The Secrets of Judo: A Text for Instructors and Students

by Jiichi Watanabe, Lindy Avakian

The Secrets of Judo is a revealing Japanese martial arts manual that focuses primarily on the scientific principles at work in judo.

It offers clear-cut explanations of the numerous techniques involved in throwing and grappling. In addition to the precise detailing of judo's physical aspects, this book provides insights into the psychological factors related to judo's underlying philosophy.

The Secrets of Judo , a fascinating and valuable work since its original publication in 1959, sets out a comprehensive course to achieve maximum efficient use of mental and physical energy that remains as vital and fresh as when first recommended by Risei Kano, president of the Kodokan, on its original publication.

This Judo guide features sections

Genres: Martial Arts

192 pages, Paperback

First published July 15, 1990

Reviews

[Bernie Gourley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in a while, one stumbles onto a book that one feels desperately needed writing but which one thought didn’t yet exist. In the case of The Secrets of Judo, the book has been around for almost 60 years. First off, a more telling title for this book would be “The Science of Judo” or “The Physics of Judo.” It’s not a book that deals in arcane knowledge, as its title might suggest, but rather applies science to the skills of throwing, pinning, and submitting seen in judo.

While there’s a brief discussion of the nervous system as it pertains to reaction times, the bulk of the book is classic mechanics applied to judo techniques. The first six chapters (which constitute a little over half the book) provide a background of the relevant principles of both physics (e.g. force, momentum, and center of gravity) and judo (e.g. kuzushi [unbalancing], seiryoken zenyo [maximum efficiency], and ukemi [breakfalls].) The last two chapters provide explanations of how forces are applied to achieve successful throws (ch. 7) and grappling techniques—i.e. pins, chokes, and locks (ch. 8.)

I found this book to be invaluable and would recommend it for anyone who’s interested in grappling arts generally (whether judo or not) or even the science of human movement. The writing is clear. There are some mathematical equations, but just the algebraic formulas seen in basic physics. The graphics (mostly line drawings with a few photos) are useful, especially the drawings of the sequences of techniques which have letter labeled arrows to clarify the lines of force.

I should note that I read the original (1960) edition. Tuttle put out a 2011 edition that is probably what you will get--unless you stumble onto a copy in the used bookstore as I did. From a quick glance at the table of contents of the new edition, it doesn’t look like a major change and I suspect the new edition is at least as good.

[Jacob Lehman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Physics-based dissection of a lot of Judo throws, holds, and locks. Actually quite good illustrations/diagrams, and a few throws/hold-downs that could be modified for safe performance on stage (unlike much judo, where the falls can be challenging for a relatively untrained actor on a hard stage).

[Daniel Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Technical instructions. Lots of angles and concepts. Not a fun, light read. More for those looking for a more technical understanding of common judo movements.

[Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thorough dissection of the mechanics that make judo so effective. The explanations are relatively easy to follow, although they can be a bit dense at times. It includes lots of diagrams and equations to help illustrate their point but, even if you don't understand the science of it, I think the writing is clear enough to help you get the conclusions of the diagrams and equations and how it applies to your judo. A lot of intermediate and advanced judoka will probably understand the mechanics discussed intuitively but I think that this book provides a way to help explain throws in a more logical way and may be of use to coaches to help explain techniques to beginners. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants an understanding of the science behind judo techniques.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a solid manual, though definitely dry. The first half is a review/lesson in physics 101 and then they use that in the description of the moves in the second half.

[Darin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The emphasis of this book is on the physics of throws and grappling.