The most 'non-technical' judo book?

Hi.

I want to develop a list of the most non-technical judo books, in English and Japanese, and comments pro and con.

By 'non-technical', I mean books that delve deeply into the philosophy of judo, not the techniques of judo. Most judo books have an introduction to judo history and philosophy, then jump into chapter after chapter of technique.

There are budo philosophy books that mention I would ask for references that primarily dwell on the philosophy of judo, with less technique - ala' Harrison? In English one thinks of Legget, possibly Moshé Feldenkrais? And the latter's take did not seemingly please Kano shihan; now that I type that, I don't recall if he ever endorsed an English judo book of any sort.

In Japanese, Uchida Ryohei's Judo has a very long introduction in which he describes the significance of judo instruction. Maybe the five volume set of lectures 'Judo Koza' qualifies in part.

Any ideas?

NBK

NBK wrote:Hi.

I want to develop a list of the most non-technical judo books, in English and Japanese, and comments pro and con.  

Maybe the five volume set of lectures 'Judo Koza' qualifies in part.  

Any ideas?

NBK

I think the uniqueness of Jûdô Kôza is that it is a technical book but with that technique put in an educational perspective. It's structure is very uncommon and likely confusing to many.

Cichorei Kano wrote:

NBK wrote:Hi.

I want to develop a list of the most non-technical judo books, in English and Japanese, and comments pro and con.  

Maybe the five volume set of lectures 'Judo Koza' qualifies in part.  

Any ideas?

NBK

I think the uniqueness of Jûdô Kôza is that it is a technical book but with that technique put in an educational perspective. It's structure is very uncommon and likely confusing to many.

So, your idea is that you agree with me? Frankly I was hoping for a bit more.... I know I'm right!!  

h. nishioka's book?
though i suppose its not the same thing as leggetts.

NBK wrote:

Cichorei Kano wrote:

NBK wrote:Hi.

I want to develop a list of the most non-technical judo books, in English and Japanese, and comments pro and con.  

Maybe the five volume set of lectures 'Judo Koza' qualifies in part.  

Any ideas?

NBK

I think the uniqueness of Jûdô Kôza is that it is a technical book but with that technique put in an educational perspective. It's structure is very uncommon and likely confusing to many.

So, your idea is that you agree with me?  Frankly I was hoping for a bit more....  I know I'm right!!  

I've decided that the easiest way for me to live, is to agree with everybody. So from now on I will always and to everyone say they are right !

Anyhow, most books of the kind you are referring to are Japanese. That in itself is going to limit the responses you might get to the happy few intimately familiar with Japanese jûdô literature, or those who are professional researchers who have access to and know how to use Japanese data bases. Books like Uchida Ryôhei are way to esoteric for most jûdô practitioners. Also mind that we sadly lost (literarlly) one of our foremost forum contributors who had expertise in this matter, and who suddenly and sadly died a few months ago.

Yes, a loss for us all. RIP.

One thing that struck me was the number of biographies of early 1900's judoka - whether businessmen, politicians, lifelong or simply during their teens - who wrote of the impact of their judo education on their personal and professional lives. It came to my attention as I found literally scores of them that had been donated to Kano Risei kancho (the son of Kano shihan and the third Kodokan head) and Kotani Sumiyuki sensei (writer of many books on kata and the head of the Kodokan Library and Museum, a Japan Olympic wrestler contender who traveled with Kano shihan in Europe at least once). I bought much of their private libraries and in doing so came across a large number of such books that had been donated to them by their authors (granted, many seemingly unopened!). Many were also donated to the Kodokan library. They look more at the educational side of judo and the impact on their personalities, but clearly judo was important to many of these men (I've yet to find one written by a woman).

But these aren't really what I was looking for - more cerebral than technical.

