In this book, Ne-waza Introduction, 15 of the world’s leading exponents in groundwork give a remarkable insight into their unique techniques. Olympic Champions Mark Huizinga of the Netherlands and Kayla Harrison of the USA introduce reveal how their all-round judo systems encompass Osaekomi-waza, Kansetsu-waza and Shime-waza.

Japanese triple World Champions Toshihiko Koga and Kosei Inoue, who were best known for their incredible Tachi-waza, both also posses a very deadly strangle. This was their ultimate back-up weapon, should their throws not score Ippon.

Great Britain has always regarded Ne-waza as a key part of their judo game. The greatest fighters to have emerged from the country have usually been most feared in groundwork.

Learn how GB’s first male World Champion, Neil Adams, made Juji-gatame his technique, with Sangaku being favoured by multiple female World Champion Karen Briggs. ‘The Fallon Roll’ was developed by 2005 World Champion Craig Fallon, and became one of the best-known turnovers into Osaekomi-waza in modern competitive judo.

Germany has been another country to have continually produced World-class Ne-waza experts. Double World and Olympic Champion Udo Quellmalz and 2008 Olympic Champion Ole Bischof show their amazing brand of pins and submissions, with both fighters being able to transition easily from one groundwork technique into another.

Eastern Europe has also been an area which has had a deadly reputation in Ne-waza over the years. See how Georgia’s Varlam Liparteliani developed a lethal series of Ne-waza arm-rolls and how Russia’s Kirill Denisov secured one of the quickest armlocks ever seen in judo.

GB’s Euan Burton, Winston Gordon and Colin Oates each reveal their favourite groundwork techniques, with Burton preferring quick-transition submissions, Gordon blending his hard Kumi-kata into Ne-waza, and Oates relying upon Osaekomi-waza as his main way of scoring Ippon.  

Groundwork descriptions and tuition are accompanied by incredible photographic sequences, with the key technical moments highlighted. Many of the images are shown for the first time and come from Fighting Films’ vast photograph archive.

Fighting Films has been closely working alongside the world’s greatest judoka for over 30 years. Superstar Judo’s Guide to Ne-waza is the first project where all of this international technical expertise is compiled in one place.

Presented by Superstar Judo, Fighting Films’ online coaching subscription site, the techniques can also be viewed in video format by clicking on a QR code at either the start or end of each book. The author is Fighting Films partner Danny Hicks, who was IJF TV Director from 2009-2017.        

This guide is an essential for all judoka. Whether you just want to learn the basics of groundwork or be inspired by numerous different variations from the world’s best, Superstar Judo’s Guide to Ne-waza reveals the techniques that are proven to work at the very highest level.