Product Description
This is the black and white print version of Aikido, Keri-waza for US-based constumers. Aikido, Keri-waza deals with a subject which is not commonplace in most aikido dojo's; defensive techniques against kicks. This book aims at providing a basis of training in Keri-waza. Not only an explanation of techniques but also explaining how training van be structured to enable educational, safe and fun practice. Keri-waza will not only broaden the view of any aikidoka upon this great art, but can provide a starting point for the exploration of the exciting world of kicks. Training in these forms teaches aikidoka a new form of flexibility, endurance, limberness, balance, martial sense and movement. The preview is in colour but the book is printed in black & white. ... Read more

Product Description
This book introduces for the first time a system founded by Nishio Sensei called Aikido Toho lai, which is the connection between the art of sword drawing and Aikido technique. The sword is the origin of the Aikido techniques, and this book shows you how to use it in the right way. Using examples of 15 sword forms and the corresponding Aikido techniques, the book enables you to create your own sword form for different Aikido techniques by understanding the principles of the sword. This will bring you more success in martial arts and much more fun while training for it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent explanations of Aikido Toho Iai
The author explains the system of Aikido Toho Iai in detail and its relationship to the empty handed techniques of traditional Aikido. This book is a tribute to the late Shoji Nishio Shihan and presented to Aikido practitioners the important relationship of Aikido training and the sword.

Very Good (Especially if you are interested in the Nishio style)
This book compares 15 basic aiki sword techniques and their taijutsu (empty-handed) counterparts.Photography, print and paper quality well above average.The book is an excellent value at the listed price. ... Read more

Product Description
Aikido, while uniquely beautiful among the martial arts, is also deceptively powerful, effective, and efficient. Dedicated practitioners know that advanced training means not only striving to master techniques, but also developing a deeper understanding of the history, philosophy and concepts at the core of this martial art.

In Advanced Aikido, Phong Thong Dang and Lynn Seiser present an in-depth look at the complete art of Aikido—from the underlying theories that drive the techniques and strategies to advice on mastering the throws and locks fundamental to the art. With over 400 illustrations and detailed instructions from one of the leading teachers in the field, even the most experienced practitioners can benefit from the lessons in this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

This book is a lot of bang for the buck...
Like their earlier book collaboration, the authors present a no-nonsense, balanced effort, covering many subjects and answering many questions that may commonly be asked by students with 3-8 years of Aikido training.How to maximize practice time, how to get the most from seminars, things to think about if you are considering opening a school...all are addressed here.There is a good amount of technical instruction as well, but the dojo is the best place to learn these things.An excellent effort, and well worth the investment. ... Read more

Product Description
A virtual oral history of Aikido in the United States, this collection of original interviews taps into two generations of martial artists and allows them to tell how the ancient Japanese discipline, sometimes called the "way of harmony," has affected the course of their lives. 15 photos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Exceptional
I devoured this book.It consists of interviews with highly-regarded aikido practitioners in America, but is written as if the interviewees are speaking directly to the reader rather than question-and-answer format.The result is a stimulating and provocative variety of personal experience and philosphy that is sure to satisfy and inspire anyone interested in aikido.Most highly recommended. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent Resource
"Aikido, the arts of self-defense" by Koìichi Tohei. Well written and presented. It is an excellent resource for anyone interested in or studying Aikido. ... Read more

Product Description
Aikibatto is a system of sword and staff exercises for aikido students, as well as for anyone interested in the Japanese martial arts. This book presents the basics and principles of the sophisticated sword arts developed by the Japanese warrior aristocracy, the samurai.Although the aikibatto exercises are primarily developed for aikido students, they contain much of the normal curriculum of traditional iaido and kenjutsu. Anyone interested in the arts of the katana, the formidable Japanese sword, will find much of value in this book.Stefan Stenudd is a 6 dan Aikikai Swedish aikido instructor, member of the Swedish Aikikai Grading Committee, President of the Swedish Budo & Martial Arts Federation, and Vice Chairman of the International Aikido Federation. He has studied aikido and iaido since the early 1970's. He is also a writer of both fiction and non-fiction. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Creative...
I've been a student of aikido and Toyama Ryu Iaido for over 6 years, almost as soon as I had seen this book offered I bought it thinking it would be a valuable training resource.I was unfortunately very mistaken in the hasty decision.

