The Canon of Judo: Classic Teachings on Principles and Techniques

By Kyuzo Mifune

The Long-lost "bible of judo" is back in print after almost 30 years.

Judo's origins date back to ancient times, and through the course of its long history it has evolved into one of Japan's most renowned heritages, assimilating many aspects of Japanese culture. In recent years, Judo has acquired heightened popularity, both in Japan and around the world, as a martial art and a path to spiritual enlightenment.

Kyuzo Mifune (1883-1965) began Judo as a junior middle-school student, and in 1945 was awarded the rank of 10th dan. known as the "God of Judo," he was so famous that, in referring to him, the words "10th dan" alone sufficed. Legend has it that in his sixty years of practice he never lost a match and was never thrown.

This book is the completely revised edition of Canon of Judo, originally published in 1960. It is said the book played a big role in founding the International Judo Federation, and in helping Judo to become an Olympic sport in 1964.

Shortly before his death Mifune revised his work, and this new edition includes these revisions, as well as a completely new translation of the original. It also contains a completely new layout.

With around 1,000 photos of the author and his students, and detailed, thorough explanations of the techniques, The Canon of Judo is the only book of its kind to provide such a comprehensive guide to the various techniques and the spirit of Judo. It will be an indispensable resource for all Judo practitioners.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 4770029799
• ISBN13: 9784770029799
• Release Date: June 2004
• Publisher: Kodansha USA
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 1.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.6" x 0.9" x 10.3"

Customer Reviews

Best Judo book ever !!!

The Canon of Judo is the bible of Judo by the man known as the "God of Judo" Kyuzo Mifune. Mifune started learning Judo under Founder Jigoro Kano when he was 13 and was one of only 6 persons ever promoted to 10th Dan at the Kodokan. Mifune not only goes through the Gokyu No Waza (the 40 Basic Judo Throws ) but also includes most of remaining 67 throws along with variations that make up the present Judo throwing syllabus. His section on defenses and counters of both the throws and the grappling is superb with many you won't see elsewhere. He even includes a Ura no Kata that he designed of 15 throws where if your opponent tries throw X; you counter with throw Y. The Canon of Judo is the definitive reference Judo book presently in print. Be warned that some of the pictures are difficult to figure out due to the poor camera angles, the fact both Mifune and his Uke are wearing white gi's (only ones available back then) in small black and white photos, and some pictures are not in same order from page to page. Some of the technique text is difficult to understand possibly "lost in translation" (though not nearly as bad as the movie by the same name). In spite of it's short comings, it has an overwhelming abundance of information as most of the nearly 1000 photos are easily discernable by the even the novice and intermediate judoka. The more expert can mine the more esoteric photos and cryptic descriptions for the pure nuggets of gold and wealth plentiful in this comprehensive book. I like this book even better than Kodokan Judo by Founder Jigoro Kano (See my review) to which Mifune contributed to and is pictured in for some techniques.

Tough to Rate Any Other Way

There really isn't anything to say that others haven't said already. I just wanted to weigh in with my perspective. I've been studying Judo for a couple of years, now, after an eighteen year layoff from it. During this time, I've studied other forms of martial arts - especially wreslting and BJJ. Judo has become a major part of my Jiu Jitsu and 'The Canon of Judo' takes pride of place in my library. Not just as a technical manual, but as a hearty slice of martial arts history. Judo was one of the earliest "mixed" martial arts styles and Mifune was one of the earliest and truest masters. To read his descriptions and see his performance in the photos is somewhat inspiring. Further, earlier texts give us a chance to see where the more modern systems come from. The Canon shows me the origin of my BJJ and helps me understand its roots. The book doesn't have the luxuries of modern photography and the translations can lose something, but that's not really the point with books like this one. A most important text.

The best book on Judo - period!

I can't believe how incredibly good this book is! I am especially thrilled at all the joint-locking and choking manoevers, their entries, defenses, reversals and so on. The ground-grappling part of this book is huge, and contains so many things that I have never even thought of in my 16 years doing Judo! And, for those of you into using the so-called 'guard' position in grappling: there is a whole host of moves concerned with it: passings, chokes, armlocks etc. In addition, this book shows you how to use leg and ankle locks both to submit your opponent and to escape from chokes etc. The 'real fighting' comments Mifune makes are really interesting and fun. For example, I didn't know that the 'thrusting' choke was intended for use primarily against someone backed up against a wall; hadaka jime (arms-only strangle) is best adapted for use against a punch: sidestep and squish the neck. Mifune (the author) is the best Judo fighter in history, and we can see this in all the wisdom he has collected from his lifetime of beating people. Your fighting skill will definitely improve with each of the techniques he teaches, and your victories in Judo (or in any grappling system that allows joint locks and chokes) will increase steadily in number. THIS book is the best Judo book; nothing else really compares to it at all. It will open up whole new avenues to victory that you never would have thought of on your own. If you take your training seriously, you have to have it. Buy it!

Must Have

This is a very comprehensive book with tons of material that will give any judo student, even the most advanced, lots to think about and study. The text is vastly improved from the older version and it is now understandable. Mifune was a master, and he shows techniques that are not seen much in judo any more, as well as all the basics.This book is a must have for every serious judo student. Since the older version went out of print copies have been selling for hundreds of dollars and everyone has been clamoring for a new edition. This work will satisfy everyone who can now see a glimpse of judo as it existed 50 to 75 years ago before modern Olympic competition.

The Canon of Judo

I first started chasing this masterpiece for almost 40 years well worth the effort,my first contact with this book through my sensei in 1966 shortly after master Mifunes'passing . There will never be another book of this caliber in this subject, a must for any serious judoka specially a small framed light person.