Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere

As a Kenpo karate & Ju-Jitsu martial artist this book is a great read o-sensei spiritual & martial mindset is invaluable. Great read for any martial artist looking to improve their art.

WestBrook and Ratti cover all throws taught in Aikido up to black belt level. There are full walkthroughs of all projections and immobilizations in the book, and modifications to them. There is also a section on the jo - short staff - that includes a kata for you to practice. Unlike other books, Westbrook and Ratti cover smaller, but some of the more important, aspects of aikido, including start positions (kneeling, crouched, standing, etc.), etiquitte, hand-to-weapons defense, history, ki development, ki usage, philosophy, and so much more. I have been in martial arts for well over a decade, and this is by far the finest literature on aikido I have ever seen. Complete with pictures, walkthroughs, philosophy and the like, Aidkido and the Dynamic Sphere is on par with "Secrets of the Samurai" (same authors). Both are absolutely fantastic and comprehensive.

As an Aikido "newbie", who joined and left various Aikido Dojos for a few good years now ... I found this book to be an EXCELLENT source about Aikido. It covers EVERYTHING new students would want to know, plus ALMOST everything a veteran would like to know (Aikido, after all, has a LOT of variations and moves..). It covers the philosophy of Aikido, the History of Aikido, the etiquette of Aikido, and of course, the Art itself. The whole book is full with -lovely- illustrations that are great to look at, especially at all the techniques covered in this book.Anyhow, I've done some research before purchasing this book, and I firmly believe this is one of the greatest, if not the best, books you can read about Aikido.

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.

Ever since age, 5; I've been an absolutely avid collector of martial arts books; believe me, I've collected tons; honestly, this one is 'THE BEST!' I brought this book when I was aged, 14/I'm now aged, 36. I go back and refer to this book, at least, once, for every single fortnight of my entire life! The book introduced me to the art of Aikido; it is, truly, the Aikido bible! Explaining Aikido on every possible level, techniques/history/philosophy. It, immediately, got me hooked on Aikido, forevermore. I used the think all martial arts were like beat em up/but, this book taught me, otherwise/martial arts is not about offence/but, self-defence, phsyical skill based on clear scientific principles/ furthermore, wisdom, deep spirituality; and, finally, enlightenment. I no longer want to beat up people; instead, I now wish only to save them!

This is perhaps best book for bringing the beginner up to speed when practicing Aikido. The many excellent illustrations make for particularly easy understanding of the movements that make up Aikido. This is an important book to have on hand in order to lessen the frustration of early practice and serves to answer some of the questions that the student may have, but may not be able to ask his or her teacher. This book sets itself apart from other works on Aikido in its approach to the philosophical side of Aikido. The western analytical approach is not ignored, and neither is the eastern/oriental. The authors have produced a synergy that makes sense from both an ancient martial arts tradition perspective and the perspective of the American or European student. Key concepts are appropriately highlighted throughout, and there is ample material for advanced practice. The fine illustrations make this an art book of the highest quality. This is a marvelously well rounded book and is highly recommended for both beginners and not-so beginning beginners.