Aikido

This one owns a good library of books written by the various original aikido students of O'Sensei Morihei Ueshiba and this one has an appreciation of them all however, some are not as descriptive of technique and complete as others in this regard. "Aikido", by Kisshomaru Ueshiba, which was originally written in Japanese and then well translated into English is the best of this one's collection as to the exposition and explanation of the techinques of aikido, including foot work diagrams. As Kisshomaru Ueshiba is the thrid son of O'Sensei and after O'Sensei passed became the doshu of aikido, one should expect such expertise and exactness. As with many aikido books, some of the hand techniques are a bit lacking and there is little if any description of the warm up exercises used at the beginning of most classes. Ukemi, the falls and rolls used to protect the uke as he or she receives a technique are also not given the priority this one might have assigned the same. The spiritual aspect of aikido, which O'Sensei emphasized during the later part of this life and teaching is not as well covered as this one might have preferred. My only true complaint is that this one purchased this book as "new" and was obviously sent a "used" of the same ( as made evident by the business card that someone had placed in it as a bok mark...) however, it did arrive in good condtion. namaste.

This is a great book. For all ppl in aikido, from the beginer to the advanced student. If you want to now more about aikido history, and O'sensei life, you will find it here too. Its a "classic" for an aikido colection! Enjoy it

book was delivered on time and was like new. is very good source for for a beginner of aikido, explains basic moves,and advanced, philosophy and history behind the art.

Quite simply one of the finest Aikido texts available. From basic principles, to specific techniques, to philosophy and history, this book has it all. Nothing can replace study in a dojo, but this book makes the difference detween doing and understanding what you are doing. Also see "Principles of Aikido" by Saotome Sensei.

This is my very first book in Aikido (or any martial art for that matter). I wasn't a practitioner then and I didn't have a clue what was transpiring in between the pages. However, the book is a great reference for me when I started training because it helped me identify and remember the movements I had picked up during class. That came in really handy during grading. I like the footwork and handwork illustrations, although the translation and explanations lack detail. But a great book to have nonetheless.