Aikido Basics

for anyone attending an Aikido class. There are many aspects to attending a class other than learning Aikido techniques and those "other" aspects are well covered in this book. The writing is clear and direct and so makes extracting the point quick and easy. There are also various branches of Aikido, and so styles differ, but the basic set of techniques are similar and so the descriptions of the techniques in this book are helpful for connecting the technique name with a set of physical movements. One thing I'd caution the reader about is that you should not expect to learn Aikido from a book. There are more incorrect ways to apply a technique than you can imagine, so having an instructor who is knowledgeable and patient there to observe and correct your application of Aikido is essential. But, overall, as a book for beginning Aikido, this book is a good reference.

Lots of advice from the start for the new student, but I've been through a couple of years of Judo and wish to see how Aikido is different and similar. There is a branch of Aikido that focuses on Judo-like moves with the Philosophy of preparedness, awareness, and balance that's so much better than making lots of noise or bashing. Really just a better way to move through the World and allowing the energy to happen with a subtle redirection to be the center of your own peaceful stillness.

The last 60 years I have been seriously involved in numerous martial arts (Boxing, Wrestling, Judo, Jujitsu, Karate-Do, Law Enforcement Defensive tactics) including Aikido, but I seldom mention this interesting martial art because I never achieved any rank in this system. The fact is, many of the techniques I have taught in law enforcement came from Aikido and Jujitsu arts. I picked up this 189 page paperback volume (Aikido Basics by Phong Thong Dang and Lynn Seiser) at a bargain price on Amazon and found this to be a good basic text on the art of Aikido. This book, published by Tuttle Martial arts series, is organized into six parts and the twenty two chapters cover a lot of material. Some of the topics covered includes: The history of Aikido, the philosophy of Aikido, the different branches of Aikido, choosing the right school, clothing and equipment, basic principles, stances, strikes, grabs, throwing techniques, locking and pinning, Ki development, randori, testing for belt promotion and many other basic facts. There are numerous black and white photographs showing some of the techniques but this Tuttle martial art book has the same flaw as the others I have read and reviewed. A lot more photographs are needed for all the techniques they mention. In any case, as I have mentioned in other physical action books, learning any martial from just reading a book is often not productive unless it is combined with a hands-on class with an instructor. This book can serve as a reference source to review the material learned in an Aikido class. Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Shotokan Karate Self-Defense Techniques: Practical combat karate for the street).

This book is a very precise and fundamental look at aikido. A joy to read an I true beginning into the the art of harmony. I’m glad I added it to my collection.

Excellerated, have'nt had a chance to study.

Looks good

I didn't find anything particular, but the information only. I found no moves which I hope that I can copy to enrich my skill. Practicing marital art and reading are two different things. This book is for reading only. :-)

This book does a very good job of explaining its title subject... basic Aikido. There are no politics or style-specific posturings here; only solid basic information in an easy-to-read format. Look also for two recently released titles by the same authors: "Advanced Aikido" and "Aikido Weapons Techniques".

Very helpful book if you are a beginner in Aikido

This is a great introduction book, it covers what Aikido is, but also how to select the right Dojo for you. It covers all the basic moves and includes a glossary of terms. While everything is described well, the only real issue is the lack of pictures taking you through the forms. While a great introduction it is really intended to be in concert with proper in Dojo hands on instruction. I highly recommend the other books by the same Authors. "Advanced Aikido" and "Aikido Weapons Techniques" which all work together for a very well rounded resource to supplement your in Dojo instructional.

1 star removed because the print quality is not very good. That aside it’s an inexpensive book which on reading is extremely well put together. Interesting approach to explanations of techniques. This and the dynamic sphere are good grounders.

great book, well written

Good for beginners