The solution? Summer judo reading for kids. The right books can bridge the gap, keeping young judoka mentally engaged with the sport even when they’re away from the dojo. Koka Kids, founded by Olympic silver medalist and judo world champion Nik Fairbrother (8th Dan), offers an exceptional collection that makes perfect summer judo reading for kids who want to maintain their connection to the sport during vacation months.
Let’s explore five outstanding judo books that will transform your child’s summer break into a productive season of judo growth.
1. 20 Judo Turnovers: The Perfect Summer Judo Reading for Groundwork Enthusiasts
Age Recommendation: 8-15 years
What Makes It Special: During summer when mat time decreases, this comprehensive guide focuses on groundwork (newaza)—an aspect of judo that requires technical understanding that can be developed through reading and visualization.
Supporting Summer Judo Development: With clear step-by-step illustrations, this book teaches twenty different turnovers that your child can mentally practice during summer downtime and apply when returning to the dojo.
What Readers Say: “A really clever book. Brilliant for children and young adults of all abilities to help aid their learning and skills. Great to be able to take away from the club and revise at home. Brilliant illustrations ideal for younger learners as they can associate with the little characters.” – Deryn, age 15
2. 10 Judo Throws & 20 Dojo Drills: Summer Judo Reading With Practical Applications
Age Recommendation: 7-14 years
What Makes It Special: This summer-friendly guide includes drills that can be practiced in the backyard or even at the beach—perfect for maintaining physical judo skills during vacation months.
Supporting Summer Development: The book features conditioning exercises that require minimal space and equipment, making it ideal for summer travel and home practice when regular dojo attendance isn’t possible.
Character Development: Summer is the perfect time for children to develop the patience and persistence emphasized in this book—valuable lessons that will benefit them when training resumes.
3. 20 Judo Combinations: Advanced Summer Reading for Dedicated Young Judoka
Age Recommendation: 10-16 years
What Makes It Special: For older children who have more independence during summer, this book provides mental challenges that keep their tactical judo thinking sharp even when physical practice is limited.
Supporting Summer Judo Development: The long summer break provides the perfect opportunity for young judoka to study combinations at their own pace, without the pressure of immediate application in training.
What Readers Say: The book has received an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars from readers who find it particularly useful during breaks from regular training.
4. Jigoro Kano and the Moral Code
Age Recommendation: 8-15 years
What Makes It Special: The perfect read when children have the time to really focus on understanding the principles behind techniques and enjoy the short story on the life of Jigoro Kano.
Supporting Summer Judo Development: During summer when competition pressure is reduced, this book allows young judoka to take a dive into judo philosophy
What Educators Say: “All of the books and materials are designed in such a way that it’s immediately accessible to children. I have been using the materials and the books with my adult Judo students as well. They are without a doubt best series I’ve even seen—fun, professionally produced, and an invaluable resource for my teaching.” – Constance H. Halporn
5. The Koka Kids Gokyo App: Digital Summer Judo Reading
Age Recommendation: All ages
What Makes It Special: This interactive app complements traditional summer judo reading with digital content that appeals to tech-savvy kids during vacation months. It’s particularly valuable during summer travel when carrying books might be impractical.
Supporting Summer Judo Development: The app provides a structured learning path that helps maintain a connection to judo during summer when children might otherwise drift toward non-educational screen time.
Community Feedback: Judoka on social media have praised the app as an excellent summer learning tool that keeps children engaged with judo during school breaks.
Why Summer Judo Reading for Kids Matters
The summer months represent a critical period in a young judoka’s development. Without regular classes, many children lose the rhythm and discipline they’ve built during the school year. Quality summer judo reading for kids bridges this gap by providing:
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Continuous Learning: Technical knowledge continues to develop even when physical practice is limited
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Structured Thinking: Books provide a framework that maintains the mental discipline of judo
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Judo Journey: Summer reading empowers children to take ownership of their judo journey
Don’t let summer become a disconnection from judo. With these five Koka Kids resources as your child’s summer judo reading companions, they can maintain their connection to the sport, develop new understanding, and return to fall training with renewed enthusiasm and improved knowledge.
Looking for more summer judo reading for kids? Check out our complete Koka Kids collection, judo terminology guide, and our resource library packed full of downloadable drawings.
You can buy all of the books mentioned above and more through Amazon Koka Kids.
