Master the wooden weapons used in Aikido with this comprehensive martial arts training manual. Although aikido is often thought of as a nonviolent, noncompetitive martial art, the use of weapons was introduced by the art's founder O'Sensei Morihei Ueshiba. In fact, aikido techniques that use wooden weapons can enrich all aspects of your practice, helping you to understand both basic and advanced aikido technical tactics as well as conceptual strategies and skills.Building on the authors' belief that no empty-hand system is complete without weapons training, Aikido Weapons Techniques: The Wooden Sword, Stick, and Knife of Aikido demonstrates weapon use both as a training tool to better illustrate aikido principles, and as a self-defense against weapon attacks, focusing on the three primary weapons used in aikido: Ken —the wooden sword Jo —the wooden staff Tanto —the wooden knifeA complete discussion of each weapon is included, with descriptions of the stances, grips, techniques, forms, defenses, and training appropriate for each.With over 200 step-by-step photographs and detailed instructions, this aikido book provides an in-depth exploration of weapons use in aikido—from its spiritual implications to technical theory and practical use.
Master Japanese Aikido with this illustrated martial arts guide.Aikido, while uniquely beautiful among the martial arts, is also deceptively powerful, effective, and efficient. Dedicated practitioners know that advanced training means not only striving to master techniques, but also developing a deeper understanding of the history, philosophy and concepts at the core of this martial art.In Advanced Aikido, Phong Thong Dang and Lynn Seiser present an in-depth look at the complete art of Aikido, from the underlying theories that drive the techniques and strategies to advice on mastering the throws and locks fundamental to the art. Chapters in this Aikido book include:An in-depth look at the origins and philosophies of AikidoDiscussion on utilizing ki to improve effectivenessExamination of fundamental theories and concepts essential to understanding AikidoAdvanced techniques including throws and locks, counters and reversals, and combinationsEffective strategies and skills for self-defenseWith over 400 illustrations and detailed instructions from one of the leading teachers in the field, even the most experienced practitioners can benefit from the lessons in this book.
Get your aikido training off to a great start—from basic footwork and throws to training and demonstrations. This martial arts guide is a perfect introduction to aikido for beginners. Are you planning to learn Aikido, but don't know where to begin? Are you looking for a teacher? Are you taking a class but confused by the unfamiliar terms used to describe the techniques? This aikido book offers an easy, yet comprehensive introduction to everything you need to know to feel confident and be successful. You'll learn about: The origins of aikido —its philosophy, history and techniques How to find a teacher and a class that is right for you Getting ready —what happens in a typical Aikido class? The essentials —stances, strikes, grabs, throws, and pins How to complement your aikido training with ki exercises, multiple-person training, and freestyle exercises How to succeed in Aikido — how to create an effective training program, test for belt promotion, and participate in competitions and tournaments Resources to help you further develop your Aikido skills