Judo Formal Techniques is "The most detailed explanation of Judo that
has ever been published" (The Japan Times). A comprehensive training
manual to the basic "free practice" forms of Kodokan Judo (the Randori
no Kata), the book provides essential instruction in the throwing and
grappling kata (Nage no Kata and Katame no Kata) that every Judo
practitioner needs to master.
The authors are two of the world's top instructors--Donn F. Draeger and
Tadao Otaki. Both were instructors at the Kodokan Judo Institute in
Tokyo--the headquarters of international Judo, which was founded by the
creator of the martial art, Jigoro Kano. Draeger, considered by many to
be the first non-Japanese Budo master, was an authority on Asian martial
culture who held high ranks and teaching licenses in several martial
arts. He was a prolific writer and was the first non-Japanese Judo
instructor at the Kodokan. Otaki was not only a successful Judo
instructor but also a university professor who was widely praised for
his research on the role of Judo in education.
Draeger and Otaki based their text on Jigoro Kano's published and
unpublished personal writings. Recapturing the original spirit and
intent of the essential Judo kata, they are presented in the standard
Kodokan versions as refined by generations of practitioners. Richly
illustrated with over 1,000 photos and drawings, Judo Formal
Techniques offers complete step-by-step instructions for the roles of
both training partners. In addition to the core techniques of throwing
and grappling, it explains the important transitional movements as well
as grips, stances, and postures.
First introduced as an Olympic sport at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Judo is
returning to its home city on the world stage at the 2020 Olympics.
Practiced by more than 20 million people worldwide, Judo is only
expected to continue growing in popularity.
A new foreword by Judo instructor Neil Ohlenkamp sheds light on the
book's lasting importance as the classic "Kata bible" for Judo students
and instructors alike and an indispensable resource for all martial arts
practitioners.
