Aikido: The Complete Basic Techniques Hardcover – March 8, 2013

I think Aikido is one of those amazing martial arts to watch on tv. It's almost laughable, but watching it made me curious as to how these techniques developed and what are the basics of stance, and technique. Like in karate it's step by step with different routines you learn that get harder and harder. In aikido, there is a basic stance, then gets right into attacker, defense, counter attack like routines. No beginning punch like movements, punch out, bring arm in, 1,2,3,4 lol. Nothing like that at all, the philosphy is so much different using a focused energy point and using the attackers movements and energy to get him/her off balance to counter your own attack. The book quality is nice, glossy pages, the pictures are small and sometimes hard to figure out although the explanation of the move is there with it. If you want to learn the basic ideas of aikido, this book is great. But to actually learn and make use of aikido, i have found out by this book is you really need to train with a partner and feel the power of the attack and integrate what is taught here. So as with most things like this, you will learn a bit, but you really need to train with a partner or take classes to make use of any of it. It's the actual experience and timing that is the most important, but if you've learned say karate and wanted to learn what aikido's about, it's not a bad book, goes through all the basic moves, and throws.

This book, although not written for the beginner Aikidoist, is very straight forward and easy to understand. The illustrations are extremely helpful. Some basics are needed in order to get the most out of the information contained in this writing. If it included the mindset and philosophy that is behind Aikido, it would be truly complete. The moves explained can be done with reading, studying and proper practice techniques as well as having a willing uke. Otherwise it's a very good book.

This is a good over view of Aikido but, as with most martial arts books, is too expansive. The more you practice what is practicable, the better off you are.

the photography diagrams w/ almost 3 dimensional clarity smooth transitions of the body in motion for essential advantages over opponent. It is a substantial & gratifying guide to a novice who is pro actively respectful of their own worth against an opponent's assumption of their overriding element of surprise.

I just started Aikido practice and this was the book that my instructor recomended. It has all the basic techniques and is easy to follow and understand. Great book to have if you are interested in an amazing world of Aikido. Recommend

First things first, I'm not an Aikidoka, but rather a BJJer/Wrestler who likes to pick up books on other grappling arts to expand my knowledge and learn new tricks. That being said...If you are from a different grappling art and interested in trying out something you might find here, you will find a handful of techniques at the most. I would recommend Roy Dean's Art of The Wrist Lock and White Belt Bible DVD's for more applicable practice.The photos seem older, which may account for the quality, which could be better. The other reviewer who called it expansive is correct; variation upon variation drown this book.

If you are into Aikido. Or just a beginner. A must have...

Reading this book and watching video clips of Gozo Shioda on Youtube have been powerful teaching resources. Highly recommended.

Easy to follow, easy to understand.

I am a new student of Aikido but have studied other martial arts before.This book from the Founder of Yoshinkan Aikido is a great tool for the beginner and as a reference source.Can't wait to try some of this stuff out at the Dojo!

Essential if you're serious about your Yoshinkan Aikido practice. Also excellent for referencing all the basics when you're teaching.

fantastic moves and hand grips ace book for AIKIDO practitioners from young and old great photos and instructions for the hand grips etc

Thanks!