Judo Formal Techniques: A Complete Guide to Kodokan Randori No Kata

Rating:
Summary: a good textbook in judo
Review: i just bought this book from kinokuniya bookstore. it is a very good book, i think. it presents the detailed explanation of techniques involved in judo. however, i think you will benefit most if you could combine this book with the reading of another one - "The Secrets of Judo" - a masterpiece in illustrating the mechanical principles that underlies Judo.

Rating:
Summary: Simply the best!
Review: If Draeger's grocery list was published, I'd buy it just because I have yet to read anything by him that wasn't great. Draeger Sensei lived and breathed budo/bugei and it shows in his writing. This is the most detailed and best laid out manual for the Kodokan kata available and is essential to any serious judoka's library.

Rating:
Summary: Simply the best!
Review: If Draeger's grocery list was published, I'd buy it just because I have yet to read anything by him that wasn't great. Draeger Sensei lived and breathed budo/bugei and it shows in his writing. This is the most detailed and best laid out manual for the Kodokan kata available and is essential to any serious judoka's library.

Rating:
Summary: The Book for Randori no Kata
Review: If you want a detailed study of nage no kata and katame no kata then this is the book for you. It is not for beginners, or anyone interested in just the basics. It is very comprehensive and authoritative. If you want to really understand the meaning of the kata, and every move in them, you will need this book. It does include general information about kata, but it does not give detailed information on any other kata besides nage and katame (known together as the randori no kata).

Rating:
Summary: Real Martial Art!!!
Review: This is a book for those who would like to know what Kodokan Judo differs from sport competition. As a sport Judo practicioner I could never expect so wide range of techniques and deep tradition. Now I can see the wisdom of Mr. Kano who preserved one of the best Japanese export products ever created -complete and powerful martial art! The photos, drawings and description are very clear and high quality. Absolute for every Judoka, regardless of rank and experience.

Rating:
Summary: Worth its Price
Review: Written for the more advance judo practioner wishing to have a detailed reference for learning "Nage no Kata" and "Katame no Kata". I am not aware of any book more widely used for this purpose. Every serious Judoka should have a copy on their book shelf if they wish to understand judo kata.