Ju No Kata : A Kodokan Judo Textbook

Rating:
Summary: Well written, interesting, and useful
Review: Keiko Fukuda is the world's highest ranked female judoka (judo practitioner). Her grandfather was one of Jigoro Kano sensei's early instructors (for those who don't know, he's the guy who invented judo and started the Kodokan). While ju no kata is sometimes perceived as a woman's exercise (since they learn it during kyu [colored belt] ranks while men generally do not until dan [black belt]), both men and women can benefit from this excellent tome. You cannot learn any martial art from a book, of course, but I believe that this is essential material to refine and internalize techniques that you encounter on the dojo floor. The forms are aptly described, well illustrated, and easy to follow. Fukuda sensei also includes a fascinating write-up of her thoughts on the evolution and direction of the sport of judo along with some great pictures of her training throughout the years.

In many ways ju no kata is to judo what sanchin kata is to karate, an essential foundational exercise that expresses the principles and techniques of the art form. Unlike most components of judo, this kata can be practiced without a dogi (uniform) or tatami (padded mat) surface, since there is no throwing involved (or perhaps more accurately no falling). It is performed slowly with emphasis on the essential principles that make full-speed, full-power judo work effectively, and contains both offensive and defensive techniques. More specifically, the ju no kata technique refines a practitioner's sense of ju (gentleness/using an opponent's force against them), timing, body mechanics (e.g., proper hip rotation), tai sabaki waza (body movement/blending techniques), and mental focus. It also increases one's flexibility and conditioning if performed diligently.

Lawrence Kane
Author of Martial Arts Instruction: Applying Educational Theory and Communication Techniques in the Dojo


Rating:
Summary: A woman's judo text on one wee kata
Review: This isn't really a text for learning judo; it's a text for learning one kata. Don't be fooled by the 'textbook' part of the title.

It seems fine enough,though.