4 comments about Aikido: The Complete Basic Techniques.

1. If you have to buy one book on Yoshinkan Aikido, I would recommend Total Aikido by Gozo Shioda (same author). Total Aikido goes into much greater detail on basic stance, basic movements, breakfalls, history, self defense application, and principals of Yoshinkan Aikido. However, this book is a great compliment to Total Aikido, primarily focusing on application of more than 100 basic techniques, mostly demonstrated in the photos by the founder, Gozo Shioda, himself. This is a great reference source for any Yoshinkan practitioner. The book also briefly covers kamae, kihon dosa (alone and with a partner), ukemi, shikko-ho, and a few other basic principles. This book cannot replace the experience from training under a qualified instructor, but is a valuable tool for the student who wants to refresh and review what he/she has learned. Aikido, The Complete Basic Techniques is also a great tool for instructors who wish to review details of the techniques performed by the founder, and resolve any debates on application of basic techniques.



2. Aikido: The Complete Basic Techniques comes from a master and teacher and the top student of modern Akikido's founder, so it's backed with much experience and authority as it explains all the most important basic techniques of the martial arts and surveys their underlying teaching. The Basic Throws which are key to early Aikido practice are based on a revised edition of an earlier Japanese-only textbook: this updated version appears in English for the first time and pairs small step-by-step back and white photos with clear instruction. Both specialty martial arts and general-interest libraries will find it a fine basic reference.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



3. This is one of the best books on Yoshinkan Aikido. Really you only need two books, Total Aikido and Aikido: the complete basic techniques



4. This book presents the fundamental techniques of Yoshinkai aikido, clearly describing how the moves are to be performed. My only concern is that buki-waza are not also presented. Otherwise I have found this book to be quite helpful, and more extensive than Dynamic Aikido.

2 comments about Attacks in Aikido: How to do Kogeki, the Attack Techniques.

1. This book pinpoint aspects of Aikido training that is in some dojos neglected, the attack and how to perform it properly. In Aikido, being a peaceful martial art, focus is on the defensive techniques how to correctly avoid and lead the "opponents" attack away. On this topic there are numerous publications, books, videos, and youtube-clips available. To my knowledge no or very few discus the attack form since that is not Aikido. But in my opinion Aikido is a relation between the the "attacker" and the "defender". In order to perform the best Aikido both partners need to be at their best. However, I actually didn't realise that I missed a book on this topic before it landed in my mail box!
   
   In a clear, concise and well structured way Stefan guide us through all common attack forms practiced in Aikido dojos, grips, strikes, kicks, and weapon attacks. The book is filled with detailed descriptions on how to perform the attacks, together with discussions on the origin and purpose of the attack with reference to other martial arts (e.g. kendo, karate). The thorough descriptions are accompanied by plenty of photo illustrations which ads on to the clarity and the understanding.
   
   Independent on Aikido style, this book should be in the reference libary in any Aikido dojo.
   
   If I was required to propose improvements to this book I would only have one, print it on glossy paper ;-)



2. I am very fond of this book indeed. It is just what the author said about it in preface. Nothing more, nothing less. A useful tool. I'd say it is particularly useful for people somewhat familiar with marital arts, especially the one of its subject. It would not reveal much to a newbie, because there are things to know to understand, what the author is talking about. On the other hand an expert marital artist would or at least should know the most of the material covered. Which leads us to Aikido student to gain the largest benefit out of it. Knowing principles of attacks really helps, that is.
   Also people not that familiar to English should also have a fair chance of reading this book after adding a few new words to their vocabulary.
   
   My thanks to author who gave the possibility to read a unique dense material free of non-related literal crap. There are times, you have to read some chapter twice or more to uncover all the detail. Thanks Stefan, it is a good book.

4 comments about Aikido Weapons Techniques.

1. Aikido techniques which use wooden weapons isn't just for weapons users - it provides practice moves which can translate to all forms of basic and advanced aikido tactics. AIKIDO WEAPONS TECHNIQUES therefore is recommended not just for weapons users, but for any aikido student moving beyond the basics - and for any library strong in martial arts titles.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



2. An excellent primer in the background and use of typical aiki weapons. It is balanced and well illustrated. This author team is excellent, and well-qualified. Their other titles are also excellent.



