Judo Formal Techniques: A Basic Guide to Throwing and Grappling - The Essentials of Kodokan Free Practice Forms Paperback – May 7, 2019

No other book, and very few teachers, can offer the comprehensive instruction available from Judo Formal Techniques. The exhaustive research and training required to produce Judo Formal Techniques has resulted in a resource so important that no serious exponent of judo can afford to be without it.Kata is only a part of what judo has to offer; yet it embodies the essence of what judo is. That essence is captured and revealed by the authors so it can be applied in practice. Real progress does not come without serious training, but with this new edition Judo Formal Techniques can still be savored today, providing inspiration and guidance for those seeking to unravel the mystery and meaning of judo.

Every step of the randori no kata is explicitly described. Use this book as your guide and you'll know precisely what is expected of you when you step onto the mat. Otaki and Draeger even delve into the historical context of kata, and also describe minute differences between what would otherwise seem to be identical moves (eg the four atemi waza in the nage no kata). There's a reason why this text is considered by many to be the definitive authority.

This book teaches judo katas forms etiquette

Overly technical. Not practical as a guide. If I didn’t have a background in Judo, this book would not have helped me to develop my technique.