The Purple Guide to Learning Judo in 10 Days
A concrete, day-by-day starter plan to learn real Judo techniques, understand the culture, and decide if this martial art is for you
by Alumigogo Books
non-fiction
A 10-day, no-hype plan to learn Judo basics, try real techniques safely, and decide if this is your martial art.
About this book
You've heard of Judo - maybe you saw the 1964 Olympics, or a friend mentioned it - but the idea of walking into a dojo feels intimidating. What do you wear? What if you're not flexible or athletic? What does 'first day' really look like? This guide cuts through the guesswork with a concrete 10-day plan. It's not a masterclass; it's a low-pressure trial run. You don't need a gi, a black belt, or any prior experience. You just need a few days, some space on a carpeted floor, and a bit of curiosity.
Reader Reviews
Joshua Rodriguez
★★★★★I was seriously nervous about my first Judo class but this book made it feel approachable. The day-by-day structure is perfect for a total novice. I practiced the forward breakfall on Day 4 in my living room and actually landed it without fear. It's not hype, it's just solid instructions that work. Highly recommend for any absolute beginner like me.
Jason Sanchez
★★★★★Finally, a guide that tells you what a first session really looks like without being a sales pitch. I appreciated the honest talk about costs and gear on Day 3 - I didn't buy a gi, I just used my carpet and old clothes. The O Goshi throw explained on Day 5 was surprisingly easy to follow. This got me off the couch, and I'm signing up for a real dojo next week.
Kathleen Hill
★★★★★As someone older and less flexible, I was scouting out any book that would be realistic about limitations. This is it. The first chapter's description of the 'breakfall practice on carpet' was a lifesaver. The self-assessment on Day 2 helped me realize I have enough time, but my knees are a concern. I dropped a star because I wish they'd covered more about injuries or pre-existing conditions, but overall, a very honest, helpful guide.
Edward Anderson
★★★★★Concise, practical, and not preachy. I loved that there was zero 'just follow your passion' nonsense. It's a plan for trying something new. The attention to what it feels like to be new - the embarrassment of rolling around - is spot-on. Did the first technique with a towel on the carpet. It works. Good for a quick trial, though I suspect I'll need in-person classes eventually.
Nicholas Miller
★★★★★I've tried learning from YouTube, but it's just odd angles and no real plan. This book gives you a sequence and an achievable goal each day. By Day 8, I had a mock session in my gym, and I was actually understanding the concept of kuzushi (balance breaking). That's a huge win for me. It's not a substitute for a teacher, but it made me brave enough to go find one. Worth every penny.
Jonathan Hill
★★★★★It's fine. The author knows what they're talking about, and Day 1 felt like a real 'copy what I'm doing' experience. Still, I found the first chapter a bit academic in prose, even if it's aimed at beginners. The gear info on Day 3 was useful, but I think just finding a local dojo with intro offers is easier. I did a few practices, but the hits to my floor noise annoyed my downstairs neighbors. It's okay, not great.