I found this book to be rather shallow and uninsightful, instead of exercises the reader is presented with a new set of kata.This would be great for someone in an aikido school where the sword is de-emphasised, however I did not appreciate being mislead.

If you're looking for sword drills, look up Suino, if you're looking for aikido, the Ueshiba books are great, as are Shioda-sensei's.This unfortunately was a waste of time and money.

questionable
Despite his supposed knowledge and supposed years of teaching experience, this is one of the worst presented and empty works on the theachings of weapons in aikido that I have ever had the misfortune to have purchased.

He leaves out the basis eight kata for the boken, does not deal with footwork (the very reason such is practiced), proper manner in hodling the boken, etc.

I do not recommned this work.

namaste

Overall Good Quality
Good basic sword book that covers a lot of beginner ground and is well illustrated in b/w.Typical of books like this, a lot of transition motion is missing between the images which may be a problem for some.Book presents a series of bokken and jo techniques, all rather basic but good quality instruction none the less.

As I often do, I take issue with Stenudd's method of breathing, which cover a whole 2.5 pages but deserve significantly more. In fact, if more teachers actually knew how to breath and if practitioners spent more time training breath, skills would improve radically.The author describes controlling the breath with the abdomen.In a sense this is correct, but not as he describes it.

The author says, "Most budo techniques are done with exhalation, where you are the strongest."Really?That's like saying I only punch with my right hand even though I have 2, because my right is strongest.That's very limited.A stronger approach is to synchronize the breath with rising and falling and be able to flow both with Qi and the cut.

For example, using Tachi Iaido Kesagiri Bunki, or any type of say draw that employs a rising diagonal cut, done correctly an inhalation is stronger than blowing all your energy out, and, it sets up a fast second downward strike with the exhale.However this author tells me to "forget my inhales and only focus on exhales".Kind of like only focus yang and ignore yin; its just wrong.

He then tells me to "extend exhales and let inhalations be done by body reflex that will be short and sufficient."Again this is wrong.If breath is not even, smooth and rhythmic, the body gets out of sync and heavy breathing is the result.Very poor technique, but Stenudd says, "this decreases the risk of getting out of breath".No, it doesn't.

I think this is the most important training in the whole book, and unfortunately it is both too short, and incorrect.Leaving the breath aside, if you can, the rest of the book is rather good for what it is.

Simple but efficient tool for practicing sword basics
Sword practice is a great tool for all budoka to advance, to get more precise, more sharp in his art. Aikibatto, brought to life by Stefan Stenudd, is a set of simple practices for both self and pair practice, which covers elementary moves, attacks, and other parts of sword work. Author, who served also as chairman of Swedish kendo, studied the sword with Ichimura Toshikazu and Nishio Shoji, which makes the book even more trustworthy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Intorduction to basics
This is one of the best books for a Westerner regarding the basisics of Aikido and it should serve as a good review for advancaed students.

I would and do recommend this work for all who are students of aikido.

namaste

One of my favorite Aikido books
This one is a winner as a basic Aikido guide.The directions are clear, though some photos could use a few enhancements.If you are new to Aikido, look for a copy of this out of print classic.

A "must have" in your aikido library
Yamada's first book is a good, affordable, yet slim, basic introduction to aikido, and he acknowledges as much.The b&w photos are for the most part very clear, and do much to convey the grace and attitude necessary in this elegant martial art.This was my first purchase of an aikido book, to be followed later by Yamada's The New Aikido Complete, a five star book, that stays permanently on my bedside table.If you are new to any of the martial arts, you will learn something from Aikido Complete. Treat yourself to studying one of the greats; it is money and time well spent, and who knows, it may come in handy one day.For a more thorough tour of Aikido by Yamada, try The New Aikido Complete. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A solid book of techniques.
An excellent resource for Aikido players at all levels. This book is especially good for beginners. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
The Daitoryu is a brutally effective fighting method thought to have been first developed more than a thousand years ago by members of the Japanese imperial family. It was then refined and honed in great secrecy through centuries of hand-to-hand combat by highly trained warriors. It was this tradition that Morihei Ueshiba spent years studying just before he set out on his own to found Aikido - which has in recent years become one of the world's most popular martial arts. The roots of Aikido are in the Daitoryu, and for that reason Aikido practitioners will want to learn all they can about this martial art. The Hidden Roots of Aikido is the first book to appear in English that offers a detailed visual introduction to techniques of the Daitoryu tradition. Heavily illustrated with approximately 800 photographs, it gives a clear, complete picture of the steps involved in about 90 techniques. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Nothing Special or Secret
I found the book to be a disappointment.There is nothing special or secret about these techniques.I've studied Aikido for years and did not see anything I haven't seen on the mat.