NBK

here is some
Jigorō Kanō and the Kodokan : An Innovative Response to Modernisation, Bennett, Alexander, Kanō sensei biograpic editorial comitte, Tokyo, Japan, Kodokan, 2009, 203p, 215 x 155 x 13, HB,
The zen way to the martial arts, , Deshimaru, Taisen, , New York, United States, EP Dutton, 1982, 120p, , , ISBN 0525932674
The forge of the spirit, , Donahue, John J., , London, United Kingdom, Garland Publishing, 1991, 256p, , , ISBN 082407114X
Classical Bujutsu : Martial Arts And Ways Of Japan, Volume 1, Draeger, Donn F. (1922 - 1982), , New York, Tokyo, United States, Weatherhill, 1990, 109p, 255 x 180 x 9, PB, ISBN 0834802333
Modern Bujutsu & Budo, , Draeger, Donn F. (1922 - 1982), , New York, Tokyo, United States, Weatherhill, 1974, 190p, 27 cm, , ISBN 0834800993
The joke's on Judo, Draeger, Donn F. (1922 - 1982), Tremayne, Ken, Rutland, Vermont, United States, Charles E. Tuttle, 1966, 72p, 19 cm, ,
A Book of 12 Winds: An Aikido Masters Life Strategy, , Geis, Karl E., , Coral Springs, FL, United States, Llumina Press, 1998 2005, 142p, 204 x 126 x 10, PB, ISBN 1595260374
Judo through the looking glass, Hicks, Jerry (1927 - ), , Bristol, United Kingdom, Redcliffe Press, 1994, 133p, 232 x 152 x 10, PB, ISBN 1872971830
Judo strategies, Hoare, Sydney R. (1939 - ), , London, United Kingdom, Ippon Books, 2002, 192p, 210 x 148 x 8, PB, ISBN 187457202X
Mind over muscle : Writings from the founder of Judo, Kanō, Jigorō (1860 - 1938), , Tokyo, Japan, Kodansha International, 2006, 155p, 195 x 140 x 18, , ISBN 4770030150
The contribution of judo to education, , Kanō, Jigorō (1860 - 1938), , UL, UC, UP, UD, 8p, , ,
A Path to Liberation, coverpics\kautzAPathToLiberation.jpg, Kautz, Herman, , Woodstock, N. Y., United States, Overlook Press, 1992, 120p, 208 x 178 x 9, PB, ISBN 0879514574
Judo Poems, , Kelly, Sid, , London, United Kingdom, Trafford Publishing, 2008, 132p, , HB, ISBN 1425144314
The spirit of Budo : old traditions for present-day life, Leggett, Trevor Pryce (1914 - 2000), , London, United Kingdom, Kegan Paul International, 1998, 123p, 21 cm, , ISBN 0710305621
Zen and the Ways, Leggett, Trevor Pryce (1914 - 2000), , London, United Kingdom, Kegan Paul International, 1978, 258p, , , ISBN 0710085982
In the dojo, Lowry, Dave, , Boston, MA, United States, Weatherhill, 2006, 207p, 213 x 140 x 14, PB, ISBN13 9780834805729
An introduction to Kodokan Judo : History and philosophy, Matsumoto, David, , Tokyo, Japan, Hon-No-Tomosha, 1996, 316p, 181 x 132 x 19, PB, ISBN 4894390426
Judo : A samurai legacy, Monteverde, David, , UL, United States, Lulu.com, 2009, 87p, 229 x 152, PB, ISBN13 9780557123643
Guide to Judo, Ju Jitsu and Associated Arts, , Moynahan, James McCauslin Jr., , Cheney, Washington, United States, Pullman, 1961, , 24 cm x 20 cm, ,
Martial arts reader, , Nelson, Randy F. (Ed.), , New York, United States, Overlook Press, 1989, 307p, , , ISBN 0824044355
The Book of Judo, , Ohsawa, Georges (1893 - 1966), , Chico, CA, United States, George Ohsawa Macrobiotic Foundation, 2011, 140p, 193 x 121 x 13, PB, ISBN13 9780918860507
Code Of Bushido, , Pryor, Roger, , Colorado Spring, United States, United States Judo Association, 1998, 33p.
Martial musings, Smith, Robert William (1926 - 2011), , Erie, United States, Via Media Publishing, 1999, 390p, 237 x 160 x 27, HB, ISBN 1893765008
maybe these could be included even though they are mostly memoirs
The life and struggles of a fighter for peace : Shigeyoshi Matsumae's contribution to histrory, Shirai, Hisaya, , Tokyo, Japan, Tokai University press, 1988, 371p
Ippon! The fight for judo’s soul, , Hammond, Dave, , London, United Kingdom, London League Publications Ltd, 2008, 86p, 208 x 147 x 4, PB, ISBN13 9781903659380
Never look back : the Owen Lowery story, Harley, V. G., , Crowborough, United Kingdom, Highland, 1990, 224p, 22 cm, ,
2000 Years : Jujitsu and Kodokan Judo, Helm, Dennis, , Illinois, United States, Illinois Judo association, 1991, 116p, 280 x 240 x 17, PB,
My turbulent life in a turbulent century, , Matsumae, Shigeyoshi (1901 - ), , Tokyo, Japan, Tokai University press, 1982, 241p,
Classical fighting arts of Japan : a complete quide to Koyrū Jūjutsu, coverpics\MolClassical.jpg, Mol, Serge (1970 - ), , Tokyo, Japan, Kodansha International, 2001, 242p, 263 x 186 x 22
Lion aroused : Conversations with Shigeyoshi Matsumae, , Sakamoto, Mamouru, , Tokyo, Japan, Tokai University press, 1986, 298p,
A perfect manhood or, Judo of Kodokwan, , Steers, William E., , London, United Kingdom, The Budokwai, 1918, 12p, 24 cm, PB
The fighting spirit of Japan : and other studies, Harrison, Ernest John (1873 - 1961), , London, United Kingdom, T. Fisher Unwin, 1913, 351p, 229 x 154 x 47, HB
The fighting spirit of judo : the technique and spirit to win, Yamashita, Yasuhiro (1957 - ), , London, United Kingdom, Ippon Books, 1993 1999, 208p, 255 x 183 x 22, PB, ISBN 1874572151

