which helps you grasp not just how but when to apply each move effectively. This is a resource that benefits both dedicated practitioners eager to refine technique and instructors seeking a deeper conceptual framework.

Donn F. Draeger, a distinguished authority on Asian martial arts and one of the first non-Japanese instructors at the Kodokan Judo Institute, brings his deep expertise to this detailed manual. Alongside Tadao Otaki, a respected Judo instructor and professor, Draeger offers a thorough guide to the fundamental "free practice" forms of Kodokan Judo, focusing on throwing and grappling techniques essential for mastery. You'll find over 1,000 photos and drawings illustrating the precise movements, grips, and stances, making complex kata accessible. This book suits practitioners aiming to deepen their technical understanding and those who appreciate the historical and cultural roots of Judo kata.

This tailored book explores the art and science of Judo, focusing on your unique background and goals to guide you through techniques and training methods that matter most to you. It covers core throws, grappling fundamentals, and tactical nuance, revealing how these elements combine into effective practice and competition skills. By matching the content to your experience level and interests, it encourages a deeper understanding of timing, balance, and movement specific to your needs. The book examines training approaches and technical details through a personalized lens, making the complexity of Judo accessible and relevant. It invites you to engage with the discipline in a way that supports your growth and mastery path, blending expert knowledge with your personal journey.

Unlike most judo books that focus broadly on principles or competition stories, Toshiro Daigo's work drills down into the precise classification and execution of throwing techniques, known as nage-waza. Drawing on decades as chief instructor at the Kodokan and his championship experience, Daigo provides detailed explanations of all sixty-seven official throws, supported by over 1,800 photographs that capture each subtle movement. You’ll gain clarity on the often confusing terminology used in both competition and practice, making it easier to understand and apply these dynamic techniques. This book suits practitioners aiming to deepen technical mastery rather than beginners seeking general overview.

Nik Fairbrother, an Olympic medallist and judo world champion, developed this book to make the sport's Japanese terminology accessible to young learners and beginners. You’ll learn 85 essential Japanese judo words, from basic commands like "hajime" and "rei" to technical terms involving techniques, body parts, and stages of throwing. The book breaks down vocabulary into manageable sections with illustrations and charts, helping you follow your coach’s instructions confidently and prepare for belt gradings. If you’re new to judo or teaching children, this focused glossary guides you through the language needed to navigate the dojo environment effectively.

Unlike most martial arts books that stick to basic techniques, Syd Hoare's The A-z of Judo dives into the full spectrum of judo knowledge, blending historical context with detailed explanations of techniques. Hoare draws on his extensive experience to clarify complex moves and concepts, helping you understand not just how to perform them but why they work. Whether you're a practitioner aiming to deepen your understanding or an instructor looking for a solid reference, this book offers clear insights into judo's essentials and nuances. Chapters explore everything from fundamental grips to advanced throws, making it a versatile resource for varied skill levels.

This personalized book explores a focused training approach designed to accelerate your Judo skills over a 30-day period. It covers essential techniques, conditioning, and tactical insights tailored to your background and goals. By concentrating on the most impactful elements of Judo practice, this tailored guide matches your experience level and interests, helping you progress efficiently without unnecessary detours. The book examines fundamental throws, grip strategies, and balance control, weaving these topics into a personalized pathway that addresses your specific development needs. It reveals practical methods to enhance agility and timing, offering a clear route to rapid improvement grounded in the collective knowledge of Judo experts, adapted just for you.

Eric Dominy's extensive experience in Judo clearly informs this accessible manual designed for beginners eager to grasp the sport's fundamentals. You’ll find detailed explanations of key techniques such as breakfalls, throws, locks, and strangleholds, each accompanied by precise illustrations that break down complex movements into manageable parts. The book emphasizes mastering balance and timing, teaching you how to disrupt your opponent’s stance and execute throws with confidence. Whether you're training toward a black belt or simply seeking the mental and physical benefits of Judo, this guide offers a structured path through the art's core principles without overwhelming you.

Eric Dominy draws from his extensive experience in martial arts to present a clear and practical guide to the fundamental principles of Judo. This book breaks down essential techniques and philosophies, providing you with a solid foundation whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your understanding. Dominy's focus on accessibility means you’ll find explanations that demystify complex moves, supported by examples that clarify their application. It's a straightforward manual that helps you grasp core skills rather than overwhelming you with advanced tactics, making it ideal for those serious about mastering Judo basics.