The Principles and Practice of Aikido

The Principles and Practice of Aikido
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The Principles and Practice of Aikido
Senta Yamada
Manufacturer: Foulsham
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0572000855

Principles of Aikido
Average customer rating:

A look past most of the everyday Aikido info...

Lots of technics

Above average

Belongs on any Aikido Bookshelf

Belongs on any Aikido Bookshelf

Principles of Aikido
Mitsugi Saotome
Manufacturer: Shambhala
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0877734097
Release Date: 1989-07-22

Book Description

Mitsugi Saotome—a principal student of Morihei Ueshiba, the Founder of Aikido—explains the philosophy and practice of the popular martial art, which emphasizes harmony and peaceful resolution of conflict. Over one thousand photographs illustrate the basic principles and techniques, including the use if the wooden sword, the wooden staff, and "empty hand" techniques. The reader is given guidance in the proper physical, mental, and spiritual attitudes with which to approach this practice and in ways to apply the wisdom of Aikido to everyday life. Also included are lectures by the founder himself.

Customer Reviews:

A look past most of the everyday Aikido info..........2005-12-26

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.

Lots of technics.......2005-08-17

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

Above average.......2002-05-20

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.

Belongs on any Aikido Bookshelf.......2000-01-28

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.

Belongs on any Aikido Bookshelf.......2000-01-28

Book Description

Drawing on the poetic wisdom of the Tao Te Ching, American sensei Wendy Palmer translates the powerful teachings of aikido for use in everyday life—all without practicing the vigorous exercises of the martial art, itself. With poignant reflections on her own life, including her Conscious Embodiment work and teaching inmates in a woman's federal prison, she describes how we can lose our sense of freedom, vitality, and integrity when under the duress of life's "attacks." She explores a process that responds to the question How? How do we transform our negativity into budo, or love, and how do we move from reactivity to freedom? The Practice of Freedom is invaluable not only for students of aikido and other movement and martial arts, but also for those who seek to live with confidence and self-reliance, to establish clear and compassionate boundaries, and to deepen their capacities for loving and honest relationships.

Customer Reviews:

Know what it feels like in your body to be centered........2002-07-06

Wendy Palmer has captured what it feels like in your body to be off center and to get re-centered. She has transformed Aikido into much more than a maritial art - a way of being in relationship to others without losing yourself. This is a great book for couples as well as those who too often find themselves thrown by strong emotions and reactions. It will give you a physical sense, rather than just intellectual or analytic, of what it means to hold your own space in the world and in relation to others

Touching & Accessible.......2002-04-13

Most of us get involved in the repeating "stories" of our interactions and our lives, and stop noticing our deeper connections to ourselves and to the universe.

To me, Wendy Palmer's book offers a doorway to that deeper experience -- through the Aikido practices she teaches, and the ways she describes our interactions.

Surprisingly revealing, the book tells about Wendy Palmer's own life experiences, and suggests ways to touch-in to the more universal connections we often ignore.

One way to seek balance, she suggests, is to focus attention on our vertical connection with earth (grounding) and sky (spirit) so that it becomes as strong as our horizontal connection to our "life stories."

an open letter to the author.......2002-04-11

I am prompted to drop you a note thanking you for your new book, "The Practice of Freedom"; it struck a strong, resonant chord in me. I, too, attempt to follow the Tao (for many years)
and practice aikido (for four years). Many of your thoughtful insights are ones I have felt but have been unable to articulate to friends and family regarding the value of aikido to my life.

Recently, I was challenged by the deaths of my parents; my father's 15 year long decline from heart disease and Altsheimer's and my mother's 1 year battle with a horrific brain disease, both dying within 3 months of each other. The aikido principles of entering and blending helped me not only summon up the courage to engage death but also to "dance" with it, to make peace with it, thus enabling my latent compassion and deep love for my parents and, hopefully, giving them a measure of comfort and peace as their lives wound down. I then felt I was able to be the loving caregiver my father never had (which made me rethink Wordworth's line, "The child is father to the man").