finarashi wrote:here is some
Jigorō Kanō and the Kodokan : An Innovative Response to Modernisation, Bennett, Alexander, Kanō sensei biograpic editorial comitte, Tokyo, Japan, Kodokan, 2009, 203p, 215 x 155 x 13, HB,
The zen way to the martial arts, , Deshimaru, Taisen, , New York, United States, EP Dutton, 1982, 120p, , , ISBN 0525932674
The forge of the spirit, , Donahue, John J., , London, United Kingdom, Garland Publishing, 1991, 256p, , , ISBN 082407114X
Classical Bujutsu : Martial Arts And Ways Of Japan, Volume 1, Draeger, Donn F. (1922 - 1982), , New York, Tokyo, United States, Weatherhill, 1990, 109p, 255 x 180 x 9, PB, ISBN 0834802333
Modern Bujutsu & Budo, , Draeger, Donn F. (1922 - 1982), , New York, Tokyo, United States, Weatherhill, 1974, 190p, 27 cm, , ISBN 0834800993
The joke's on Judo, Draeger, Donn F. (1922 - 1982), Tremayne, Ken, Rutland, Vermont, United States, Charles E. Tuttle, 1966, 72p, 19 cm, ,
A Book of 12 Winds: An Aikido Masters Life Strategy, , Geis, Karl E., , Coral Springs, FL, United States, Llumina Press, 1998 2005, 142p, 204 x 126 x 10, PB, ISBN 1595260374
Judo through the looking glass, Hicks, Jerry (1927 - ), , Bristol, United Kingdom, Redcliffe Press, 1994, 133p, 232 x 152 x 10, PB, ISBN 1872971830
Judo strategies, Hoare, Sydney R. (1939 - ), , London, United Kingdom, Ippon Books, 2002, 192p, 210 x 148 x 8, PB, ISBN 187457202X
Mind over muscle : Writings from the founder of Judo, Kanō, Jigorō (1860 - 1938), , Tokyo, Japan, Kodansha International, 2006, 155p, 195 x 140 x 18, , ISBN 4770030150
The contribution of judo to education, , Kanō, Jigorō (1860 - 1938), , UL, UC, UP, UD, 8p, , ,
A Path to Liberation, coverpics\kautzAPathToLiberation.jpg, Kautz, Herman, , Woodstock, N. Y., United States, Overlook Press, 1992, 120p, 208 x 178 x 9, PB, ISBN 0879514574
Judo Poems, , Kelly, Sid, , London, United Kingdom, Trafford Publishing, 2008, 132p, , HB, ISBN 1425144314
The spirit of Budo : old traditions for present-day life, Leggett, Trevor Pryce (1914 - 2000), , London, United Kingdom, Kegan Paul International, 1998, 123p, 21 cm, , ISBN 0710305621
Zen and the Ways, Leggett, Trevor Pryce (1914 - 2000), , London, United Kingdom, Kegan Paul International, 1978, 258p, , , ISBN 0710085982
In the dojo, Lowry, Dave, , Boston, MA, United States, Weatherhill, 2006, 207p, 213 x 140 x 14, PB, ISBN13 9780834805729
An introduction to Kodokan Judo : History and philosophy, Matsumoto, David, , Tokyo, Japan, Hon-No-Tomosha, 1996, 316p, 181 x 132 x 19, PB, ISBN 4894390426
Judo : A samurai legacy, Monteverde, David, , UL, United States, Lulu.com, 2009, 87p, 229 x 152, PB, ISBN13 9780557123643
Guide to Judo, Ju Jitsu and Associated Arts, , Moynahan, James McCauslin Jr., , Cheney, Washington, United States, Pullman, 1961, , 24 cm x 20 cm, ,
Martial arts reader, , Nelson, Randy F. (Ed.), , New York, United States, Overlook Press, 1989, 307p, , , ISBN 0824044355
The Book of Judo, , Ohsawa, Georges (1893 - 1966), , Chico, CA, United States, George Ohsawa Macrobiotic Foundation, 2011, 140p, 193 x 121 x 13, PB, ISBN13 9780918860507
Code Of Bushido, , Pryor, Roger, , Colorado Spring, United States, United States Judo Association, 1998, 33p.
Martial musings, Smith, Robert William (1926 - 2011), , Erie, United States, Via Media Publishing, 1999, 390p, 237 x 160 x 27, HB, ISBN 1893765008
maybe these could be included even though they are mostly memoirs
The life and struggles of a fighter for peace : Shigeyoshi Matsumae's contribution to histrory, Shirai, Hisaya, , Tokyo, Japan, Tokai University press, 1988, 371p
Ippon! The fight for judo’s soul, , Hammond, Dave, , London, United Kingdom, London League Publications Ltd, 2008, 86p, 208 x 147 x 4, PB, ISBN13 9781903659380
Never look back : the Owen Lowery story, Harley, V. G., , Crowborough, United Kingdom, Highland, 1990, 224p, 22 cm, ,
2000 Years : Jujitsu and Kodokan Judo, Helm, Dennis, , Illinois, United States, Illinois Judo association, 1991, 116p, 280 x 240 x 17, PB,
My turbulent life in a turbulent century, , Matsumae, Shigeyoshi (1901 - ), , Tokyo, Japan, Tokai University press, 1982, 241p,
Classical fighting arts of Japan : a complete quide to Koyrū Jūjutsu, coverpics\MolClassical.jpg, Mol, Serge (1970 - ), , Tokyo, Japan, Kodansha International, 2001, 242p, 263 x 186 x 22
Lion aroused : Conversations with Shigeyoshi Matsumae, , Sakamoto, Mamouru, , Tokyo, Japan, Tokai University press, 1986, 298p,
A perfect manhood or, Judo of Kodokwan, , Steers, William E., , London, United Kingdom, The Budokwai, 1918, 12p, 24 cm, PB
The fighting spirit of Japan : and other studies, Harrison, Ernest John (1873 - 1961), , London, United Kingdom, T. Fisher Unwin, 1913, 351p, 229 x 154 x 47, HB
The fighting spirit of judo : the technique and spirit to win, Yamashita, Yasuhiro (1957 - ), , London, United Kingdom, Ippon Books, 1993 1999, 208p, 255 x 183 x 22, PB, ISBN 1874572151

