Customer Rating: 
Summary: True Aiki-jujutsu
Comment: "Unlocking the Secrets of Aiki-jujutsu" is a significant contribution to martial arts literature. Very little accurate information is available on traditional Aiki-jujutsu in Japan, let alone here in the United States. Much of what gets passed off as Aiki-jujutsu is frequently Aikido with atemi-waza (striking techniques) added, or a blending of modern Jujutsu with Aikido. Neither of which accurately represents true traditional Aiki-jujutsu.Davey sensei has spent the majority of his adult life studying, training, and researching traditional Aiki-jujutsu-and other Japanese cultural arts. This effort is very evident in this text.
The book is presented in three sections, starting with a historical overview of Japanese martial arts in general, and Aiki-jujutsu specifically. Davey sensei presents the historical information in a very unique way; empathizing the key figure sin the evolution of the style along with the resources and references that support the information presented.
The second section presents a detailed explanation of the key principles that differentiate traditional Aiki-jujutsu systems, with specific focus on Saigo-ryu Aiki-jujutsu. Of the hundreds of books and articles in print today, this section provides one of the best presentations and explanations on the concept of Aiki that I have ever read. Davey sensei presents the material in a very realistic and tangible fashion, without losing the reader in deluge of meta-physical or quasi-religious verbiage.
The final section of the book presents a set of techniques from the Saigo-ryu system of Aiki-jujutsu. Davey sensei approaches this section with a very traditional flavor. The first chapter in this section presents a very small set of techniques, but provides very detailed explanations for them, providing the reader with a good understanding of the characteristics and distinguishing features of Aiki-jujutsu. The following (and final) chapter presents many additional techniques, but with only superficial explanations. This approach is very common in Japanese cultural arts, where a student will be taught the first kata or set of techniques within a system and will stand a significant portion of time training and understanding the basic movements and underlying principles of the techniques-establishing a strong foundation for the rest of the curriculum. By establishing this foundation, it is not necessary to go into as much detail for the subsequent techniques.
The overall layout of the book is very professional and the included photographs are clear and very easy to follow. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is interested in traditional Aiki-jujutsu, Jujutsu, or Japanese cultural arts in general.
Customer Rating:
Summary: True Aiki-jujutsu
Comment: "Unlocking the Secrets of Aiki-jujutsu" is a significant contribution to martial arts literature. Very little accurate information is available on traditional Aiki-jujutsu in Japan, let alone here in the United States. Much of what gets passed off as Aiki-jujutsu is frequently Aikido with atemi-waza (striking techniques) added, or a blending of modern Jujutsu with Aikido. Neither of which accurately represents true traditional Aiki-jujutsu.Davey sensei has spent the majority of his adult life studying, training, and researching traditional Aiki-jujutsu-and other Japanese cultural arts. This effort is very evident in this text.
The book is presented in three sections, starting with a historical overview of Japanese martial arts in general, and Aiki-jujutsu specifically. Davey sensei presents the historical information in a very unique way; empathizing the key figure sin the evolution of the style along with the resources and references that support the information presented.
The second section presents a detailed explanation of the key principles that differentiate traditional Aiki-jujutsu systems, with specific focus on Saigo-ryu Aiki-jujutsu. Of the hundreds of books and articles in print today, this section provides one of the best presentations and explanations on the concept of Aiki that I have ever read. Davey sensei presents the material in a very realistic and tangible fashion, without losing the reader in deluge of meta-physical or quasi-religious verbiage.
The final section of the book presents a set of techniques from the Saigo-ryu system of Aiki-jujutsu. Davey sensei approaches this section with a very traditional flavor. The first chapter in this section presents a very small set of techniques, but provides very detailed explanations for them, providing the reader with a good understanding of the characteristics and distinguishing features of Aiki-jujutsu. The following (and final) chapter presents many additional techniques, but with only superficial explanations. This approach is very common in Japanese cultural arts, where a student will be taught the first kata or set of techniques within a system and will stand a significant portion of time training and understanding the basic movements and underlying principles of the techniques-establishing a strong foundation for the rest of the curriculum. By establishing this foundation, it is not necessary to go into as much detail for the subsequent techniques.
The overall layout of the book is very professional and the included photographs are clear and very easy to follow. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is interested in traditional Aiki-jujutsu, Jujutsu, or Japanese cultural arts in general.
Customer Rating: 
Summary: Interesting and well presented
Comment: First of all, I don't practice Aiki-jujutsu, but I have ten years of experience in Aikido, which is derived from it, so I think that my viewpoint on this book can be sufficiently objective. This book describes the historical origins of this style, clearing up many of the myths and misconceptions about budo in general, ju-jutsu, Aikiju-jutsu, Aikido and their respective relationships.
After the historical presentation you get a part devoted to explaining aiki, the use of body and mind in Aikijujutsu, and finally a technical section which first explains in great detail a fairly small number of techniques then presents a larger sequence of diverse techniques without explaining them.
All in all I found this book informative, balanced and well focused. Even if the title could make you think that this is one of those "learn XXX in YYY lessons from me, the self-appointed grand-master of ZZZ style" I found that the author has certainly done his homework, I liked most of his explanation of many points which may be useful in my own Aikido practice.
I'd like to stress that this is not a "technical" book, and you should not buy it for learning techniques (even those which are explained in detail will at bes give you an idea of the principles of this art, not any real knowledge of how to perform them). This is ok for me, because I believe that martial arts are learned by doing, and books are a very poor substitute for actual practice with a good teacher.
On the other hand, if you ever need to teach, or even just explain what aikido and its related styles are about, I think this book fits the bill nicely. I also liked that the author does not try to "sell" its particular style as the ultimate combative (or philosophical, or health-promoting) system. He obviously likes AikiJuJutsu and believes in it, but does not get overboard with it.
All in all, a good read if you want to learn more about the ideas and principles behind this family of martial arts.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Another good Aiki Book
Comment: I enjoyed Mr. Daveys book immensely. This book also helped me greatly in my understanding of Aiki-Jiujitsu. The topics were presented well and the pictures were easy to follow. The only thing I wish is that Mr. Davey writes another book like this with additional insights and techniques. This is another book that I will not sell!!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Rich in Detail and Methods
Comment: Unlocking the Secrets of Aiki-jujutsu is an uncommon martial arts book. It is distinctive for several reasons:1. It treats the Japanese martial arts and aikijujutsu as actual arts and not merely some sort of physical mayhem.
2. It discusses the history, theory, philosophy and techniques of aikijujutsu and Japanese martial arts in a well-written, intelligent and even scholarly way.
3. It actually offers more in its descriptions of martial techniques than the all too typical, "Now I move my right foot forward . . ." sort of explanation. The author provides extremely detailed and clear descriptions of how to perform the large number of techniques depicted in this book. Far too many martial arts books only describe what is obviously taking place in the photos, which is just that-obvious. H. E. Davey explains points that are essential for success and still not immediately apparent by looking at the pictures. This book contains one of the most thorough series technical instructions of any martial arts book I've read.
4. It presents the seemingly esoteric concept of "aiki" in a manner that is clearly explained, pragmatic and yet still containing a deep spiritual dimension. Aikido practitioners would be well served by taking a look at this book. One of the best descriptions of what aiki is and how to use it that I've found.
Way too many martial arts books tend to be superficial, poorly written and concerned with mostly how to pound someone into the pavement. Unfortunately since they are so lacking in content, scholarship and intelligence they frequently fail in that regard too.
This book is far removed from the average mediocre judo, aikido, etc. books out there. Unlocking the Secrets of Aiki-jujutsu is a rare find in the world of martial arts manuals.
