A new book titled Because of Judo which launched on crowdfunding platform, Kickstarter, just two days ago has already surpassed its funding goal of £4000. Richard Goulding, the photographer behind the book, started photographing the British Judo squad as they prepared for the London 2012 Olympics and has continued the project, culminating into the new book.

The book features a collection of visual stories about the athletes and their determination to succeed in elite judo, as well as telling a story of a life in judo. As Richard puts it in his Kickstarter campaign, “If you do judo, it tells your story”. 

The book includes an essay by World Champion and Olympic medallist, Neil Adams, and the introduction is written by Mark Law well known for his own book The Pyjama Game.

Richard said:”I really did not expect the reaction we got. The project reached its modest target after just 2 days! However, we are going to continue marketing the book, and people can still guarantee a copy of the book at the launch price by backing the project on kickstarter.

“Motivated by my friendship with my judo teacher Akinori Hosaka, who passed away in 2010, I started a project to photograph British Judo, the players and coaches in the build up to London 2012 Olympics.  The book quickly developed into more than that and tells a story of a life in judo, the highs and lows, but most of all the incredible athletes and their determination.  

“As a fashion and advertising photographer I wanted to bring that approach to a subject that does not normally get this treatment, and I certainly found beautiful judo with Euan Burton throwing Patrick Dawson with Ura-nage.  I am lucky to have the backing of a publisher, Bluecoat Press, but publishing is risky and expensive, so we launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund printing costs.”

You can find out more about Richard’s book ‘Because of Judo’ and order your own copy through Kickstarter here.