Aikido neutralizes aggression and renders attackers harmless. By controlling body position and harmonizing their vital physical and mental powers, anyone (regardless of size, strength or weight) can fend off attacks using this sophisticated martial art. This classic text reveals the secrets which enable the stunning control practiced in Aikido.
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: Excellent background and dynamic drawings, a must for your library if you are a practitioner! Comment: Having just started training in Aikido, I needed a few books to give me the proper background. If one is to own just one, this would be it. There is a lot of ritual in Aikido, and some of it I do not care for, but overall, I believe this to be a very good self defense system, which can be modulated in intensity to correspond to the ferocity of the attacker's energy and intent. The drawings and explanations are very clear, while the theory and tradition is not overwhelming. Highly recommended! Customer Rating: Summary: The best Aikido book I have ever read. Comment: I first read this book in 1989 when I started studying Aikido. It was more than useful as a beginning student and continued to be useful through my progression into teaching over the years to come. I recently moved across country and wasn't able to pack much. This book was one item I left behind. I am returning to Aikido after a three year recovery from an auto accident and even though I have my original copy in story I am happy to be shopping for a second.
One of the most important aspects of Aikido is transcending the techniques and grapsing the underlying theory. This book certainly helps. Customer Rating: Summary: If you've only one Aikido book, this should be it, whether beginner or yudansha Comment: Most of the other reviewers have said it already, so I'll cut to the chase- this is an incredible book. A few months ago, I began learning aikido. Frustrated with the lack of handouts with basic newbie information, which were provided in the judo/jujutsu I used to train at, I went looking for a book. So much of Aikido is bodily physics, and I had begun to draw the kind of force diagram one learns in a basic HS/College Physics course. After reading reviews, I went for this book and I can't say I regret it. It is the most comprehensive text I've seen, and for me the diagrams are much more helpful than more photographic demonstrations, though a combination of both seems to be the best. Perhaps it has to do with the way a person thinks- for me, this book is right on.
I bought the book used for under $10, labelled as being in Good condition. I was very impressed wit the quality of the binding and paper, much nicer than your average hardcover and even of the more expensive type of book meant for academia. Definately worth the money, even at more than that! Customer Rating: Summary: helpful Comment: This is a very good book and I'm glad I bought it. The numbering system for attacks, interceptions, and projections can be annoying, but it does reveal a certain order in the moves. For example, ikkyo has many flavors depending on the attack but is all about elbow control. Those same attacks are treated differently when the wrist gets all the attention.
So, I guess the reason for the numbering system is to reveal the broader concepts.
When it comes to testing for rank, you have to spend some time translating between names and numbers. While this might seem to be a big deal, it really isn't. Sensei will surely have a personal twist (pardon the pun) on everything anyway. Learn the broad concepts from the book and the fine details in the dojo.
practice practice practice Customer Rating: Summary: Ideal for the beginner Comment: As a beginner of aikido, I am sometimes at a loss at remembering everything from the recent class. This book gives a good insight into aikido and has brilliant illustrations to aid the novice with technique.
A MUST HAVE FOR ANY BEGINNER
