HAL SHARPE: Judo's Library of Congress

 I have a sizable library of books on judo, especially the classics. I think it is necessary to own some of the 'Classic' books, such as 'The Techniques of Judo' by Takagaki and Hal Sharp. I actually have a few of Hal books and they are all three my favorites in my entire library. Hal Sharpe was first introduced to Judo in Japan from 1945 during the occupation. He went back to Japan in 1951 to 1956.  He trained 5 to 6 days a week at the Kodokan. During his times in Japan he learned from the great judoka of their day. 

1st picture: In 1954, Hal Sharpe (circled) won the title as “Japan Foreigner Judo Champion”. The tournament was conducted by Kyuzo Mifune (3rd from left), 10th Dan.  Center picture: Chu Kawakami, 9th Dan, and his son Rei Kawakami, 4th Dan, and Hal Sharp (circled), 3rd Dan and Captain of Kawakami’s dojo team. 3rd picture: Shinzo Takagaki and Hal Sharpe (circled).

The Techniques of Judo' by Shinzo Tagakaki and Hal Sharpe originally published in 1957 contains the full Gokyo (Kodokan syllabus of techniques), very clearly laid out. It is a fully illustrated and authoritative manual. Its authors provide step-by-step explanations, practical pointers, and thorough analyses of all the most commonly used judo techniques. 

Illustrated with over 550 black and white photographs, The techniques of Judo is an invaluable introduction to judo for beginners as well as a complete repertoire for the advanced judoka. There are intricately detailed descriptions of judo techniques including counters, it is one of the best books I have in my personal library. 

The Techniques of Judo is a must have for any serious judoka. As a matter of fact all of Hal Sharpes books, are must haves for any serious judoka. The footage and pictures found in his Classic Judo film series are pure Judo gold.

Hal Sharpe unfortunately passed away March of 2021 at the age of 93. It is said when someone passes we lose a living library of information. When Hal Sharpe passed we lost the proverbial library of congress of judo information, knowledge and history.