Many of those are not jûdô books though, but books about budô, bushidô or other things. He did ask specifically about jûdô books.

Nevertheless, thank you for that list, finarashi. I imagine it took quite some time to compile.

NBK wrote:Hi.

I want to develop a list of the most non-technical judo books, in English and Japanese, and comments pro and con.  

By 'non-technical', I mean books that delve deeply into the philosophy of judo, not the techniques of judo.  Most judo books have an introduction to judo history and philosophy, then jump into chapter after chapter of technique.  

There are budo philosophy books that mention I would ask for references that primarily dwell on the philosophy of judo, with less technique - ala' Harrison?  In English one thinks of Legget, possibly Moshé Feldenkrais?   And the latter's take did not seemingly please Kano shihan; now that I type that, I don't recall if he ever endorsed an English judo book of any sort.  

In Japanese, Uchida Ryohei's Judo has a very long introduction in which he describes the significance of judo instruction.  Maybe the five volume set of lectures 'Judo Koza' qualifies in part.  

Any ideas?

NBK

Here's a brief beginner's library to build some foundation to grasp the essence of jûdô:


Aida Hikoichi: Judo kōza, 4 vols. Kashiya Shoin, Tōkyō, 1949, 1951.
Arima Sumitomo. Arima jūdō kyōhon. Katayama Shoten, Tōkyō, 1904, 1913, 1925.
Arima Sumitomo: Tsuzoku jūdō zukai, 20th ed. Okahashiya Shoten, Tōkyō. 1913.
Hattori Kōha: Judo shin kyōhon, 15th edition. Rakuto Shoin, Tōkyō, 1941.
Hattori Kōha: Saishin jūdō kyōhon. Fujitani Shubunkan, Tōkyō, 1933,.
Hirano Tokio: Kyōsha (h)e no michi: honō no jūdō, Tōkyō, 1985.
Hoshizaki Haruna: Shin jūdō, 2 vols. Shuhoen, Tōkyō, 1934, 1941.
Iguchi Yoshitame: Jūdō gokui kyōhan: nyūmon yori, shodan made . Hachi Sendai/chiyo shoin, Tōkyō, 1953.
Ishigurō Keishichi: Jūdō kyōshitsu . Kawazu Shoten, Tōkyō, 1954.
Ishigurō Keishichi: Jūdō sekai mushashugyō ki. Kidan Sōsho, Tōkyō, 1956.
Ishigurō Keishichi: Jūdō sono honshitsu to hōhō. Ōbunsha, Tōkyō, 1943.
Ishigurō Keishichi: Zukai setsumei jūdō to Karate. Tōkyō: Saginomiya Shoin, 1954.
Isogai Hajime, Kurihara Tamio: Dai Nippon jūdō kyōten. Fuji Yama Bō, Tōkyō, 1938.
Kanemaru Eikichirō : Gendai jūdō to shūrenhō Tōkyō, 1929.
Kanemaru Eikichirō: Kōdōkan jūdō shūren (Jūdō training at the Kōdōkan). SeibundōTō-kyō, 1935, 269 p.
Kanō Jigorō: Jūdō kyōhon jōkan. Shushiki Kaisha, Tōkyō, 1931, pp. 1-127.