3. "Aikido Weapons Techniques: The Wooden Sword, Stick, and Knife of Aikido" is for beginners. It starts from the most rudimentary steps for people who have never used weapons before. The pictures are excellent. One of the most important things in learning is to start with good habits from the beginning; never let bad habits develop. This book teaches all the right habits. Since I am a novice, this book was/is perfect for me.



4. I have just started Aikido classes and this book could not have come at a better time. It is a reminder of the actual training I have had in class. It also gives me more information on the few jo, tanto and bokken techniques that I have received in class. Some of these techniques and katas I have seen in an Aikido seminar so I know it is real. Everything is there, grips, etiquette, stances, ki from the Aikido point of view. There are also some knife techniques using the wooden knife known as the tanto. This is an excellent book for the beginner or intermediate student. The author has two other books on Aikido, Aikido Basics and Advanced Aikido. Phong Thong Dang is an Aikido 6th degree black belt with extraordinary experience, skill and knowledge. In addition he is also a 6th degree in Tae Kwon Do, a 5th degree in Judo and an 8th degree in Shaolin Kung Fu.

5 comments about Best Aikido: The Fundamentals (Illustrated Japanese Classics).

1. I have read several aikido books that demonstrate visually, proper aikido techniques. This is the first book I have read that was easy to follow, easy to understand and easy to remember. Although it was easy in all these areas, it wasn't at all lacking. The information in this book is "must have" for any beginning aikido practitioner.



2. This is a well formatted and profusely illustrated volume. All info is basic, but the presentation is very good.



3. Aikido is Budo, as the authors speak of many times in the beginning. But they do not discuss this any further than that in this book. But there is another book by these authors that discusses that. This strikes me as being a little too Capitalistic. What this book does do fairly well is discuss and show the basic moves and steps in Aikido. And since it was written by the Founder's son and grandson, I respect and trust their words very much.
   
   Now for the unfortunate aspect of Aikido, it requires 2 people to learn it. For many, this is fine. This requirement is because the martial aspect of Aikido is purely defensive, so there are no punches or kicks to practice. The funny thing is, that is what I wanted. I should have thought this out on my own and realized that you need someone to attack you before you can defend yourself, in practice or in reality. So I cannot knock the authors for this failure, it is all mine. Just take it as a warning before exploring this art on your own.
   
   In short, this book should be trusted and respected, but it is incomplete for the entire Aikido experience.



4. Best Aikido is a book for mid-level students. The pictures are excellent, the descriptions are brief, to the point, and on a level for students who have already mastered the basics. Very easy to understand. I know of no other single book that shows so many different mid-level techniques. This is part one. the Part 2 Book is the master's Course. Together, they are probably the most comprehensive, exhaustive, current, authoritative references for Aikido.



5. I'm a beginner (aren't we all) and have about 5 aikido books in the library so far. I am currently preparing for a kyu test and this book is the most helpful. Period. Not as good as time in the dojo, but very good.
   
   The pictures are clear and they confirm the stuff we all should already know. More importantly for me is that this book has the most understandable presentation of the names and words for the various stances, holds, throws, etc.

5 comments about Principles of Aikido.

1. 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.




2. 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.



3. Its a book for ppl that likes Mitsugi Saotome work. Very good.



4. 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.



5. This one has enjoyed reading the studying all of Saotome Sensei's published works and has found them very helpful in growing in ones understanding of the philosophy and practice of the art of aikido.
   
   This one has and does recommend the same for all aikidoka and those interested in furthering their knowledge of ikido.
   
   Be well.

5 comments about Total Aikido: The Master Course (Bushido--The Way of the Warrior).

1. Gozo Shioda's masterful presentation of the fundamentals of Aikido is profound. The reader is drawn into a world that is both complex and very simple, through techniques which require great skill to perform but which flow like water when done right. The Ai (harmony) element is present throughout the book, and I now recommend this book to my students and give it as gifts to my friends.



