by Craig Brown
First published 2020
This bilingual children's book takes readers on a journey through judo's origins. Written in both English and Indonesian, the story reveals how one remarkable individual devoted his entire life to developing what became both a global sport and a philosophy for living. Young readers discover the foundations of this martial art while learning in two languages. The book serves children studying Indonesian or English as a second language, making the fascinating history of judo accessible to bilingual learners. Author Matt D'Aquino brings authentic expertise to the story as a 2008 Beijing Olympics judo competitor who has practiced the sport for over three decades. His passion for judo and Brazilian jiujitsu shines through as he shares the remarkable tale of dedication that transformed a single person's vision into a worldwide movement that touches millions of lives.
Genres: history, non-fiction, martial-arts
Vibes: educational, informative, inspirational
Tropes: educational, inspirational
Setting: Beijing, Indonesia
Period: 2008, 20th-century, 21st-century
32 pages · Paperback · Independently published