By "surrendering" to what was being offered (as you note in your book), I feel my true self, my soul if you will, benefited greatly; I was able to be emotionally and spiritually engaged with my parents during that ultimate transition. Paradoxically, through this engaged experience with death, I now better appreciate my life and my close relationships and have attained a level of serenity.

As you elegantly mention in your book, I see us all as fellow travelers; each a separate universe, yet united in a larger continuum. You acknowledge Mitsugi Saotome in your book and I must mention that when I was researching aikido, before I started practicing, I was fortunate to read "The Principles of Aikido" and "Aikido and the Harmony of Nature" as my theoretical introduction to aikido. Both books, like yours, struck a deep chord. Some day I hope to attend one of his seminars when he comes into my area (Los Angeles).

Thank you again for articulating and validating important themes of spiritual growth that can mean so much to so many people.

An elegant book grounded in an elegant martial art........2002-01-11

This is an elegant book, both in the rigorous mathematical sense, in that it accomplishes its purpose with not an ounce of extra baggage, and in the aesthetic sense, in that its rich insights and clear language, like poetry, inspire realizations and insights in the reader.

For me, the book is about growing up. Using her practice of aikido as a guiding path, the author suggests a clear progression of levels of consiousness that invites and draws the reader from chaos, through seemly and effective behavior, to wisdom. As in aikido, the day-to-day techniques can be deceptively simple, and may occasionally seem counterintuitive. An example is the idea of engaging and transforming aggressive behavior with relaxed, confident awareness, rather than perpetuating it by fending it off with raised hackles and barriers. This relaxed, confident awareness can actually be achieved by normal people, with practice that includes such simple tricks as maintaining good posture and remembering to breath. The practicality of what might seem to be a "new age" or video game pipe dream can be demonstrated by the author with an effortless turning of her hips that sends an attacker twice her weight flying through the air, or painlessly to the mat.

In a culture that harangues for greater speed and complexity, Ms Palmer shows us that it is in the compassionate and persistent reversal of that cultural pull, that stillness, clarity and confidence, is achieved, and true growth is realized. This book should be required reading for high school boys.

The Art of Aikido: Principles and Essential Techniques
Average customer rating:

Well-fashioned book

Essential beginner's guide to the Art of Aikido

A "must-have" for any student or practitioner of Aikido

The Art of Aikido: Principles and Essential Techniques
Kisshomaru Ueshiba
Manufacturer: Kodansha International
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 4770029454

Book Description

Deep insight into both the spiritual and technical demensions of Aikido

Aikido is a modern Budo founded by Morihei Ueshiba after he had mastered many traditional Japanese martial arts and engaged in profound spiritual training. Morihei maintained, "In true Budo, there is no enemy. True Budo is the function of love. A martial art solely concerned with winning and losing
is not true Budo. Victory is to thoroughly rid the mind of contention and conflict within ourselves."

This book was composed by Kisshomaru Ueshiba, Morihei's son and successor as the Second Aikido Doshu (the person who embodies the spirit of Aikido as inherited from the founder and is its living symbol ). Morihei himself taught Aikido in archaic, esoteric language, and limited his instruction to a
select few. In order to introduce Aikido to the rest of the world, his son simplified its philosophy and arranged the techniques so that it would be possible for any serious trainee to practice this martial art. Aikido is now practiced in eighty-five foreign countries-a testament to Kisshomaru's
achievement. The Aikido ideal of "refining one's mind and body to foster a spirit of harmony" has obviously struck a common chord among the peoples of the world.

This book is a compilation of Kisshomaru's writings on Aikido. It will provide the reader with deep insight into both the spiritual and technical dimensions of Aikido, and explain its central features-ki energy, breathing methods, posture, among others. The book is detailed with many dynamic photos,
depicting the author, and his son Moriteru ( present Doshu, and the author of The Aikido master Course), carrying out the techniques. It is a work that all Aikido practitioners, from beginner to master, will want to acquire.

