Customer Rating: 
Summary: A look past most of the everyday Aikido info...
Comment: This book is rapidly becoming an iconic work in Aikido circles. Saotome Sensei puts much effort and reflection into his writing, and the completeness of this book bears witness to that. It's information that every Aikidoka should know.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Lots of technics
Comment: Its a book for ppl that likes Mitsugi Saotome work. Very good.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Above average
Comment: I really enjoy this book. It's very well written. Just be sure you know your Aikido terminology because you will find yourself going back to the glossary often. There are many photos, however, more photos would have been nice. Some of the important in-between movements are left to the imagination, which could cause some confusion. But, it is a BOOK after all. Maybe a video featuring the same moves would better exemplify the techniques. There is some unintended humor here too. The somewhat egotistical sensai/author who must ALWAYS be the nage (the one who uses the technique) and NEVER portrays the uke (the one who gets his butt kicked by the technique), even after he exhaustively explains how important it is to be a good uke, uses his daughter (as uke) in several of the photo examples. It seems ridiculous that he would be so macho as to toss his daughter around like that. You'd think he would have been able to swallow his huge pride and let his daughter look good. Despite it's glaring weaknesses, I really like this book and would not part with it. It has a permanent place in my martial arts reference library. If you buy it, I don't think you will be disappointed. It is overpriced though, as are all aikido books. But that's the way it is when something is popular.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Belongs on any Aikido Bookshelf
Comment: As the title states, this book is about the "Principles of Aikido". Saotome Sensei concisely yet clearly explains his personal view on the philosophy of Aikido and his insights into its spiritual nature. His account is insightful and yet very down to earth.Saotome Sensei takes his time to introduce the reader to the correct mentality of executing technique before introducing the techniques themselves. He has cleverly grouped the various armed and unarmed techniques by the principles they demonstrate, thus showing the reader the common thread between a variety of techniques and situations.
This book will probably not be helpful to the beginning Aikido student, although the introductory sections give an excellent account of what Aikido is and what its philosophy and aims are. "The Principles of Aikido" is a must-read for Aikido practitioners who have two or more years experience behind them and is a veritable treasure-trove of insights. I have re-read it many times and each reading has, and continues to, cast a new and refreshing light on my training.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Belongs on any Aikido Bookshelf
Comment: As the title states, this book is about the "Principles of Aikido". Saotome Sensei concisely yet clearly explains his personal view on the philosophy of Aikido and his insights into its spiritual nature. His account is insightful and yet very down to earth.Saotome Sensei takes his time to introduce the reader to the correct mentality of executing technique before introducing the techniques themselves. He has cleverly grouped the various armed and unarmed techniques by the principles they demonstrate, thus showing the reader the common thread between a variety of techniques and situations.
This book will probably not be helpful to the beginning Aikido student, although the introductory sections give an excellent account of what Aikido is and what its philosophy and aims are. "The Principles of Aikido" is a must-read for Aikido practitioners who have two or more years experience behind them and is a veritable treasure-trove of insights. I have re-read it many times and each reading has, and continues to, cast a new and refreshing light on my training.
