Written to answer the beginner's basic questions, An Introduction to Judo, provides comprehensive information about this Japanese Martial Art. 5th Dan black belt Gary Murray outlines Judo's relevance to everyday life, not only as a method of self defence, but also as a way of improving health and developing personal awareness confidence and discipline. Other aspects covered - How Judo is taught and learned - History and philosophy - Basic principles and techniques - Differences between traditional and sport Judo - Advice of finding a club and instructor
Having previously read this some years ago, I can say without a great deal of contradiction that 'An introduction to Judo' is one of the most concise, clear and comprehensive manuals on this Martial art / sport / system of education / way of life I've read.
Below are a couple of snippets worthy of snipping!
Chp 4 - Judo Techniques and Traditional Methods of Practice (pg. 64) "It's often said that a persons conduct on the mat is identical to their attitude outside the dojo, and in my experience this is true."
Chp 9 - Epilogue (pg. 95)
The contribution of judo to education by Jigoro Kano
Judo in Physical Education (pg. 101) - "In this age of enlightenment, nobody would care to prepare either for national aggression or for doing individual violence to others. But defence, in the cause of justice and humanity, must never be neglected by a nation or individual."
(pg. 103) "Again we teach the learner that when he has recourse to any trick in overcoming an opponent, he should employ only as much force as is absolutely required for his purpose, and caution him against either an over- or under-exertion of force. There are many cases in which people fail in what they undertake simply because they go too far, not knowing where to stop, or vice-versa."
Moral discipline (pg. 105) - "In this connection, I wish to explain how the principle of maximum efficiency helps us in promoting moral conduct. A man is sometimes very excitable and prone to anger for trivial reasons, but when one comes to consider that excitement is an unnecessary expenditure of energy, giving benefit to nobody but often doing harm, it will be seen that students of judo refrain from such conduct."