Higher Judo: Groundwork

Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais is best known for pioneering the somatic therapy that bears his name. Less well known is that he was also one of the earliest European practitioners of the martial art of judo and wrote a number of influential texts on the subject. Primary among these is Higher Judo, first published in 1952 and now reprinted with a new foreword that offers useful context and elaborates on Feldenkrais comprehensiveand still timelyapproach to the martial art and to the body.

Judo was a natural choice for Feldenkraiss fascination with body/mind exploration and how to promote optimal functioning through awareness. In Higher Judo, he presents judo as the art of using all parts of the body to promote general health, and as part of the basic culture of the body. He reveals judos potential for creating a sense of rhythm of movement and improving mental and physical coordination. Higher Judo covers specific movements and positionsthe astride position, the six oclock approach, falling techniquesin both the text and the clear line drawings. Even more importantly, it shows how such groundwork can help practitioners develop their mental and physical awareness to their full potential.