Customer Reviews:

Well-fashioned book.......2005-12-06

This is a very good product, especially for the Aikikai stylist. More than just a collection of technical information, the book delves into the history and philosophy of Aikido, from one of the most credible standpoints in print.

Essential beginner's guide to the Art of Aikido.......2005-04-07

Aikido is not a usual martial art. Created during one of the darkest times in Japan's history, in the aftermath following defeat in WWII, Aikido was presented to the shattered nation by its founder Morihei Ueshiba as a method to gain self-reliance and confidence. Rather than combat, Aikido is an art of training the spirit, the ki.

Morihei's son, Kisshomaru Ueshiba, inherited the school of Aikido and decided to enlarge his father's vision to bring Aikido to everyone. With this in mind, he wrote "The Art of Aikido: Principles and Essential Techniques," a manual to the spiritual discipline and philosophy of Aikido, including an introduction to the core techniques.

The book is in three section, Aikido Philosophy, The Essence of Aikido and Aikido Techniques. Philosophy covers the founder's ideas, the necessity of Ki and Tagatane ("Hand Sword"). In the next section, Aikido is compared to Judo, and described as a swordsman's art, rather than a system of grappling. Finally, the actual stances and moves are outlined, with beautiful and useful pictures detailing the actions.

Anyone considering Aikido would find this book a treasure, as they would be able to approach their new art with a core understanding of its philosophy and intentions. Continuing Akidokas would be interested to read the thoughts and ideals of the founder, as passed down through his son.

A "must-have" for any student or practitioner of Aikido.......2004-09-18

Written by the late Aikido Doshu master Kisshmaru Ueshiba, The Art Of Aikido: Principles And Essential Techniques is an ideal introduction and a superbly presented instruction guide to the martial art of Aikido. Written by the son of Aikido's founder, who translated the concepts of Aikido that his father presented in an esoteric language and simplified the philosophy and practices so that any trainee could engage in this martial art, The Art Of Aikido combines solid instructional text with black-and-white photographs illustrating movements and combinations step by step. A core, seminal reference and a "must-have" for any student or practitioner of Aikido.

The Randori Principles : The Path of Effortless Leadership

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Health Care Leaders: Randori Principles Are For You!
You can use the Randori Principles!
An inspiring and applicable tool
MUST READ FOR MANAGERS

The Randori Principles : The Path of Effortless Leadership
David H. Baum , and Jim Hassinger
Manufacturer: Kaplan Business
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Leadership Aikido: 6 Business Practices That Can Turn Your Life Around
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ASIN: 0793148626
Release Date: 2002-02-14

Book Description

Randori/ ran-door-ee/ v. (from the Japanese martial art Aikido) means to be in the right place, with the right technique, at the right time, with the right level of power.

Out of the chaos of business change, mergers, acquisitions, and upheavals, leaders continually seek practical new ways of thinking about-and doing-business. Many will identify with this description: “Suddenly you are attacked from multiple directions at once, seemingly with no pattern or reason. Unrelenting, simultaneous, and armed, the attacks keep coming.”

The solution draws from ancient Aikido principles. It is called Randori.

In the above attack, consider: “Instead of panicking or flailing, you respond effortlessly and impeccably. Each movement, each technique you bring forward perfectly parries every force you encounter. You flow with the attacks, almost without thought, and in doing so rise brilliantly above the flurry of opposition.” THAT is Randori.

Applying The Randori Principles to business is a perfect match, for Aikido is about mastering the chaos of multiple attacks, the scenario facing companies daily. Leaders will learn to:

• Apply the right action, right timing, and right use of power.

• Bring focus to leadership.

• Master Irimi-the use of the single sword strike.

• Turn resistance into collaboration.

• Know when to disengage.

Coauthors Baum and Hassinger identify essential techniques and encourage heightened awareness in 60 time-tested management lessons. Their fast-paced and refreshingly brief scenarios are rich with action ideas to try.

