Discovering Aikido: Principles for Practical Learning [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback) - Rupert AtkinsonPaperback: 160 pagesPublisher: Crowood Press, Limited, The (April 1, 2005)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 1861267401ISBN-13: 978-1861267405Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.5 x 0.6 inches
"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." Amazon.com review.
"Aikido and the dynamic shphere" - book. Westbrook / Ratti
"If you wish to learn the art of Aikido and could only have one book; this would be it. It is effectively illustrated, better than photos. From history and theory, dojo etiquette and fundamental techniques of defense...all is covered. This book will give you broad overview of the mental and spiritual underpinnings of Aikido as a whole. Must have this book in every library." Amazon.com reviewPaperback: 375 pagesPublisher: Tuttle Publishing; New Ed edition (July 1, 2001)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 0804832846ISBN-13: 978-0804832847
Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1.1 inches
"AIKIDO - The First Steps" DVD - Dunken Francis
A comprehensive DVD showing in great detail and from a beginner's perspective many of the basic techniques of traditional Aikido.
Contents:
*Introduction to Aikido
*Wrist strengthening exercises and warm-up
*Happo undo
*Back roll
*Ukemi
*Seiza & Shikko
*Tegatana
*Tai no henko & Ko kyu ho
*Ai hamni katatedori (basic techniques from 1st form) throws & pins
*Gyaku hamni katatedori (basic techniques from 2nd form) throws and pins
*Ko kyu doza & Ko kyu nage
*Bokken (wooden sword) suburi
*Happo giri
*Jo (wooden staff) suburi
*13 Jo kata
*31 Jo kata
Instructor: Dunken Francis www.aikidoauckland.co.nz
"I was extremely impressed with the clarity of presentation shown in this film. In conjunction with the book "Aikido - A beginner's guide" I'm sure it will be of great benefit to newcomers to our art".
H.W. Foster sensei, 7th dan Institute of Aikido
"The Essence of Aikido - spiritual teachings of Morihei Ueshiba" - book. Ueshiba / Stevens
Aiki News
"... indispensable book for the serious aikidoka ... the best technical photos of the founder that I have ever seen...."
Book Description
For the first time in English, The Essence of Aikido presents the profound philosophy of Aikido in Morihei's own words, disclosing many of the arcane secrets of Aikido's aims and methods. Considered by many to be the greatest martial artist and spiritual teacher of the twentieth century,
Morihei provides a wealth of clues to the often puzzling nature of the inseparable link between the physical and spiritual aspects of Aikido, revealing the heart of the peaceful warrior's art.
Elegantly translated and compiled by John Stevens, translator of Morihei's Budo, the first half of The Essence of Aikido presents the most comprehensive collection of the writings of Morihei Ueshiba ever published. Key concepts in Aikido philosophy, such as kototama (language of the spirit) and
misogi (purification of body and mind) are discussed at length, profusely illustrated with Morihei's mystical diagrams, spiritual poems, and fascinating calligraphy.
For Morihei, techniques were the means to express the spiritual principles of Aikido, and in the second half of The Essence of Aikido, John Stevens focuses on Morihei's techniques. Over two hundred hitherto unpublished photos of Morihei in action from his earliest days as a teacher of the martial
arts to his last years as a master of Aikido complete this detailed survey of the true nature of Aikido.
A major contribution to a field that until recently has remained elusive to Western readers, The Essence of Aikido is an inspiring study of the spiritual and physical elements in Aikido, providing an important resource for martial arts practitioners and philosophy students alike.
Paperback: 200 pagesPublisher: Kodansha International; New Ed edition (February 12, 1999)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 477002357XISBN-13: 978-4770023575Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.2 x 0.6 inches
"Aikido - A beginner's guide" book - Dunken Francis
Over 100+ photographs/illustrations and a clever "page per topic" layout covering all aspects of Aikido.
A very nice A4 "coffee table book" feel. Comes highly recommended by some of the world most senior Aikido practitioners (see back cover reviews). Now used as the standard beginner's text in many Aikido clubs in the UK, USA and NZ.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword By H.W. Foster 7th dan (Technical Director Institute of Aikido)
* Introduction
* Aikido
* Dojo Etiquette
* Safe Stretching
* Tai No Henko
* Key Shapes of Aikido self-defence Techniques
* Wrist Strengthening Exercises
* Knee Walking
* Aikido "Attacks"
* Tegatana
* Seiza
* Counting In Japanese
* Suwari Waza ("Sitting Technique")
* Basic (Kihon) Technique
* Ukemi
* Atemi
* Ki
* The Riai System
* Practice with the Bokken
* Practice with the Jo
* Seminars
* Triangle, Circle, Square
* Aikido In Daily Life
* Useful Japanese Words & Phrases
* History of Morihei Ueshiba, founder of Aikido
"The purpose of this book is to be a handy "aide memoire" for the absolute beginner to Aikido, in an attempt to help clarify the potentially overwhelming series of movements, postures, attacks and (for those not familiar with the Japanese language) the names and phrases that make up our wonderful art.
This book will give you a "snapshot" of Aikido, it's structure, ethics and heritage; hopefully this will whet your appetite enough for you to go and find out more for yourself." http://aikidoauckland.co.nz
www.aikidoauckland.co.nz