2. Gozo Shioda was a direct student of Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba and this experience is seen through the detail of this book. The beginning of the book goes over various basics and exercises taught in Aikido. This proves very helpful for anyone who has not actually taken an Aikido class. There is a great deal of detail for various basic moves, explaining everything from breathing to shifting weight. One of the problems with soft martial arts such as Aikido is the difficulty in performing the throws or locks if you have not had an instructor. The book helps in this by explaining key points to the technique that should be remembered as well as explaining the mechanics of it in detail. Close up and side bars providing further detail along side the clear step by step pictures of the techniques as they are being performed also make it easier to learn these moves with a partner. I would give this book a perfect score if it were not for the Japanese technique names. This book was translated from Japanese. While the names of the techniques are translated to English the explanation for how to do the technique uses traditional Japanese terms at times.
   
   For example:
   from Four Direction Throw 1
   
   "1-2 From migi ai-hanmi kamae, uke grabs your left wrist and pulls in a straight line. You strike with right-handed back-fist atemi to uke's face."
   
   While this is a bit of learning curve I didn't find it as cumbersome once I had the basic terminology down.
   
   As for the practical side. While Aikido does not come as easily as learning to throw a good right hook, many of the throws and joint locks can be employed without much effort once they are learned well. The techniques are presented often against traditional grabs or overhand strikes, however much of the material can be used just as readily by simply training with someone shoving, throwing a punch or going to tackle. There was a lack of kick defenses, but most people starting a street fight will not kick high anyway. The joint locks to control people are useful, especially if you are in a position where you cannot knock someone out who attacks, such as a teacher or a security guard.



3. Uno de los mejores libros de artes marciales que tengo.
   
   Es tal vez el libro que todo principiante del aikido debería tener como guía de referencia, ya que explica cómo se producen errores más comunes que solemos cometer en las técnicas básicas como ikkio, nikio, sankio, yonkio, cómo agarrar bien al compañero (uke o tori)...
   
   Incluye también algunas aplicaciones interesantes a la defensa personal (goshin waza).
   
   Buena edición la versión en inglés, con tapa dura.
   
   Ojalá encontrara más libros como éste.



4. Though I never held any rank in Aikido, I have rank in several related martial arts and studied numerous other combat arts.(Jujitsu, Judo, Kendo, Kenjutsu, Krav Maga, Aikijutsu, Combatives, Karate). I only took up Aikido for a short time but I have always respected the art for its many beautiful and practical techniques. In fact, as a law enforcement trainer several of the techniques I teach came originally from Aikido or Aikijutsu. This book is clearly one of the best books on Aikido I have ever read. The detailed explanations combined with the very clear photographs and illustrations, make this book a MUST OWN for anyone who is studying Aikido. It is best to use this great book in combination with training under an Aikido expert to really get the most out of it. In conclusion, this is a book that should be in every serious martial artist's personal collection. Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Monadnock Defensive Tactics System, Use of the Monadnock Straight Baton, PR-24 Baton Advanced Techniques, Tanto-Jutsu Manual, Wakizashi-Jutsu Manual, Never Trust a Politician, Martial Art Myths).



5. "Total Aikido" is a VERY fine manual on Yoshinkan Aikido -- as founded by Gozo Shioda -- who trained deeply with Morihei Ueshiba starting before World War II. So a very self-defense oriented Aikido is presented -- almost like a renewal of Aiki Jutsu Daitoryu -- even with nearly indentical technical terms. Yet its Aiki as good as any -- in all methods presented -- as would be expected coming from Gozo Shioda -- who was barely over a hundred pounds but had a mountain of intense Aiki to extend GREAT skill. This Aiki Art is PROVEN via its many Japanese Self-Defense Force, Police and other students -- as well as those of us across the seas who have encountered Yoshinkan Aikido directly via friendly hospitality of its intense followers -- welcoming visitors to their Dojo mat one way or another. "Total Aikido" itself is presented via perfectionist illustration and explanation of the few well-chosen core methods and many well-ordered adaptations to attack-situations. Indeed Gozo Shioda and Yasuhisa Shioda -- via Yoshinkan Aikido and this fine manual -- DO show just how "gentleness can overcome the strong" +++

5 comments about The Aikido Student Handbook: A Guide to the Philosophy, Spirit, Etiquette and Training Methods of Aikido.

