Customer Reviews

Aikido Basics (Tuttle Martial Arts Basics)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a clear, very well written and thorough "basics" book. What I was looking for was a book that clearly explained basic concepts I could pass on to children and beginning adults. What I found was an enjoable book that not only helps me teach but refreshes my memory on concepts I have learned from many sources over many years. One clear source for those concepts we never out grow or over practice.

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".

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.

The book doesn't contain any practical info. There are a few low-quality photos that aren't helpful in any way. The book was uselesses when I started to learn aikido. I reviewed it again recently, after two years of training. What made me laugh was the following at page 67: "Kicks take balance to execute, they telegraph your intentions, and they are the easiest attacks to defend against...[two sentenses omitted]...The practice of aikido against kicks takes confidence and timing and is usually reserved for more advanced training". The kicks being the easiests attacks to defend against are reserved for advanced training? Do yourself a big favor, buy something else.