Judo in Action: Throwing Techniques
Vintage Textbook Reference Sports Martial Arts Personal Development Self-Defense Illustrated Guide
Judo in Action: Throwing Techniques by Kazuzo Kudo is the 1968 classic that serious judoka still hunt for on eBay and in used-book stores. At only 128 pages, this compact paperback packs a lifetime of championship knowledge: every major nage-waza is broken into step-by-step photo sequences taken at the Kodokan, so you can see exactly where to grip, how to off-balance, and when to finish the throw. Collectors value the first-edition print run for its crisp line drawings and high-contrast mat photos—images that later reprints lost to cheap halftone screens.
What makes this copy a keeper is its remarkable condition for a 55-year-old textbook. The binding is still tight, the pages are unmarked, and there is no ex-library clutter or dog-eared corners; only light shelf rub on the cover and a faint watermark on the first few pages remind you that it has been mat-side through decades of practice. Because it predates the watered-down “sport judo” era, Kudo’s instruction emphasizes kuzushi, timing, and real-world balance breaks that work both in competition and self-defense, making it a trusted reference for instructors, young competitors, and adult returning students alike.
Vintage judo texts in clean, usable condition are increasingly scarce; most copies were literally thrown on the tatami and survived with torn covers and copious notes. Finding one that is complete, illustrated, and ready for your dojo bag is the fastest way to add authentic 1960s Kodokan technique to your library without paying collector premiums. Whether you are cataloging throws for rank advancement, coaching a high-school team, or simply want the definitive visual guide that started the “Judo in Action” series, this edition delivers authentic expertise that modern reprints can’t match.
Refer to our eBay listing for a full condition report and many more high-quality pictures of this item.
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