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Introduction To Judo
Written to answer the beginner's basic questions, An Introduction to Judo, provides comprehensive information about this Japanese Martial Art. 5th Dan black belt Gary Murray outlines Judo's relevance to everyday life, not only as a method of self defence, but also as a way of improving health and developing personal awareness confidence and discipline. Other aspects covered - How Judo is taught and learned - History and philosophy - Basic principles and techniques - Differences between traditional and sport Judo - Advice of finding a club and instructor In the 21st Century, martial arts world-wide have combined to create a multi-million dollar industry. Annual subscriptions, the sale of equipment, as well as government financial aid has resulted in colossal amounts of money changing hands every year. Unfortunately, this trend has encouraged a severe degradation of the fundamental principles of certain martial arts, with a modern emphasis directed to winning sporting tournaments. According to Judo Master Sakujiro Yokoyama ?If you practise Judo as a sport you are making a big mistake? An Introduction to Judo examines the creation and expansion of one of the world's most popular Japanese martial arts. By explaining the traditional aims and philosophy of the founder, Dr Jigoro Kano, the Author hopes readers will appreciate that the ultimate aim of the art of Judo (the Gentle Way) was never intended to be success in sporting tournaments, rather the development of the character of its participants.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published September 29, 2012
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July 5, 2024
Having previously read this some years ago, I can say without a great deal of contradiction that 'An introduction to Judo' is one of the most concise, clear and comprehensive manuals on this Martial art / sport / system of education / way of life I've read.
Below are a couple of snippets worthy of snipping!
Chp 4 - Judo Techniques and Traditional Methods of Practice (pg. 64)
"It's often said that a persons conduct on the mat is identical to their attitude outside the dojo, and in my experience this is true."
Chp 9 - Epilogue (pg. 95)
The contribution of judo to education by Jigoro Kano
Judo in Physical Education (pg. 101) - "In this age of enlightenment, nobody would care to prepare either for national aggression or for doing individual violence to others. But defence, in the cause of justice and humanity, must never be neglected by a nation or individual."
(pg. 103) "Again we teach the learner that when he has recourse to any trick in overcoming an opponent, he should employ only as much force as is absolutely required for his purpose, and caution him against either an over- or under-exertion of force. There are many cases in which people fail in what they undertake simply because they go too far, not knowing where to stop, or vice-versa."
Moral discipline (pg. 105) - "In this connection, I wish to explain how the principle of maximum efficiency helps us in promoting moral conduct. A man is sometimes very excitable and prone to anger for trivial reasons, but when one comes to consider that excitement is an unnecessary expenditure of energy, giving benefit to nobody but often doing harm, it will be seen that students of judo refrain from such conduct."
Below are a couple of snippets worthy of snipping!
Chp 4 - Judo Techniques and Traditional Methods of Practice (pg. 64)
"It's often said that a persons conduct on the mat is identical to their attitude outside the dojo, and in my experience this is true."
Chp 9 - Epilogue (pg. 95)
The contribution of judo to education by Jigoro Kano
Judo in Physical Education (pg. 101) - "In this age of enlightenment, nobody would care to prepare either for national aggression or for doing individual violence to others. But defence, in the cause of justice and humanity, must never be neglected by a nation or individual."
(pg. 103) "Again we teach the learner that when he has recourse to any trick in overcoming an opponent, he should employ only as much force as is absolutely required for his purpose, and caution him against either an over- or under-exertion of force. There are many cases in which people fail in what they undertake simply because they go too far, not knowing where to stop, or vice-versa."
Moral discipline (pg. 105) - "In this connection, I wish to explain how the principle of maximum efficiency helps us in promoting moral conduct. A man is sometimes very excitable and prone to anger for trivial reasons, but when one comes to consider that excitement is an unnecessary expenditure of energy, giving benefit to nobody but often doing harm, it will be seen that students of judo refrain from such conduct."
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