Reddit mentions of Falling Hard: A Journey into the World of Judo

according to this book I read https://www.amazon.com/Falling-Hard-Journey-into-World/dp/1590307151

he stated that Putin started Sambo at age 14 and judo around a year later. He won tournaments in Leningrad and took 3rd place at Russian Junior Nationals, and he also became senior champion later. He then joined the KGB where they had to continue some sort of combat training.

Falling Hard: A Journey into the World of Judo

It's basically following an older guys journey into judo through the ranks. He delves into the history of the sport a fair amount too. Really interesting read. Not very technical though, definitely more of a philosophy book.

I wouldn't bother too much with books at this stage. If you must get something interesting to read, I suggest the following -

• "Falling Hard" by Mark Law: it's a nice little travelogue into the world of judo
  
• "The Way of Judo" by John Stevens is a great historical re-account of the formation of judo
  
• "Judo Unleashed" by Neil Ohlenkamp makes a nice technical manual / coffee table book.
  
  
  You can get some other ideas here...but these are likely too technical at this stage for you
  
  http://www.bestjudo.com/page/1361/judo-book-reviews-rating
  
  
  If you absolutely must get something to watch, I recommend these for beginners.
  
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  https://www.amazon.com/Judo-Combinations-Marc-Verilotte-D/dp/B0007Y4SSO
  
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zhqjkjgE9o
  
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  They're basic enough to be helpful and interesting/complex enough to inspire you...but the English translation leaves sometimes is wanting.