1. This little book has been amazingly useful. I am the instructor of an aikido dojo and I have made extensive use of this book. I give a copy to interested people who come to watch a class to thumb through while we are doing warmups or repetitive exercises (I find it really piques their interest and when I ask if they have questions after class, they have fewer and the questions are less basic and more insightful after having skimmed this. It answers some of the questions new people don't even know enough to know they SHOULD be asking. I also use one as part of the introductory package for starting up with us - at $10, you can't go wrong. Aikido technique can only be learned on the mat, and this IS NOT A TECHNIQUE MANUAL (nor was it ever intended to be). New students need some of the why's, etiquette and terminology and philosophy in concise, understandable form - that's what makes this a great guidebook. Great job! Instructors, try giving all your new students a copy of this book the day they leave from their first class - I believe it will pay for itself in increased student retention.



2. A good book, with an interesting point of view, but included information is very basic. If you are looking for technical content, it ain't here...



3. As a beginner in Aikido, I found the book helpful in demystifying some of the etiquette and language, as well as providing a good backround on the sport and some of the philosopy. I would recommend it to any beginner and expect that it will remain on the bookshelf as a reference to many of the terms used in Aikido.



4. I have a couple Aikido books now and this is a very good book for me being 1) new to Aikido and 2) new to martial arts in general. Found the words sounded out in the back of the book to be very helpful. A good buy!



5. item was received ahead of expected date, was packed carefully and in good condition. thank you for your attention to this order.

5 comments about Aikido Exercises for Teaching and Training: Revised Edition.

1. This is an excellent book for people new to Aikido or even people who just want to know a bit about Aikido. It would also be of value to teachers of Aikido (which would include senior students who need to work with beginners). The book is well written and is packed full of amusing and insightful quotes (and longer pieces) from other Aikodokas (students of Aikido).
   
   A brief table of contents:
   
   1. Introducing Aikido -- discusses what Aikido is and is not equipment, etiquette, learning and teaching.)
   2. A Brief Ki Class -- Introduces the "ki" in Aikido. Ki is a combination of attitudes and basic principles that underlie the art.
   3. Aikido Class -- How to warm up for Aikido (getting the body ready is important as I learned the hard way)
   4. Rolling, Falling and Flying -- Most of the time one person is "throwing" and the other is falling. Learning how to fall without getting hurt is an important skill in Aikido (and everyday life for that matter)
   5. Grabs and Strikes -- The basic "attacks" used to trigger the Aikido defenses.
   6. Locks and Throws -- The basic Aikido defenses
   7. Weapons and Toys -- A tiny taste of Aikido weapons technique (a high-level topic) and other ways to train.
   8. Off the Mat, In Real Life -- Basic ways to apply the attitudes to life. Includes a very interesting section on verbal self-defense.
   
   The chapter on stretching has some useful material on the effects of muscle tightness which can lead to pain that is felt both in the offending muscle but also quite some distance away.
   
   The latter part of the book goes through many of the basic Aikido techniques. Each move it demonstrates also contains a reference to the technique two other good Aikido books: Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere: An Illustrated Introduction and Total Aikido: The Master Course (Bushido--The Way of the Warrior). This is very useful since one problem with Aikido is there a a number of different schools which differ in some ways, particularly in how they name the techniques.
   
   If you're just starting out or maybe just want to get the lay of the land before finding a dojo, then this is the book I would recommend starting with. If you get into it you would probably want the Dynamic Sphere book and then the Total Aikido book. These will provide you with outside information for many years of study and training.



2. This is a good book to have as a reference for the various warmup exercises and techniques of Aikido. I learned a lot of these things many years ago at a dojo where the instructor spoke in Japanese, so I didn't fully understood what he was explaining at first. This book has been very helpful in clarifying some of the finer points.
   As fellow students of Aikido know, the techniques become deeper with each year of practice and many things become clear as you progress through the levels and micro-levels of the various moves. This book is helpful as a guide along the way if you are already into it, and it is a good beginner reference if you are just getting started at a dojo.
   
   The layout of the book is logical and it is nicely written.



3. One of the more useful and humble features of this book is its concordance. Every Aikido technique discussed in Shifflett's book has a cross reference to discussions of the same technique in other well known Aikido texts. This makes it easy for the beginner to rely on Shifflett's book as their starting piont. Then, using their guide, refer to other books for different perspectives on that same technique. On the merits of this feature alone, I would recommend this book.
   