Kondo Ichirō: Zukai setsumei: jūdō shin kyōhon. Fujitani Shubunkan, Tōkyō, 1933, 1935.
Kotani, S. and T. Otaki. Judo no Keiju, Koshiki, Go. Tokyo, 1955.
Kudō, Kazuzō. Shimpen Judo Kyokasho. Tokyo: Hokushindo, 1953.
Kurata, Hikoichiro. Judo Kyohon Koshuroku. Tokyo: Dai Nippon Judo Tomonokai, 1951.
Kurihara, Tamio. Shin Judo Nyumon . Ōsaka, Shunjundo, 1954.
Kyogoku Daisuke. Judo Tokuhon: Nyumon Yori Shodan Made. Tokyo, 1941.
Mauro, Kishin. Judo Nyumon Yori Gokui Made Hiden. Osaka: Meibunkan, 1926, third Edition 1941.
Maruyama, Sanzō. Dai Nihon Judo Shi. Tokyo: Kodokan, 1939.
Matsumoto Yoshizō: Sekai no Judo. Nippon Shuppan Kyodo K. K., Tōkyō, 1952.
Matsumoto Yoshizō (ed.): Shashin zusetsu jūdō hyakunen no rekishi. Kōdansha, Tōkyō, 1970.
Matsuo Shirō : Tama-guruma. Sakura Fū Sha, Tōkyō, 1972.
Mifune, Kyuzo. Jūdō Kaikoroku. Tokyo: Somei Shobo, 1953.
Miyamoto Tabito: Kuro obi fū’unroku. Shōsetsu Ushijima Tatsukuma. Shuppan I’inkai, Kumamoto, 1975.
Miyawaki, Taiken. Judo Shido Yomoku Kaisetsu-shogakka Bunko. Tokyo: Meiji Tosho K.K., 1939.
Nagaoka Hideichi, Sakuraba Takeshi: Yōsetsu jūdō kyōhon.  – vols. 1-3). Tōkyō Kaishōkan, Tōkyō, 1938.
Nanma, Yoshimaro. Judo Seikai. Tokyo: Osakayago Shoten, 1927, 1933.
Nippon Seinen Judokai, ed. Zukai Judo Tebiki. Tokyo, 1953.
Noda Zenchi (ed.).: Watakushi no rekishisho. Nippon Keizai Shin Monsha. 1963.
Ochiai, Ikuzo. Judo Teiyo. Matsue: Judo Koenkai, 1928.
Oda, Akimichi Judo Kyohon. Tokyo: 1941.
Oda, Jōin. Jūdō wa Kakushite Kate. Tōkyō: Nampokusha, 1919.
Oda, Jōin. Jūdō wa Kakushite Susume. Tōkyō: Oda Dōjō Shuppan Bu, 1949.
Oda, Jōin. Jūdō-Manabu Hito no Tame ni. Tōkyō: Okumura Shoten, 1950.
Oda, Jōin. Jūdō Taikan. Tōkyō: Shoshikan, 1929, 2 vols.
Ogata, Genji. Judo Shinzui). Tokyo: Daijindo, 1930.
Oimatsu Shin'ichi. Something something Jûdô hyakunen ...
Okano Kotaro. Gakusei Judo no Dento Nagoya, 1956.
Otaki, T., Y. Matsumoto and Shojiro Ogawa. Gakko Judo. Tokyo: Fumaido, 1951.
Sakuraba Takeshi: Jūdō shikō. Meguro Shoten, Tōkyō, 1935.
Sakuraba Takeshi: Nihon kyoiku jūdō yōgi. Baifukan, Tōkyō, 1940.
Shioya, Muneo. Atarashii Gakko Judo. Tokyo: Meguro Shoten, 1951.
Takahiro, Saburō. Tokyo Gakusei Judo Shi . Tokyo: Hokuseido Shoten, 1940.
Tomita, Tsuneo.  Sugata Sanshiro. Tokyo: 1948.
Yamashita Yoshitsugui, Kudō Kazuzo: Shinsen Nippon jūdō kyōten – jōkan.  – vols. 1-3. Teikoku Shoin, Tōkyō, 1931.
Yokoyama, Kendo. Kanō Sensei. Tokyo: Kodokan, 1941.
Yoshida, Bo. Kaishin Judo Koza. Tokyo: Kaishin Gakko Shuppan Bu, 1931.