Customer Reviews:

Health Care Leaders: Randori Principles Are For You!.......2002-03-26

I know I have read something special when excerpts from Randori Principles: The Path to Effortless Leadership come back to me weeks later as I am driving my car! Hassinger and Baum have managed what few authors of leadership and management do: to reveal themselves as both humble learners and enlightened teachers in leadership and in life. Their brilliant use of stories de-mystifies the interconnectedness of mind, body and spirit for today's harried leaders. The simple yet compelling, "Try This" at the close of each chapter makes the book easy to consume in small bites. As a nurse and health care consultant, my clients are challenged to optimize their use of self, whether with patients, employees or colleagues. Randori Principles speak to the health care community. The lessons contained in Irimi are especially pertinent for those dedicated nurse leaders, primarily female, whose effectiveness can be enhanced by balancing their hard-wired compassion with greater boldness and decisiveness. This book will be dog-eared in my brief case and frequently recommended to my clients.

You can use the Randori Principles!.......2002-03-26

At first, I thought this was going to be a "New Age" type fluff book. It was recommended by a collegue so I picked it up. I was immediately able to see how the basic century old technqiues of Aikido can be applied to business. For the first time, I saw a way to use the "right level" of force and how to use the energy of conflict. I also work with a not-for-profit organization on a pro bono basis and I know I can use it in that environment. If anything, the balance of force and power are even more tenuous in that work setting.
An added bonus- I can see how to use it within the family dynamic. Remember that saying about teenagers "Pick your battle". It makes a lot more sense after reading this book.

An inspiring and applicable tool.......2002-03-21

I hate business books that drone on and on and don't leave you with any practical advice. That's not this book. The engaging anecdotes -- each with a "moral" at the end of the story -- make for easy reading. And the variety of situations covered by the authors should ensure that everyone has at least a few ideas they can take away and try. I am sure I'll turn back to this book for the inspirational quotations that begin each chapter. I find having the right quote can really make a communication about organizational change. David Baum's first book, Lightning in a Bottle, was equally useful in this regard.

MUST READ FOR MANAGERS.......2002-03-19

This book is a wonderful integration of thoughtful stories and suggestions, which create an opportunity to reflect on how we lead at work, and how we live our lives. Any book which suggests that I refine my leadership gifts, rather than try out the latest cliche technique is worth its weight in gold. This one is a gem. Time to go breathe.

Aikido In Training : A Manual of Traditional Aikido Practice and Principles

Average customer rating:

a must have
VERY GOOD SOURCE OF INFORMATION
Aikido In Training
Very Good Book, despite flaws
Lousy pictures, poor production quality

Aikido In Training : A Manual of Traditional Aikido Practice and Principles
R. Crane , and K. Crane
Manufacturer: Cool Rain Productions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0963642952

Book 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.

Customer Reviews:

a must have.......2001-12-04

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.......2000-11-24

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.......2000-03-29

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 softcover available of this title, so that I could throw it in my gi bag. Any serious Aikido student, should have their copy dog-eared in no time. The book contains a concise section on the History of Aikido that moves the reader. The Principles of Training section, as well as the rest of the book, encourages the reader to look deeper and keep looking to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Art. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to know more about Aikido and suggest anyone interested should seek out the companion video series which expands on the extensive material presented in the book.

Very Good Book, despite flaws.......1999-01-19

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 at times incomprehensible. I have a Bachelor's Degree and have written novels, so my command of English is pretty good, and yet a few times I had to scratch my head and go "Huh? What the heck does this sentence mean?" As another reader above mentioned, sometimes the pictures are too dark and too small. Still, I found this a valuable addition to my Aikido library because there are techniques illustrated here that I have not seen anywhere else, despite reading over 15 books on this martial art.

Lousy pictures, poor production quality.......1999-01-03

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 it hard for you to see their feet. Save your money and buy a far better illustrated and photographed book like Gozo Shioda's "Total Aikido: The Master Course."

