The Gokyo Judo Teachings Book by 10th Dan Sumiyuki Kotani (Preowned)

A classic and historically important Japanese text on the Gokyo-no-Waza, the official system of Kodokan Judo throwing techniques.

Written by legendary judoka Sumiyuki Kotani, a direct student of Judo founder Jigoro Kano, Judo Gokyo presents the techniques of the 1920 revised Gokyo, the system that organized Kodokan throwing techniques into five progressive groups of instruction.

Kotani was already a 9th dan when this book was published and would later be promoted to the extremely rare rank of 10th dan. His close connection to Kano and the early Kodokan makes this far more than a general judo instructional manual—it is an important technical record of the traditional Kodokan teaching system.

The book covers the throwing curriculum of the Gokyo with photographic demonstrations and technical instruction, making it particularly valuable to serious students of traditional Kodokan Judo, instructors, researchers, and collectors of Japanese martial arts literature.

About the Author:

Sumiyuki Kotani, August 3, 1903 – October 9, 1991) was a distinguished Japanese martial artist who made significant contributions to judo's global development. He competed as a member of the 1932 Japanese Olympic wrestling team. Among the most accomplished judoka in history, Kotani received the prestigious 10th dan ranking from the Kodokan in April 1984, holding the distinction of being the oldest living 10th dan until Ichiro Abe later earned this rank at age 83.

Kotani completed his education at the Tokyo College of Education and had the privilege of studying judo directly under its founder, Jigoro Kano. In his youth, he developed a reputation for fearlessly accepting challenges from all comers. Throughout his career, Kotani played a pivotal role in judo's international expansion, serving as director of the Kodokan's international division for many years. His academic contributions included serving as a professor at Tokai University. At the height of his influence, he held positions as the Kodokan's primary representative and vice president of the All Japan Judo Federation. Kotani passed away on October 19, 1991, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in martial arts.

Language: Japanese

Length: 159 pages

Publication date: 1971