A couple of others where I would need to check the author:

Jitsuroku Judo Sangokushi
Watashi No Rirekisho

Then of course Kudô Raisuke’s book, Ushijima’s book, Kanemitsu’s book, Kanô’s 1911 book about morals for young men, Sakuraba’s text, Kurihara’s text about Kyôto judo, and of course the some 22,000 pages of the texts of Kokushi, jūdō, and Yûkô-no-katsudô as reprinted in large volumes such as Kanô Jûdô Taikei.

Sorry, I don't have time now to check all titles and names above for accurate Hepburn transcription, thus expect a mixture of transliteration with typos and mistakes here and there.

Obviously, most of these have all been long out of print. Don't blame me for that.

As to Western authors, go for the texts by TPL, Draeger (though only some part is devoted to judo), but also the work by Joe Svinth, the text part in Fukuda keiko's first book "Born for the mat", the articles written by David Waterhouse, the books written by David Matsumoto. Kudô Raisuke's, Kanemitsu's, Oda Jôin's, and  Sakuraba's work remain kind of unique in Japanese jûdô in the sense that there are the only ones to have had the guts to approach jûdô and the Kôdôkan in a critical way instead of spewing out some of the nonsense which the Kôdôkan has been doing for decades and continues to do.


Knock yourself out, NBK !!

NBK wrote:....

But these aren't really what I was looking for - more cerebral than technical.  

NBK

In english Judo is not cerebral

I thought that giving a large list one can start by throwing out the chaff...

finarashi wrote:

NBK wrote:....

But these aren't really what I was looking for - more cerebral than technical.  

NBK

In english Judo is not cerebral
I thought that giving a large list one can start by throwing out the chaff...

From your mouth to God's ears....  Indeed, I cannot think of anyone that approaches what I seek.   There are articles in old Judo and Sakko magazines that go on and on about the ethical and moral growth to be experienced through judo shugyo (extensive training).  

Perhaps among the most technically knowledgeable, the works of Harrison and Leggett approach what I seek - attempts to explain the non-technical mysteries of martial arts in early days when the very vocabulary would have been lacking.  