Discovering Aikido: Principles for Practical Learning

Average customer rating:

Superb Primer
Very Good Book
One of the best martial arts books I've ever seen

Discovering Aikido: Principles for Practical Learning
Rupert M J Atkinson
Manufacturer: Crowood Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1861267401

Customer Reviews:

Superb Primer.......2006-03-21

Well written, straight forward, insightful. Rupert Atkinson has as strong a teaching style in print as he does in the dojo. Recommended for every beginning aikidoka.

Very Good Book.......2005-12-06

This is a well-thought book with no excuses made for an often subjective point of view. The author knows his material, and presents it in a most thought-provoking manner.

One of the best martial arts books I've ever seen.......2005-09-29

I just loved the book, both because of the excellent quality of the advice/guidance provided (a lot of which, by the way, I strongly believe is applicable to any martial art and not only to Aikido) and for the no-nonsense, very realistic and articulate style. Special mention for the quotes opening each chapter, really loved them too, and I thought they were not only witty but provided great segues into the topic of the chapter.

Average customer rating:

Aikido: Principles of Kata and Randori
Nick Lowry
Manufacturer: Booklocker.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Book 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 strategic concepts that form the core of aikido techniques.

Principles of Aikido: The Only Introduction You'll Ever Need (Thorsons Principles)

Average customer rating:

Gives an excellent overview of modern Aikido

Principles of Aikido: The Only Introduction You'll Ever Need (Thorsons Principles)
Paul Wildish
Manufacturer: Thorsons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0722535880

Book Description

Aikido, the ancient Japanese martial art, is both a method of self-defense and a spiritual path. This excellent introduction describes the different aspects of Aikido and includes an international resource guide.

Customer Reviews:

Gives an excellent overview of modern Aikido.......1999-07-02

I find this to be an excellent overview of the modern Aikido world. The author presents a very even-handed review of the major "styles" of Aikido that would help someone decide which path appeals to them. I wish I'd had this as a source many years ago! P.S. This book is mainly text and is not a picture gallery or a step-by-step technique walk-through.

Average customer rating:

A supplement to my Aikido training
A good book.
Aikido : Principles of Kata & Randori
What I've been looking for!

Aikido: Principles of Kata & Randori
Nick Lowry
Manufacturer: Twelve Winds Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Sports | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0966391101

Customer Reviews:

A supplement to my Aikido training.......2006-06-26

This book was very detailed from beginning to end pertaining to the basics of Aikido. I am currently studying Aikido/Judo (3 months now) under the instruction of Sensei Henry Copeland. This book by no means replace the instructor in learning this fine art but only aids to help further ones training. A good, informative book which anyone in Aikido should read.

p.s. now to finish Sensei Geis's "Twelve Winds"

A good book........2006-02-24

This book is a good reference text for students of the Geis interpretation of the Tomiki System of Aikido. It looks like it would be useful to members of not only Fugakukai, but also Jiyushinkai & any other organization that uses "the Walk," the 8 hand releases/blends, the Basic 17 & the Big 10. I deducted a star because the line-drawings do not always match the text descriptions of individual techniques.

May also be of interest to Shodokan members.

Overall, a good book.

Aikido : Principles of Kata & Randori.......2000-11-01

This book is excellent in technically illustrating some of the more subtle techniques of Aikido, and the budo aspect of Aikido in randori. Much of the Kenji Tomiki's earlier traditional training under founder, Morihei Ueshiba, prior to WWII can be observed in the techniques and in the terminologies used. Most Aikidoists, with over 30 years of experience will appreciate and remember fondly some of the older and more familiar techniques, as well as the original terminology used here. I know, I do.

Overall, Nick's book is an excellent manual for the introducing beginners to Aikido concepts and structure. It also makes good reference material for those serious Aikidoists that would like have more of an expanded education into Aikido, and its roots.

What I've been looking for!.......2000-05-18

I've been training in Aikido for almost a year and have been looking for a good, single reference to help me remember the order of specific techniques, etc. in the Karl Geis school. Finally, I've found it. I also enjoyed the training perspectives for both teacher and student, as well as the section on randori. It is well written and thought-provoking.

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