A good book for learning and reference
This book has a lot of good facts and a huge load of techniques for self-defense. The pictures are slightly hard to follow, but if you fit them together with the description of the process, you should be fine. It would be a very good idea for students and instructors to keep a book like this, since it is a textbook.

You can grab a lot of information.
I did not rate this book with 5 stars because some techniques are poorly explained and you need to follow the pictures. Ah !!! the pictures, they are great, easy to follow and there are lots of them. You can grab so much good information and take it with you to the dojo for practicing. I wish I could have more time to practice everything on this book.

One of the best books in years!!
This is one of the best books I've ever read in the martial arts field. It has helped me a great deal in my own development in the arts. I teach a self defense class in Florence,AL which is geared for practical defense on the street. I especially enjoyed the section on pins and their variations. In today's dojos I see so many instructors focusing on the sport aspects of the arts which don't always work on the street. I loved the fact that they showed the pins that you could do without using your hands and that they never assume that there is only one attacker on the street and that every move addresses these situations. I feel like this book will benefit people of all arts not just Aikido. Many modern style Jujitsu practitioners really need to see this book because I feel like they would learn alot. The only drawback I see is that if you don't already know how to do certain wrist locks you may be lost in some places. For those people I would recommend they read Dynamic Aikido by Gozo Shioda first before buying this book,but I would definately buy this book if I wanted to be a better martial artist

Hidden Roots of Aikido:Aikijujutsu Daitoryu.......ummok.
First and foremost, this was a good book.A clear connection between Aikido and Daitoryu Jujutsu is made, especially with the visual aid of the many photographs of the techniques.Their similarities are evident. However, not much is given to readers on the actual working relationship ofDaitoryu and Aikido, and what exactly makes them different.I feel thatthis book was created for the Aikido practitioner who perhaps is lookingfor answers that he may be asking about where his or her PHYSICALtechniques originated from.Philosophy is barely touched upon. Theauthor's treacher was a second generation disciple of the headmaster ofDaitoryu, (who taught the founder of Aikido).I wonder how much of thebook's content is synthesis and how much is authentic. All in all, it is afascinating book, and does provide insight into the workings of bothDaitoryu Jujutsu and Aikido technique. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Aikido a sport?
Aikido was never meant to be a sport and has never even considered itself to be.True aikido rejects all forms of contests and tournaments. Only Public demonstrations are given or should be given to show a display of constant training, not of ego accomplishment from the likes of sports where there is a winner and a loser.Aikido is not about who wins, who's tougher, or who is better,it's about personal achievement of mind/body.I must ask all to be cautious of such writings involving aikido being made to look like a sport or any competition.The founder himself and his family have always shared this view and rightly so.2 stars for the knowlege that might be attained for the positive use and understanding of the art.

Aikido is not a sport
Aikido was never meant to be a sport and has never even considered itself to be.True aikido rejects all forms of contests and tournaments. Only Public demonstrations are given or should be given to show a display of constant training, not of ego accomplishment from the likes of sports where there is a winner and a loser.Aikido is not about who wins, who's tougher, or who is better,it's about personal achievement of mind/body.I must ask all to be cautious of such writings involving aikido being made to look like a sport or any competition.The founder himself and his family have always shared this view and rightly so.2 stars for the knowlege that might be attained for the positive use and understanding of the art. ... Read more

Product Description
How Aikido has changed the lives and thoughts of 20 prominent American Aikido students and teachers. They• describe experiences with Aikido's founder• discuss Aikido's philosophy• explore the warrior spirit• relate Aikido to therapy, law enforcement, Taiko drumming and community building

Generally understood as a martial art, Aikido goes beyond self defense, transforming practicioners by changing their relationships to other people, attitudes toward violence, connections to the environment, and the focus of their lives. These interviews originally appeared in Aikodo Today magazine. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Aikido through the eyes of its American exponents.
I bought this book with no hesitation when I saw it advertised in Aikido Today Magazine.