I recently recovered a possession from an art shop, where it was being restored.  It is a very old, very close, hand written copy of the Kito ryu jujtutsu menkyo that Kano shihan gave Shina Shiro (who later changed his name to Saigo Shiro) in 1883. A beautiful piece of calligraphy (now that I look at it closely, actually somewhat blocky, to be honest), it uses traditional wording that I can't imagine Kano shihan using later to describe judo shugyo and judo proficiency.  (I also can't imagine Mrs. NBK allowing the thing on our living room wall, which was the plan... at least, my plan, until I saw her face   Sometimes, indeed, beauty is in the eye of the beholder - I see exotic old Japanese characters by an historic figure to an historic figure, she sees an old piece of paper upon which is written a congratulatory note to a child along the lines of 'good boy, you learned the basics of this ancient school of head-knocking'....)

While this is a stark reminder that judo did not spring forth fully developed from the brow of Kano shihan - for years he and others taught traditional jujutsu, and judo developed in response to factors both internal and external to the Kodokan. The point is that Kano shihan began by using traditional language to describe judo, others did, too, until he had developed and became comfortable with a new language to describe his intent and objectives for judo. Pre Taisho, there is a lot of casting about, experimenting with different descriptions, and some Westerners stumble onto it then and attempt to describe what they see and hear, almost without the terms to use.

To some degree that traditional language is still used in the Kodokan promotion certificates (the issuance of which is being discussed in another thread), but the ethical / moral aspects are seldom addressed directly these days. Post WWII, it is pretty much rooted out of judo.

Thanks to all for an exhaustive list - I think that some number fit the bill.  Anyhow rooting around for the ones I don't have will keep me occupied for some time.

NBK

Maybe here is another point for you to look at?

http://www.budo-world.org/english/reserch/kanojigoro/index_01.html

wdax wrote:Maybe here is another point for you to look at?

http://www.budo-world.org/english/reserch/kanojigoro/index_01.html

Yes, that was a very interesting session at Tsukuba U. on the event of the 150th anniversary of Kano shihan's birth (a bit late). There were some interesting aspects to it, some I missed since I was not able to attend. Thanks for the link.

NBK

By far the least technical judo book (in English) I have read is the newly released "The Way of Judo, A portrait of Jigoro Kano and his students." It's by John Stevens who wrote a somewhat similar book about Ueshiba, Morihei.

Pro:

A lot of background on judo and it's roots, lots of info on Kano Shihan, and even more info on both the "four Kings" and his more politically famous students.

Con:

I would have preferred citations for many of the claims which seemed a bit off. That is mostly just my personal preference (to have a more academically styled book).

I am glad I bought it. It was a very light and quick read for me while on vacation.

Ian Shiparii wrote:By far the least technical judo book (in English) I have read is the newly released "The Way of Judo, A portrait of Jigoro Kano and his students." It's by John Stevens who wrote a somewhat similar book about Ueshiba, Morihei.

Pro:

A lot of background on judo and it's roots, lots of info on Kano Shihan, and even more info on both the "four Kings" and his more politically famous students.

Con:

I would have preferred citations for many of the claims which seemed a bit off. That is mostly just my personal preference (to have a more academically styled book).

I am glad I bought it. It was a very light and quick read for me while on vacation.

Ian,

Thanks for that, that is useful to know.

The other thing I am interested in is if in anyway there is an attempt towards critical analysis, or is it once again the hagiographic (like stories about a Saint who is perfect in everything he does and who has no vices not negative human emotions, never does anything wrong, etc) approach ? I know that maybe I am always expecting too much, realizing that the only way to even begin offering a critical analysis is having to search and search, and research original sources, deconstruct them, cross-reference them with other even more difficult to find things ...

CK Sensei,

Yes, it is pretty one sided. Not totally one sided, as he alludes to Kano Shihan being an absentee father. But, Stevens makes an excuse for this saying that it was normal for the times.

Interestingly, I had a Prof. at Sophia U in Tokyo who mentioned that he had a friend who was working on a book specifically about Kano, and he implied that it was not all flattering (think of the recent thread about pro/anti military/imperialism. I will try and sent him an email this week to see if that project is still in the works or what.

I should also correct what I wrote in my original post. There were really only a couple of claims that didn't sound right to me. This book also seems better researched and has better additional info in the back sections.

Cichorei Kano wrote:

Ian Shiparii wrote:By far the least technical judo book (in English) I have read is the newly released "The Way of Judo, A portrait of Jigoro Kano and his students." It's by John Stevens who wrote a somewhat similar book about Ueshiba, Morihei.

