This book dealing with ground work is the first in a series designed for students who already possess some elementary knowlege of Judo, and who wish to make themselves familiar with the more advanced actions. Good Judo cannot be learned without intelligent observation and understanding, by regular practice is essential above all else. The reader should find here much to make his practice more profitable. from Foreword (by G. Koizumi 6th Dan, founder of the Budokwai, Chairman of the Council of Judo Specialist of the European Judo Union) The principle of Judo is like the nature of water. Water flows to a balanced level. It has no shape of its own but moulds itself to the receptacle that contains it. Its surge is irresistible and it permeates everything. It has existed and will exist as long as time and space. When heated to the state of steam it is invisible, but has enough power to split the earth itself. When frozen it crystallizes into a mighty rock. Its services are boundless and its uses endless. First it is turbulent like the Niagara Falls, and then calm like a still pond, fearful like a torrent, and refreshing like a spring on a hot summer's day. So is the principle of Judo. The art of Judo has been commericialzied under many colourful labels and books have been published which, with a few exception, are either very much influenced by journalism or are of an elementary nature. Dr. M. Feldenkrais has made a serious study of the subject, himself attaining Black Belt efficiency. He has studied and analysed Judo as a scientist in the light of the laws of physics, physiology and psychology, and he reports the results in this book which is enlightening and satisfying to the scientific mind of our age. Such a study has been long awaited andis a very valuable contribution to the fuller understanding and appreciation of the merits of Judo. Dr. Feldenkrais explains how Judo training educates one to be 'independent of heritage.' This phrase is the keynote and hallmark of the standard of his treatise. It is universally recognized that Judo practice promotes the sense of balance and self-confidence, cultivates the ability to overcome brute force, inherited weaknesses or shortcomings, but the logical and scientific reasons for these effects were left unexplored. Dr. Feldenkrais, with his learned mind, keen observation and masterly command of words, clarifies the interrelation and the intermingled working of gravitation, body, bones, muscles, nerves, consciousness, subconscious and unconsciousness and opens the way for better understanding. However, a scientific study is by its nature sectional and a matter of conscious knowledge. Readers and students must therefore put the theory into practice, and digest and assimilate it beyond the state of consciousness before they can appreciate the claims or derive the full practical benefit from it. When practising they should keep in mind the broader and more fundamental aspects of Judo. As an art and a philosophy, the ultimate object of Judo is the attainment of harmonious unity of opposites in tune with life's realities; in short, unity of Man and God or Nature.--G. Koizumi Higher Judo: Ground Work, is Moshe Feldenkrais’s last and most sophisticated book on Judo. Back in print after an absence of decades, this attractive new edition includes forewords by Dennis Leri: Trainer and martial artist, Michel Brousse: Judoka and historian of French Judo, and Moti Navi: researcher on the Feldenkrais Method’s martial roots. These special forewords add historical and philosophical depth to the new edition. Higher Judo was written at a critical juncture in Feldenkrais’ development, just after writing Body and Mature Behavior, and after 25 years of involvement in the martial arts. The early chapters of Higher Judo are essential reading for every Feldenkrais Practitioner. They go far beyond self defense, arguing for judo as an educational practice that furthers maturation of the whole person, and revealing some of the fundamentals of Moshe’s thinking just as he is developing his method. In addition, practitioners who work with athletes or active individuals will find the book particularly insightful. (Softbound) Contents Preface Foreword Introduction I Judo Practice II Uniqueness of Action III Where We Start and Why IV Principles of Ground Work V Some Useful Exercises for Ground Work VI Ground Work Tactics VII Starting Ground Work VIII Six O'Clock Approach IX Right or Left Approach X Head On Approach XI The Astride Position XII Opponent Facing the Ground