   I generally found that I could go from class to this book, and understand the author's treatment.
   
   However, I could do with fewer "off the mat" examples. Shifflett tries to bring Aikido to life with excerpts from Music, Physics, and just about everything under the sun in order to make Aikido seem more "accessible". However, in creating so many examples, the opposite impression is subtly communicated; namely that Aikido is competely inscrutable and we poor westerners need a dumbed down version of it if we are to progress at all. Also, Shifflett seems to take aim at people who want to use martial arts for self defense, as if it represents some horrible Machismo, and we'd be better off not studying if that is our aim. I do not agree with that particular viewpoint.
   
   Despite this reviewer's differences in philsophy with the author, there is much that is useful in this well-written book. The chapters on stretching and warming up were thorough, as was the chapter on innovative ideas for creating at-home practice tools.
   
   Buy this book, but keep that grain of salt handy.



4. C.M. Shifflett's "Aikido for Teaching and Training," is a thoughfully crafted handbook that should benefit any Aikido practicioner. I myself am primarily a Shaolin Kung Fu stylist, however, I was honored to have studied with Shihan Paul Silvaine of Valley Aikido in Northhampton Massachusetts between 1985 and 1989. The Aikido that he taught me was inspiring to say the least, and its circular nature blends perfectly with both Kung Fu and Tai Chi methodology. This book has helped me to rekindle his teachings, and allowed me to resume practice in Aikido. There is an amazing abundance of information within this book, and several readings will most likely be necessary to glean all of the treasure locked within its pages. The illustrations are adequate, but in some cases, I thought that a few more photos would have been appropriate. I agree with some of the other posters that the testimonials were often both humorous and fitting, but at times I found them excessive, and anxiously read on for more of the Author's expert instruction. Keep up the good work! Two thumbs up!
   
   Sincerely,
   
   Erik D.J. O'BrienThe Drums of Doom: Part 2 of The Duaredheim Staff Saga



5. The book is witty enough to be entertaining on that note alone, one might say a criticsm is that the book teaches little in technique and more about what Aikido is NOT as opposed to what it is. In truth the book teaches you just enough to give you a taste of the art and get you in the dojo where your training will be at its best. The book gives you a good beginning perspective on what to expect with that as well, propor dojo etequite, etc. For the beginner with little to no knowledge of Aikido this book is an excellent introduction into the art.

5 comments about The Art of Peace.

1. These book has one of the must powerfull thaughts of a great human Being, Morihei Ueshiba, the creator of the Aikido, the martial art based in the old Samurai defernse stile, an art of peace and balance, a way to centery your life and your being, These book enhace the value of being a sword of change and contribution by being a warrior in a new dimentionf of the meaning of being in service.
   Cuote " When your eyes engage those of another person, greet him or her with a smile and they will smile back. This is one of the essential techniques of the Art of peace" pp97 ob the book.



2. The reviews treat this as some gem of wisdom, but what I ended up getting was a tiny booklet with just a handful of quotes. It's literally the size of a credit card, and has one brief quote/sentence per page. If it were a normal sized book, it would be probably 15 pages. Given the rave reviews I was hoping for something more in-depth, something in paragraph/chapter form; not a compilation of quotes. I feel ripped off.



3. While many would say that I do not practice something that the Art of Peace professes. As my Aikido Sensei, Tabata-san said to me, many years ago, "Richard, you have a fighting mind, Aikido will be very difficult for you".
   
   He was right about the fact that Aikido would be difficult for me with such a disposition.
   
   The Art of Peace sums up what I learned away from the Aikido dojo, and what enables me today, and I quote from the text.
   
   "The Art of Peace emanated from the Divine From and the Divine Heart of existence, it reflects the true, good beautiful and absolute nature of creation and the essence of it's grand design. The purpose of the Art of Peace is to fashion sincere human beings, a sincere human being is one who has unified body and spirit, one who is free of hesitation or doubt, and one who understands the power of words."
   
   To be honest my version of Aikido is a little more assertive, since I have learned that a more proactive stance is a preferred strategy when dealing with would be opponents, and why I have, bolted on my own tools to create my own version that enables me to that end.
   