Pro:

A lot of background on judo and it's roots, lots of info on Kano Shihan, and even more info on both the "four Kings" and his more politically famous students.

Con:

I would have preferred citations for many of the claims which seemed a bit off. That is mostly just my personal preference (to have a more academically styled book).

I am glad I bought it. It was a very light and quick read for me while on vacation.

Ian,

Thanks for that, that is useful to know.

The other thing I am interested in is if in anyway there is an attempt towards critical analysis, or is it once again the hagiographic (like stories about a Saint who is perfect in everything he does and who has no vices not negative human emotions, never does anything wrong, etc) approach ?  I know that maybe I am always expecting too much, realizing that the only way to even begin offering a critical analysis is having to search and search, and research original sources, deconstruct them, cross-reference them with other even more difficult to find things ...

Apparenty youve never read anything by Stevens. Academic rigor does not spring to mind. :-/

NBK, I would have to agree. But, as I mentioned, I found it (like his other book I mentioned) to be an enjoyable light read.

NBK wrote:

Cichorei Kano wrote:

Ian Shiparii wrote:By far the least technical judo book (in English) I have read is the newly released "The Way of Judo, A portrait of Jigoro Kano and his students." It's by John Stevens who wrote a somewhat similar book about Ueshiba, Morihei.

Pro:

A lot of background on judo and it's roots, lots of info on Kano Shihan, and even more info on both the "four Kings" and his more politically famous students.

Con:

I would have preferred citations for many of the claims which seemed a bit off. That is mostly just my personal preference (to have a more academically styled book).

I am glad I bought it. It was a very light and quick read for me while on vacation.

Ian,

Thanks for that, that is useful to know.

The other thing I am interested in is if in anyway there is an attempt towards critical analysis, or is it once again the hagiographic (like stories about a Saint who is perfect in everything he does and who has no vices not negative human emotions, never does anything wrong, etc) approach ?  I know that maybe I am always expecting too much, realizing that the only way to even begin offering a critical analysis is having to search and search, and research original sources, deconstruct them, cross-reference them with other even more difficult to find things ...

Apparenty youve never read anything by Stevens.  Academic rigor does not spring to mind.  :-/

I have. I read his book on Tesshû.

It was not bad at all. Also, I understand one has to be realistic. I am experiencing that myself. Writing a book is one thing, but you also still need to convince a publisher to actually invest and publish the book for you. Having met with some editors, from a commercial point of view, most like to approach judo as a sport, and they are not particularly keen on footnotes. They try hard to convince you to comform to the masses, drop footnotes, drop Japanese kanji or proper transcription, etc. You have to be a man of principle to deal with that and maintain your own standards.

Cichorei Kano wrote:Writing a book is one thing, but you also still need to convince a publisher to actually invest and publish the book for you. Having met with some editors, from a commercial point of view, most like to approach judo as a sport, and they are not particularly keen on footnotes. They try hard to convince you to comform to the masses, drop footnotes, drop Japanese kanji or proper transcription, etc.  You have to be a man of principle to deal with that and maintain your own standards.

This is all the more important when bringing new information to market (e.g. the English-speaking world) that may be controversial or not commonly known ... as I believe you may be. Stick to your guns; we here will appreciate it.

Clearly the man writes well and interestingly, and has identified a market and succeeds in that. Good on him! Not everything has to be a magnum opus with a hundred page bibliography - there is a much larger and arguably more important role in bringing the basics to a large number of people and bringing more into the martial arts.

NBK wrote:Clearly the man writes well and interestingly, and has identified a market and succeeds in that.  Good on him!  Not everything has to be a magnum opus with a hundred page bibliography - there is a much larger and arguably more important role in bringing the basics to a large number of people and bringing more into the martial arts.  

Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh, Szu-ma Chien ...

Cichorei Kano wrote:

NBK wrote:Clearly the man writes well and interestingly, and has identified a market and succeeds in that.  Good on him!  Not everything has to be a magnum opus with a hundred page bibliography - there is a much larger and arguably more important role in bringing the basics to a large number of people and bringing more into the martial arts.  

Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh, Szu-ma Chien ...

OK, I know the name, but not the link to my post. Would you please explain?

Or are you saying that I called 'the man' a eunuch??

NBK

I have just got John Stevens' book on Kano. I will read with anticipation.