A lean, direct introductory text for readers interested in judo culture and practice.
Tello (Social Safeguards, 2015, etc.) describes the basic concepts and techniques of judo in this introductory work of nonfiction.
Like many martial arts, judo is a practice steeped in tradition and built upon notions of physical and mental control. Popularized by Jigoro Kano and his Japan-based Kodokan Institute in the late 19th century, it was created as an alternative to the older practice of jujitsu: “Japanese society demanded a new approach to martial arts, no longer focused on the efficient killing of enemies, but rather on the defeat of opponents for sport, self-defense, moral discipline, and personal improvement,” Tello writes. The sport is now popular around the world and has been an event in every Summer Olympics since 1972. With this book, the author offers curious readers a look into the culture of the sport, including its etiquette, its uniform, basic techniques and training strategies, and the seven steps of judo referenced in the title. As new judokas reach milestones in their training, they advance through kyu ranks, which are marked by the receipt of various colored belts. (The belt system, developed by Kano, has since spread to a number of other martial arts, as well.) Tello explains the intricacies of each rank and ends with an extensive glossary of judo terms. The author writes in clear, concise prose, taking care to explain the nuances of various terms and moves as well as the philosophy that informs them. At just a little more than 100 pages, the book isn’t meant to be a comprehensive exploration of judo, but it succeeds in giving potential judokas all the information they need to decide if they’re interested in pursuing the sport. Tello is an admitted advocate for the popularization of judo, and, as a result, there’s a bit of a promotional quality to the book. That said, his concern for the safety of practitioners is apparent, as is his insistence that people take up the sport only for noble reasons (namely, self-improvement). This book best functions as a primer for the sport by embodying those qualities that judokas value: precision and erudition in the promotion of self-discipline and hard work.
A lean, direct introductory text for readers interested in judo culture and practice.Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-63387-001-7
Page Count: 126
Publisher: Amakella Publishing
Review Posted Online: May 3, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2016
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
BOOK REVIEW
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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