Rating: 
Summary: excellent reference
Review: BEST JUDO (c.1979, hardcover) began with the useful emphasis of the basics in the first chapter. Chapter one also contained the author's explanation that "Judo practice takes the form of a fight, but no matter how fierce the practice may be, it's object is to improve your technique and train your spirit." Unlike their Western counterparts, the Japanese Judo coaches have not lost sight of this very important aspect of Judo.
Then the basics are proceeded in the following chapters by what can only be described as photographic evidence of the ferocity and perfection of applied nage waza and katame waza as only the Japanese champions can impart. Clear and precise black & white photographs demonstrate Tawara Gaeshi (rice bag reversal)p.77; Obitori Gaeshi (belt grab reversal)p.80; and an excellent 1979 photographic portrayal of the Tobi Juji-Gatame (flying juji-gatame)pgs. 144-145. One need only to look at the faces of these champions, which resemble the battered mugs of professional boxers, to realize the intensity and spirit with which the Japanese practice their Judo. Such motivation surely transcends material acquirement.
BEST JUDO is important for its collection of the proven techniques of classical Japanese Judo that have actually brought the authors to the forefront of world competition. It is a collection of the practical tournament technique of the Gokyo No Waza which the Japanese use today to outclass the desperate Western reliance on koka or penalty win (or Golden Score) Judo for their individualistic victories.
In the conclusion of BEST JUDO, after dozens of photographs documenting dynamic technique, one of the authors, Mr. Isao Inokuma,on page 236, made the important summation that: "Judo is not only a sport to be engaged in only [sic] at the dojo". It's internal message and acquired spirit has application on the workfront, homefront, and daily life - and this is the real genius of Dr. Jigoro Kano's Judo. Sadly, at age 63, Isao Inokuma sensei committed suicide in September of 2001! I gave this tremendous book only four stars because as a dramatic presentation of Judo, it is second only to VITAL JUDO by Isao Okano.
Rating: 
Summary: A Fierce Demonstration of Superb Judo!
Review: BEST JUDO (c.1979, hardcover) begins with the useful emphasis of the basics in the first chapter. Chapter one also contains the author's explanation that "Judo practice takes the form of a fight, but no matter how fierce the practice may be, it's object is to improve your technique and train your spirit." Unlike their Western counterparts, the Japanese Judo coaches have not lost sight of this very important aspect of Judo.Then the basics are proceeded in the following chapters by what can only be described as photographic evidence of the ferocity and perfection of applied nage waza and katame waza as only the Japanese champions can impart. One need only to look at the faces of these champions, which resemble the battered mugs of professional boxers, to realize the intensity and spirit with which the Japanese practice their Judo. Such motivation surely transcends material acquirement. BEST JUDO is important for its collection of the proven techniques of classical Japanese Judo that have actually brought the authors to the forefront of world competition. It is a collection of the practical tournament technique of the Gokyo No Waza which the Japanese use today to outclass the desperate Western reliance on koka Judo for their individualistic victories. In the conclusion of BEST JUDO, after dozens of photographs documenting dynamic technique, one of the authors, Mr. Isao Inokuma,on page 236, makes the important summation that: "Judo is not only a sport to be engaged in only [sic] at the dojo". It's internal message and acquired spirit has application on the workfront, homefront, and daily life - and this is the real genius of Dr. Jigoro Kano's Judo. I gave this tremendous book only four stars because as a dramatic presentation of Judo, it is second only to VITAL JUDO by Isai Okano.
Rating:
Summary: Well rounded text for Beginners through Advanced
Review: Best Judo is a well rounded manual that covers all major aspects of Judo. Very easy to follow photographs of core Tachi-waza, however very spartan by way of explainations. Still the photo's bring the techniques to life even for beginners. The section on fakes and counters is definately for advanced players who already have some knowledge of these competition moves yet need a reference point to look back to. Very little to zero explanation of moves yet pictures are obviously geared to advanced practioners. Still they are excellent reference. The section on ne-waza was very interesting. It showed many of the popular pins, chokes and armlocks(including the flying armbar!), but again very little in way of explaination. The photos again are very good. I must point out that to a untrained eye the photos might mean nothing. Many of the newaza techniques shown are for sure advanced techniques.I urge you to go to a trained instructor before you start locking out your friends arms. Another interesting thing I might point out in light of the recent popularity of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Many of the so called Brazilian techniques that are so ground breaking are in this manual which goes to show that these techniques are not new to Judoka. It does show that we as Judoka may be seriously lacking the required ground skills to be well rounded players. Finally a small section on weight training and brief look at the competitive careers of the authors. Overall one of the better Judo books I have seen. I personally keepp a copy in my Dojo bag just for reference. Must buy for any Judoka.
Rating:
Summary: This book will help anyone be their best in judo
Review: I trained for several years, and spent most of them on a plateau. This book helped me smash through that glass ceiling (or whatever it was) that held me back. Now, I am flawlessly executing complex moves I never thought I would be able to use. What I got from this book was one flash of insight after another. My only regret is the time I wasted BEFORE I latched onto Inokuma's powerful words. I am forever indebted to the author. My son is showing an interest in Judo. This will be his text.
Rating:
Summary: nice book
Review: its a great book , just what i was looking for but unfortunately there were some images i couldnt see beacuse they were in the margin of the book.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent for the beginner, Good for the experienced
Review: This book goes over and catalogs a wide variety of tachi waza and ne waza techniques and even provides combinations to these. The techniques this book reviews are necessary to take the judoka's judo skills to the next level.
Rating:
Summary: excellent reference
Review: this book is a definate must have for any judo enthusiast. the book is very well illustrated, and covers throws extremely well, it covers groundwork too, just not quite so in depth. it is the best book that I've seen on nagewaza (judo throws).
Rating:
Summary: Great source for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo players.
Review: This book is a great source of information for anyone who practices Judo or Jiu-Jitsu. Many throws, holds, sweeps, and submissions are demonstrated and explained. You will probably find things in this book that you have never seen before. My only complaint is that in some photos it is hard to figure which arm/leg belongs to which fighter. A blue gi on one of the fighters would have made a big difference. Add this book to your collection if you are serious about BJJ or Judo.
Rating:
Summary: Great source for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo players.
Review: This book is a great source of information for anyone who practices Judo or Jiu-Jitsu. Many throws, holds, sweeps, and submissions are demonstrated and explained. You will probably find things in this book that you have never seen before. My only complaint is that in some photos it is hard to figure which arm/leg belongs to which fighter. A blue gi on one of the fighters would have made a big difference. Add this book to your collection if you are serious about BJJ or Judo.
Rating:
Summary: Written by the great minds in the game.
Review: This book is ideal for the judoka regardless of his/her experience. The book focuses on showing the techniques with action photos rather than on long passages of text that would bore the reader. It also contains a handy section on physical conditioning for the judoka which is essential for maximizing progress in a very physically demanding sport. The essays, at the back of the book, about the authors and Yamashita's experiences in judo are most inspirational.
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