A rare postwar judo instructional series published in 1952, just a few years after judo was reintroduced into Japan’s education system. Edited by the Japan Judo Promotion Association, this complete multi-volume set was designed as a practical training course to help spread judo widely during the early postwar period.
As the title “Illustrated Explanation” suggests, the book relies heavily on step-by-step diagrams rather than dense text. This visual teaching approach makes the techniques easy to follow and reflects the educational style of the era, when standardized instruction and accessibility were key goals in martial arts publishing.
The content provides a complete foundation in judo, beginning with etiquette, posture, and breakfalls, then progressing into core throwing techniques, groundwork (pins, chokes, and joint locks), and structured practice methods. It also includes sections on kata and training theory, offering a full curriculum-style overview of judo as it was taught in the early 1950s.
Beyond its instructional value, this set is also an important historical artifact, capturing how judo was systematized and taught in the immediate postwar period. Its diagram-based format makes it especially valuable for collectors, researchers, and martial artists interested in the evolution of judo instruction.