JUDO POEMS

<p><strong>Discover the Art and Soul of Judo Through Poetry</strong></p><p></p><p>What if the principles of throws balance kata randori and shiai could be remembered not just through drills but through rhyme? In <em>Judo Poems</em> 9th Dan judoka <strong>Sid Kelly</strong> blends over sixty years of martial arts experience with the power of verse creating an unforgettable guide to the gentle way.</p><p>From witty couplets to profound reflections these poems unlock the secrets of judo in a way that's educational entertaining and deeply inspiring. Whether you are a beginner stepping onto the tatami for the first time or a seasoned competitor looking for new insights this collection brings technique philosophy and history to life.</p><p></p><p>Inside you'll discover:</p><p></p><p>✅ The mechanics of judo explained in verse-learn kuzushi tsukuri and kake with ease.</p><p>✅ Practical insights into training methods: form practice (kata) free practice (randori) and contest (shiai).</p><p>✅ Life lessons from the mat: resilience humility discipline and the joy of practice.</p><p>✅ Tributes and stories from the judo community celebrating the spirit of teachers students and champions.</p><p>✅ Cultural reflections on how judo has grown from Japan to the rest of the world.</p><p></p><p>With a foreword by Olympic medalist Jim Bregman Judo Poems is more than a book of verse. Since every judoka knows there are lessons you only discover while practicing randori. Consider this poem as a whispered hint from the tatami itself:</p><p></p><p><strong>A CLEVER GRAPPLER</strong></p><p></p><p>A clever grappler can hold them all</p><p>And when held can untangle from the small and the tall.</p><p>A clever grappler has knowledge skill and fitness</p><p>And to him it's a serious game of physical chess.</p><p></p><p>When on top he always comes out on top</p><p>And however grueling he'll never stop.</p><p>Whether he's working from the side or head</p><p>His skill and training always brings him out ahead.</p><p></p><p>If he's held down in an excruciating wrap</p><p>He always has the option to attack.</p><p>But however much the hold makes him frown</p><p>It's not long before the holder isn't holding him down.</p><p></p><p>If he's underneath he'll execute a turnover</p><p>And then when he's on top it's soon all over</p><p>Or from underneath he can search feel and find</p><p>An arm lock or choke leaving all uke's hopes behind. </p><p></p><p>The arts of a grappler are three-fold</p><p>The arm-lock the strangle and the hold.</p><p>Of the three the hold is the root of the tree</p><p>Because its presence permeates all three.</p><p></p><p>Although the physical actions of each hold</p><p>All vary when their story is told</p><p>The action that is invisible and common to all</p><p>Is the skill of control: the heart of grappling wherewithal.</p><p></p><p>Whether submissions are applied gradually</p><p>Or suddenly and forcefully</p><p>The skill of control is always present</p><p>And every victory of this skill is its present.</p><p></p><p>Many grapplers purposely circumvent throwing</p><p>Debilitating their standing to mat-work transitioning.</p><p>A clever grappler will attempt throws that are bold</p><p>Followed by arm locks strangles and perhaps a hold. </p><p></p><p>If reading that made you grin and think<strong> Yes-that's judo</strong> then this book is written for you.</p><p></p><p>Whether you're a judoka martial artist coach or simply someone who enjoys poetry this book will give you new ways to see remember and live the art of judo.</p><p></p><p><strong>Step onto the tatami. Read reflect and rediscover the gentle way.</strong></p><p><em>Add Judo Poems to your cart today and bring the spirit of judo into your training and your life.</em></p><p></p>