   I am not sure Tabata-sensei would agree. However sometimes it is the most war like of people who make the greatest peace.



4. I just got this little gem-of-a-book in the mail a few days ago from Amazon. This book is loaded with amazing aphorisms which I put on the same level or higher than "A Joseph Campbell Companion." I'm a serious student of the Gospel and find that the teachings of Morihei Ueshiba mirrors Jesus' teachings in a secular [and spiritual] way. As an example on page 141: [When someone stands in opposition to you, there is an even fifty-fifty split. Greet an opponent who comes forward, bid goodbye to an opponent who withdraws. Keep the original balance and your opponent will have nowhere to strike. In fact, your opponent is not really your opponent because you and your opponent become one. This is the beauty of The Art Of Peace.] And on page 97: [When your eyes engage those of another person, greet him or her with a smile and they will smile back. This is one of the essential techniques of The Art Of Peace.] Granted, this book probably isn't for everyone; however, if the two former quotes "sparks" something within your soul, then this book is for you!! I'm very sure that anyone whom buys and reads this book will be pleasantly comforted by its rich teachings!!



5. A brilliant text that can be read at a pace of one page per day, allowing one to ponder the information in a mindful fashion.

5 comments about Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere: An Illustrated Introduction.

1. Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere is one of those books that tells the story but you must dig a little for the information. Depending on your years of experience, or lack thereof, this book will be your Bible of Aikido or something you prop the door open with. This is not a teaching book but a tome to be savored. To be read and re-read to gather the knowledge the authors are trying to impart to you. I purchased this book three times over the years because mine keeps disappearing and would glady do it again, it is that good.
   The one drawback is that at times the techniques are numbered instead of named but even that turned out to be a plus because it forces you to pay attention. Whatever you have read about this book it is true, if you don't have it in your library, get it. This is not so much a review than it is an endorsement. I have plenty of books in my martial arts library but there is only a few that I would keep replacing and this is one of them.
   They call this an illustrated introduction but it goes way beyond that. Combined with your personal training this is a Masters thesis in paperback.



2. It was great to finally find a copy of this, it's a seminal work and for a used copy, in superb shape. Thanks!



3. I think this is the best book explaining a specific martial art that I've come across.
   
   Why is it exceptional? Several reasons. First, the authors are unusually articulate, and at times almost scholarly. Second, the book addresses both the philosophy of aikido (its tenets, values, and meditative characteristics), as well as the technique of aikido (its movements and defensive tactics), and it explains the link between the philosophy and technique in an especially coherent way. Third, the book delves into details of aikido technique using an extensive set of figural drawings and diagrams, which are easier to understand than a series of photographs would be. Fourth, the book also provides brief background regarding the institutional side of aikido: i.e., how is the art typically taught, what does does a dojo look like, what is the etiquette of a typical class, how does ranking work, etc.
   
   There's an almost anthropological quality to some of the material in this book -- again, quite scholarly. About the only aspect of aikido background that it doesn't cover in much detail is the history of the art, or of its founder, Morihei Uyeshiba. Notably, the book acknowledges up front that it provides only a limited introduction to the techniques (at ~370 pages): given its intent as an aikido handbook, rather than an aikido encyclopedia, I don't see that as a flaw.
   
   By contrast, there are many other martial arts books that basically consist of lists of techniques, with illustrative photographs that are very difficult for a non-practitioner to follow. Such books are often poorly written or poorly translated, and don't really convey the essence of what a particular martial art is, with regard to technique, philosophy, or pedagogy. This book stands out because it does convey that essence, and because the style of the writing itself actually *feels* a bit like aikido.
   
   If you are interested in either aikido or martial arts generally, this book is worth picking up. You won't be disappointed.



4. Having a long-time interest in martial arts, I remember seeing this title advertised in magazines years ago and decided to finally purchase a copy. It is well written and gives the reader a fine introduction to Aikido. Highly recommended.



5. I've studied Aikido, as well as a number of other martial arts, and don't believe that you can truly learn them from a book. That being said, this is a very nice reference for students of Aikido and other martial artists who want to learn more about Aikido. Even more, the illustrations are absolutely beautiful. Well worth getting. [...]