Customer Rating: Summary: Every book in this series is absolutely amazing! Comment: Being the author of several books on the martial arts and fighting, I am always looking for books of exceptional quality to add to my library. If I have a book in my library, it's definitely worth owning. One such book is Robert Van De Walle's, "Judo Pick-Ups."
Actually I guess I should revise that statement to include any and all books in the Judo Masterclass Techniques series. This series of books is absolutely amazing in its structure and presentation of the materials in each volume. Good solid information is provided in each section along with very clear and concise photographs to complement the already outstanding text.
Although the primary focus of this book is on the sporting aspect of Judo, the techniques in it can easily be modified for use in combat or self-defense situations. Although most modern schools of Judo focus on the sporting aspects, you must remember that Judo was originally derived from Jujitsu by Dr. Jigoro Kano. Therefore, with the proper knowledge and a little modification, you can easily adapt the sporting techniques of Judo back to the more self-defense oriented techniques of Jujitsu.
Pick-Ups A Personal View:
Here the author offers up his own personal views and insight into the importance and effectiveness of pick-ups. Although I must admit that I did wince a bit during his recollection of a testicle grabbing incident in which he was personally involved in, OUCH!
History of Pick-Ups:
Here the author provides you with a brief but interesting history of this particular technique and how it was, and in some cases is, still viewed by the Judo community. There are even some nice illustrations from the 17th century which demonstrate the use of the pick-up against an opponent.
The following four pick-up techniques are the focus of this book.
The above mentioned pick-up techniques are demonstrated in exquisite detail in this book not only in the written text, but also in the accompanying photographs. After a brief introduction of the technique, the author follows that up with a detailed analysis of the key elements needed to successfully execute that particular technique. This is followed by a comparison of the traditional, contest, and the author's own version of how to execute the technique. It should be noted that every variation of each technique is based upon the same key elements.
The author then goes on to describe various combinations of techniques that can be used with the particular pick-up that happens to be the focus of that section. He then goes into a brief yet detailed demonstration of various counters and defenses that you can use against someone who attempts to use that particular technique against you. Each section finishes with a very brief section on training for that particular technique.
The author concludes this book with a brief demonstration of seven miscellaneous pick-ups. As I stated earlier in this review, this and all the other books in this series are outstanding and should definitely be made an integral part of your martial arts library. Customer Rating: Summary: Awesome. Comment: This book has been around a while and really needs no review because it is awesome. It gives a good detail of the true judo technique of pick-ups and sets the view of pure power aside. Great book. In my opinion, one of the best in the masterclass series. Customer Rating: Summary: Excellent Comment: Excellent book, as all of the masterclass judo serie.
I recommend this shining study of Van De Walle. Customer Rating: Summary: The Best Martial Arts Books Comment: This is my favorite of a series by Ippon Books. The whole series are written by the experts. Each book is written by a Judo Champion and it is his area of expertise he talks about. In the above case we have Robert van de Walle - Olympic Champion and expert in the art of the pick up. This is an Olympic Champion explaining how to get his favorite throws to work. I cannot recommened these books highly enough.
