Throughout the long history of Japan’s martial traditions, judo has evolved into one of the nation’s richest and most revered cultural legacies. The vast array of judo techniques has branched out into three distinct categories- throwing techniques, grappling techniques, and striking techniques. Of these, throwing techniques (nage-waza) represent some of the most dynamic and compelling aspects of this world-famous martial art.

Recent developments in competition (shiai) and free practice (randori) have seen an increase in the number of forms of nage-waza, leading to often confusing interpretations of the techniques’ names. The purpose of this book, therefore, is to provide a comprehensive and correct classification of nage-waza terminology as used in both competition and practice. All the sixty-seven official Kodokan throwing techniques and their various forms are explained thoroughly and concisely, and over 1,800 photographs accompany the text to provide the reader with the most comprehensive guide to judo’s throwing forms to date.

For many years author Toshiro Daigo has held the prestigious position of chief instructor at the Kodokan, regarded as the mecca for all judo enthusiasts, and this book is the result of painstaking research into the constantly changing forms of judo’s nage-waza. It will be an invaluable resource for practitioners everywhere.