I have been living and training in Japan for the past six years and am always very interested to hear the opinions and stories from the multitude of instructors here. Although I am very happy to be here in Japan training under an amazing Sensei, after reading the interviews in this book, I no longer feel that to find 'true' Aikido you must travel to Japan.I have come to realize that the Aikido being practiced in America is vibrant, alive, and growing quickly.

This book is a collection of interviews with some of the more widely known Aikidoists in America and I recommend it without reserve, to anyone interested in North American Aikido.

I would also like to encourage the editors to publish a collection of conversations with the Japanese Aikidoists.I'm sure that it would be as beneficial as this book. ... Read more

Product Description
This full-size, hardbound, extensive reference containing 336 pages with over 1250 photographs depicts techniques in a concise step-by-step manner. Along with covering Tai-Jutsu (body arts) of Aikido, Aikido In Training gives ample coverage to the overlooked and often misunderstood aspect of Buki-Waza (Aiki weapons). Included are full chapters on both the life of O'Sensei Ueshiba Morihei and the history of the development of Aikido as well as the Principles of Training found in the practice of Traditional Aikido. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

a must have
I bought this book about a year agon and find myself going back to it on a frequent basis.

One reviewer stated that the pictures were missing steps. Quite frankly, if you want to learn Aikido, go to a dojo (you can't learn ANY martial art from a book anyways).

The practicing student of Aikido will have a wealth of information to draw from. The addition of less frequently seen techniques is worth the price alone.

This is definately one of the top three books I would recommend for anyone interested in Aikido.

VERY GOOD SOURCE OF INFORMATION
I've owned this book for a few months and have been able to refer to it to supplement my training after class. I particularly found useful the straightforward and detailed information of each technique covered. This book has given me a greater understanding of the many elements contained in Aikido. It is quite helpful to see the basic weapons (sword and staff)covered along with the empty-handed arts. I thought the straightforward, unexaggerated history section offered a welcomed change to the often politically motivated perspectives seen in some other works. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Aikido.

Aikido In Training
I found Aikido In Training to be an excellent training manual and reference book.I think anyone who enjoys learning from a book, should get a copy to refer to often in their practice. I wish there was a softcoveravailable of this title, so that I could throw it in my gi bag.Anyserious Aikido student, should have their copy dog-eared in no time. The book contains a concise section on the History of Aikido that moves thereader.The Principles of Training section, as well as the rest of thebook, encourages the reader to look deeper and keep looking to gain adeeper understanding and appreciation of the Art. I highly recommendthis book to anyone wanting to know more about Aikido and suggest anyoneinterested should seek out the companion video series which expands on theextensive material presented in the book.

Very Good Book, despite flaws
The Cranes love Aikido very much, but it is clear to me from viewing this book that this is too much of an 'in house' job.The jargon they sometimes fall into when trying to explain Aikido philosophy to the beginner is attimes incomprehensible.I have a Bachelor's Degree and have writtennovels, so my command of English is pretty good, and yet a few times I hadto scratch my head and go "Huh?What the heck does this sentencemean?" As another reader above mentioned, sometimes the pictures aretoo dark and too small.Still, I found this a valuable addition to myAikido library because there are techniques illustrated here that I havenot seen anywhere else, despite reading over 15 books on this martial art.

Lousy pictures, poor production quality
The pictures illustrating the moves are dim and small. They didn't shoot enough pictures in many sequences, leaving gaps in the pictures and making you wonder what happened in between them. The aikoda wear hakama, making ithard for you to see their feet. Save your money and buy a far betterillustrated and photographed book like Gozo Shioda's "Total Aikido:The Master Course." ... Read more

Product Description
Clearly illustrated with more than 700 photographs, the step-by-step guides to the basic postures, movements, techniques and applications of Tai Chi and Aikido are demonstrated by expert practitioners. This book will prove a useful reference tool time and time again, as the key to enjoyment and progression is the practice of the basic skills described in these pages. With advice on choosing schools and useful contacts, this book allows the reader to fully discover both disciplines and choose the methods that are right for their lifestyle and needs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

For Those delving into Unknown Territory
This title might be worth a look for those who know absolutely nothing about Tai Chi or Aikido. For anyone who already knows something about either or both, you will lose nothing by passing this one up.

As the title suggests, this book is divided into two nearly equal halves, delving into Tai Chi and Aikido seperately, each treated with reverence by an authoritative expert.

