The Fighting Spirit of Judo Book by Yasuhiro Yamashita

Yashuhiro Yamashita is the most successful fighter in the history of judo, with a record that is unlikely ever to be matched From 1977 to his retirement in 1985, he was unbeaten, winning 203 matches-mostly by ippon. He accumulated nine All-Japan titles, the Olympic gold medal in 1984, and four world titles.

Often smaller than his opponents, he relied almost entirely on pure judo technique honed to an extremely high degree. His main throws-osoto-gari, uchimata and ouchi-gari were based on a classical sleeve/lapel grip. His ground work, especially holds and strangles, were lethal.

In this view of his life and judo, generously illustrated with demonstration and contest photographs, Yamashita considers his main techniques, isolating the details that made him such a remarkable competitor.

Equally important, he discusses other aspects that are often not mentioned-the growth of his determined fighting personality; the mental preparations, the obstacles that needed overcoming.

The Fighting Spirit of Judo offers a unique insight into one of the top figures in Japanese judo, a opportunity even more absorbing and significant since his appointment as manager of the Japanese national squad.

Table of Contents:

-About Competition: How to use your strength to the fullest
-Throwing Techniques
-Newaza
-Training
-Talking about Yamashita from a coach's view / A coach's view: Relationships between coach and players
-Path of Victory / Yasuhiro Yamashita – The complete record

About the Author:

Yasuhiro Yamashita (born June 1, 1957) is a legendary Japanese judoka. Olympic openweight gold medalist (1984 Los Angeles), four-time world champion, nine-time All Japan champion. Undefeated streak of 203 consecutive matches. Retired 1985 at age 28. Later: All Japan Judo Federation president, IOC member. Widely regarded as one of the greatest judoka ever.