Customer Rating: Summary: Best Martial Arts Book I Ever Read Comment: I have a whole stack of them too, but this one has excellent pictures and descriptions by a true Master of Aikido. Customer Rating: Summary: Perfect for United States Aikido Federation Aikidoists Comment: This is the book to get if you are practicing in any of the dojos in the United States Aikido Federation. Written by the Shihan of that organization, this book illustrates and describes the techniques that will be tested from (5th Kyu to San Dan) and is a great supplement to work in the dojo. Yamada has also produced DVDs (The Power and the Basics) that are available from the United States Aikido Federation which show him executing the techniques. Both the book and the DVDs contain valuable pointers and instruction on how to correctly perform Aikido techniques. Ultimately of course, the only way to learn any martial art is to practice the techniques over and over again. They must evolve from 'mental knowledge' to 'body knowledge'. That is, you must get to the point where the body executes the techniques without thinking as situations arise. To get to this state, it is essential (particularly for Aikido) to practice with another partner. Customer Rating: Summary: A great book to have in your Aikido book library! Comment: Sometimes, you just need a good book to refer to the techniques and clarify a couple of points. This book is it. While I understand that it is somewhat lacking in the spiritual aspects of Aikido, I won't fault it because I like the graphical illustration so much. The illustration gives adequate detail to movements so that I can clarify some of the movements which are not so obvious and easily remembered, especially after you get whipped around alot in class. I do wish that Yamada sensei would write another book focusing on Advanced techniques of Aikido and weapons training! Customer Rating: Summary: Excellent instruction in traditional (Aikikai) Aikido Comment: This is a very useful teaching tool from a outstanding Shihan (teacher's teacher) in classical, traditional Aikikai Aikido. The terminology used is standard terminology, and a large number of basic techniques are very well explained and illustrated with clear action photos and some drawings. The book is a very useful teaching / learning tool to help with frequent practice for the Aikido student. An excellent book for beginner to advanced Aikido students. If you are going to pick one book on techniques in classical, traditional Aikido, this should be it. Customer Rating: Summary: Great introduction to basic aikido! Comment: Sensei Yoshimitsu Yamada displays great thoughfullness in explaining and illustrating basic Aikido empty-hand and weapon techniques to the uninitiated. Not much here on the philosophical foundations of Aikido, but plenty of detail on execution of techniques. Those interested in understanding the nonviolent, peaceful philosophy behind this art should check out Kisshomaru Ueshiba's "The Spirit of Aikido". This book by Sensei Yamada focuses on technique, displaying with exactness how the various pins, locks and throws are executed with both dramatic photographs and instructive drawings. I highly reccommend this book to anyone who wants to learn how to perform Aikido.
