7 New Judo Books Reshaping the Sport in 2025

Kenji Tomiki's decades of direct training under Jigoro Kano, the founder of Kodokan Judo, led him to create this detailed exploration of Judo integrated with Aikido principles. In this work, you encounter a systematic breakdown of Judo techniques such as Shizentai, Kuzushi, and Ju-no-ri, enriched with photographs that clarify their execution, alongside an appendix that introduces competitive Aikido methods for self-defense. The book walks you through training methods, contest strategies, and health benefits, making it practical for practitioners aiming to deepen their understanding beyond basic moves. Whether you're a seasoned martial artist or an enthusiast intrigued by the overlap between Judo and Aikido, this text offers grounded insights into both disciplines' fundamentals.

When Neil Ohlenkamp updated Judo Unleashed!, he transformed what was already a go-to manual into a thoroughly revised guide that respects Judo's deep traditions while embracing modern training needs. You learn not only the full spectrum of Kodokan-recognized techniques—from nage waza to atemi waza—but also the cultural and philosophical foundations that shape the sport, such as dojo etiquette and character development. For instance, chapters covering tournament rules and scoring help you prepare for competition with clarity. This book suits anyone serious about Judo, from beginners curious about their first class to advanced practitioners refining their skills and understanding the sport's evolving landscape.

This tailored book explores the latest developments and innovative techniques shaping Judo in 2025, crafted to match your background and specific goals. It examines emerging discoveries and evolving strategies in both competitive and traditional practice, providing a focused journey through cutting-edge advancements. The content is personalized to your interests, allowing you to delve deeply into areas like advanced throwing methods, tactical groundwork, and modern competition dynamics. By concentrating on your unique objectives, the book reveals how the sport is transforming this year and helps you stay well ahead in your practice and understanding of Judo's future.

Mark Law’s fascination with judo reignited during the London Olympics, leading him to question the sport’s evolving identity in Dispatches from Planet Judo. He digs into tough questions like the impact of Brazilian jiu-jitsu on classical judo, safety concerns for young practitioners, and the surprising cultural links between judo and figures like Vladimir Putin. You’ll gain a nuanced perspective on judo’s place in modern sport and society, with chapters exploring its rituals and dangers. This book suits anyone curious about judo beyond technique—especially those interested in its cultural, political, and competitive complexities.

Unlike most judo books that focus primarily on technique, Steve Scott’s Winning Judo zeroes in on the mental and strategic aspects essential to competitive success. Drawing from decades coaching World and Olympic-level athletes, Scott breaks down how to train your body and mind to handle the pressures of real matches, covering everything from reading opponents to managing match tempo. The book’s 450 photos support detailed instruction on throws, transitions, defenses, and groundwork, making it a solid guide for both novices and seasoned competitors who want to sharpen their tactical edge. If you’re serious about competition, this book offers a straightforward, experience-backed approach rather than just theory.

Mikinosuke Kawaishi’s decades of experience teaching Judo in Europe culminate in this focused exploration of standing techniques, combinations, and counter-attacks. You’ll learn how to unbalance your opponent effectively and exploit their attacks through well-structured combinations, such as rapid repeated attacks and ground follow-ups after imperfect throws. The book is richly illustrated with nearly 200 photographs, making the techniques accessible whether you’re advancing beyond basics or deepening your mastery. If you want to refine your throwing practice and understand the strategic interplay of attack and defense in standing Judo, this book offers a clear, methodical approach grounded in the traditional Japanese art as adapted for Western practitioners.

This tailored book explores the evolving world of Judo as it stands in 2025, focusing on the latest developments and discoveries shaping the sport's future. It delves into emerging techniques, competition dynamics, and cultural shifts, all matched to your background and interests. By concentrating on your specific goals, this personalized volume reveals fresh insights that keep you ahead in the rapidly changing Judo landscape. Combining a deep understanding of tradition with an eye toward innovation, the book examines cutting-edge trends and research, offering a focused learning experience that supports your growth as a practitioner or coach.

While working as a historian and enthusiast in martial arts, John Taylor noticed a gap in chronicling grassroots judo history, which drove him to document the Odessa Boys & Girls Club Judo Team's 60-year legacy. This book offers you a rich visual and narrative journey through decades of local judo achievements, highlighting the volunteer spirit of Sensei Dale Lehman and his students who sustained the club's success. You’ll gain insights into how long-term community engagement and mentorship shape athlete development and club culture. The detailed decade-by-decade chapters provide a unique perspective beneficial to judo coaches, historians, and enthusiasts interested in the social impact of martial arts programs. If you seek technical judo training methods, this is less about technique and more about heritage and community.

Drawing from the needs of dedicated judoka, Gumbies Journals crafted this training log to sharpen your focus and track your growth with precision. You'll find structured sections for daily goals, technique drills, and strategic mind-mapping that help dissect your performance in both practice and competition. The Habit Builder encourages steady improvement in critical areas like grip fighting and footwork, while motivational quotes from judo legends keep your spirits high. This journal suits anyone serious about refining their skills and understanding judo beyond the surface, offering a clear way to analyze what works and what needs more work.