Company: Panther Productionss
Name: Complete Judo - Volume 1: Pinning and Transition Techniques
Tape Cost: $39.95
Length of Tape/Time: 38 minutes
Number of Moves/Techniques: 20+
Return Policy: for damages and defects
Experiences in dealing with this company: Fair
Instructor: Mike Swain and Keith Nakasone
Company's Address: 1000 Century Blvd, Midwest, OK, 73110
Company's Phone Number: 1-800-626-2787
Web Page: http://www.centurymartialarts.com/accessories/media
E-Mail: customerservice@centurymartialarts.com

Primary Grading Criteria:

1. Production/Tape Quality: 10
2. Instructors demonstrated skill level: 10
3. Comprehension Score/Immediate Understanding: 8
4. Degree to which this will make someone a better Martial Artist: 8
5. Score on delivery vs hype: 9
6. Degree to which we would recommend this product: 8
7. Wasted Time ( The higher the number, the less " fluff" /repetition ): 10
8. Playback Score/Watching it over-and-over again: 10
9. Would I purchase more of this company's products: 10
10. Overall grade based on cost vs. value: 9

Grand Total: 92% (Good = 3.0 Stars )

Secondary Grading Criteria:

1. Beginners benefit: Fair
2. Intermediate benefit: Excellent
3. Advanced benefit: Good
4. Time to benefit: Most material is of immediate benefit.
5. The need to buy additional tapes to understand this one: None

Written Summary:

Well I decided to take another break from the series I was reviewing (Carlson Gracie's), to check out this Swain tape. I looked at the Century ad in their catalog, regarding the description of this series, and it says "The ultimate reference tool with 100 standing and grappling techniques of Judo". Personally, I feel Century should have used the more detailed description on the tapes insert which says: "This 5 tape series includes all techniques from the original Kodokan, including throws, holdowns, chokes and armlocks, top modern Olympic Judo techniques, plus awesome combination and countering techniques." After watching this first tape, the later description seems better, and the Century catalog description, IMHO, doesn't do the series justice.

The title of this tape "Pinning and Transition Techniques" is accurate, and most of the techniques were stated in Japanese along with their English translation. Funny thing, sometimes the Japanese term can be as short as two words, whereas the English translation/description can take several words.

I feel that the target audience for this tape is of course those who have an interest in official Kodokan based Judo. The techniques went by very quick, there was very little repetition, important points were made, however I personally don't feel it's meant to thoroughly teach someone Judo. I got the feel that is was meant more as a very rapid overview, of the various Judo techniques. In some parts the explanation of certain things was very good, and in other parts it wasn't. But all-in-all, it was much better than many other grappling tapes we've reviewed.

I guess the best way to describe it is to refer again to the description on the tape insert, which says: "Ultimate Reference Guide". Key word here "Reference"! Arriving at the techniques, or when to apply them, was IMHO barely addressed. You're just shown, for the most part, each technique (as a "reference"?), and left wondering in numerous places, when you should apply them. "What value is there to know techniques, without knowing when to apply them?"

If official Judo is your thing, and you're currently taking it somewhere, or you're an instructor, more-than-likely this will be a must have tape, just so you have a visual "reference" for the techniques! If however you buy this tape, due to having a mediocre interest in Judo, thinking it will teach you when to apply certain techniques, or it will turn you into an Olympic Swain type, I fear you will be severly disappointed. In my opinion, the tape doesn't stand on it's own, if you buy it with the intent of understanding Judo, and you're not currently exposed to Judo. Another tape, relating to application of the techniques, or individual instruction, would certainly be required.

Knowing all this, you should now be better informed in deciding whether or not this tape is for you.

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