Not knowing a lick about Tai Chi, I found the first half enlightening as far as the wealth of background information. Practicing Tai Chi is dealt with in a holistic manner, teaching a way of living, much more so than teaching a martial way. Everything is touched upon: spirituality, diet, sex, entertainment, meditation, followed by a basic form, which is laid out in painstaking photographic and descriptive detail.

As expected in dealing with the martial arts, the Tai Chi section is heavily invested in large, clear photographs on good paper. Arrows are marked in the photographs denoting movement. Even so, I found it nigh impossible to duplicate the form as outlined. I'm sure this is a capable introduction to Tai Chi, but I found it lacking. I plan to investigate more through other titles.

In reading the Aikido section, I found myself in familiar territory. A brief (and I emphasize brief) introduction is given to the history of Aikido, followed by a great deal of theory, and copious amounts of photographs and individual technique demonstrations.

DO NOT TRY THESE TECHNIQUES WITHOUT AN INSTRUCTOR.

As explained in the book (but not emphasized enough in my opinion), Aikido techniques can break, rupture and otherwise destroy joints and bones if done incorrectly or with excessive force. The Aikido half wraps up with a few demonstrated techniques for self-defense against 'standard' attacks. I saw nothing new or imaginitive in the author's responses to these.

For a good introduction to Aikido I would refer you to Principles of Aikido by Mitsugi Saotome. Don't waste your time with this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

One of the classics...
This is a large book, with much info on technique, and on the history and basic principles of Aikido.Every collector should have one. ... Read more

Product Description
Makiyama, an 8th-dan and the only American officially certified shihan by any Japanese aikido organization, teaches preparation, basic directional throws, classification forms, and basic and advanced self-defense. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

An excellent basic guide to Aikido.
Though I only studied Aikidofor a short time, I am quite familiar with many of the holds, locks, and takedowns because of my background in Jujitsu.This volume includes many of the basic techniques of Aikido. I do question how effective some of the self-defense responses are in this volume, but that may be because of my back ground in more aggressive self-defense systems such as karate, boxing and combatives.Nevertheless, this is a good book to use as a reference source for those taking up Aikido.Rating: 4 Stars.Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Martial Art Myths, Season of the Warrior, PR-24 Police Baton Advanced Techniques, Monadnock Defensive Tactics System, Pro-Systems Combatives Vol. 1, 2. Never Trust a Politician).

Very good primer on Aikido
A lot of Aikido books are heavy on philosophy and light on concepts (i.e. technique).This book is a sleeper hit.The author very expertly addresses the "ki power" philosophy and sets the record straight - in my opinion.This is a good book to have in one's Aikdio library along with Gozo Shioda's AIKIDO: THE MASTER COURSE.

Very recommended
Very good book for the beginning Aikidoka. Thebook covers basic and advanced techniques. Which helped me alot. ... Read more

Product Description
Aikido combines elements of self-defense technique, spiritual enlightenment, and self-confidence into a complete system for physical and spiritual health. This simple but thorough guide, aimed at both men and women, explains the origins, history, theory, and philosophy of aikido and gives detailed, illustrated instructions for aikido's essential techniques. Topics include dojos (formal training halls), uniforms, weapons, and breathing practices and explanations and complete demonstrations of groundwork, leading and throwing against punches, strikes and cuts, immobilization techniques, timing, and weapons training. ... Read more

Product Description
Aikido: is an illustrated guide for students of aikido; with explanations of four aikido kata and in depth technical discussions of principles which form the underlying physical and strategicconcepts that form the core of aikido techniques. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

AIKIDO
i HAVE FOUND THIS BOOK AN INVALUABLE SOURCE FOR THE ART OF aIKIDO.iT IS A GREAT TOOL FOR ME THE BEGINNER.i AM TOLD IT WILL SERVE ME WELL SHOULD i EVER BECOME AN EXPERT. ... Read more

Product Description
The dangerous jungles of East Timor provide the setting foran exciting, action-packed martial arts escapade as you and your friends choose your own adventure after being hijacked by desperate freedom fighters. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Puhleeeeze....
This is not even an Aikido book.It is a fictional story written for children.There is no useful information here whatsoever.

It's enjoyable to read
Richard Brightfield is nice enough to include not only the probably basic knowledge of aikido but also East Timor's desire for independence from Indonesia in the book.

It can broaden our minds by making us aware of the oppression in East Timor and learn about the aikido techniques. ... Read more