Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere [Hardcover]

Adele Westbrook (Author), Ratti. O. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1994

Aikido, the "gentleman's fighting art," neutralizes aggression and renders attackers harmless without injuring them. By controlling body position and understanding its simple physical premises, anyone-regardless of size, strength or weight-can fend off attacks using this sophisticated martial art. This classic text reveals the secrets which enable the stunning displays of physical control practiced in Aikido. Further, it delves into the ethical intention requisite for successful aikido, and enables its readers to harmonize their vital powers-both mental and physical-into the disciplined practice of this elegant martial art.

--This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...The finest book on a martial art...very highly recommended." -- Library Journal --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Adele Westbrook, who works for one of the largest advertising agencies in the world, studied philosophy at Columbia University at the same time co-author Oscar Ratti was doing graduate work in the classical languages. They began to practice aikido together, and while studying under a variety of instructors in the United States and Europe, started the collection of notes and sketches which finally developed into this illustrated introduction to the art of aikido.

Oscar Ratti, now a commercial illustrator, received his degree in classical studies and law from the University of Naples where he was intercollegiate Greek-Roman wrestling champion and a member of the championship judo team. He later came to the United States and began to study aikido with Yasuo Ohara, one of the first instructors to teach in New York. In addition to being co-author of the book, Mr. Ratti provided all the excellent drawings that appear in this volume.

Mr. Ratti and Ms. Westbrook have also taught aikido in New York, working with youth groups at Centers associated with the Y.M.C.A.

--This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Wehman Brothers (January 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0685637425
• ISBN-13: 978-0685637425
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (95 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,509,748 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Aikido Text Book, June 17, 2000

By 

M. A. Ramos (Florida USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere: An Illustrated Introduction (Hardcover)

If you wish to learn the art of Aikido and could only have one book; this would be it. It is effectively illustrated, better than photos. From history and theory, dojo etiquette and fundamental techniques of defense...all is covered. This book will give you broad overview of the mental and spiritual underpinnings of Aikido as a whole. Must have this book in every library.

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars QUITE SIMPLY, THE VERY BEST AIKIDO BOOK EVER!!!, October 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere: An Illustrated Introduction (Hardcover)

Ever since age, 5; I've been an absolutely avid collector of martial arts books; believe me, I've collected tons; honestly, this one is 'THE BEST!' I brought this book when I was aged, 14/I'm now aged, 36. I go back and refer to this book, at least, once, for every single fortnight of my entire life! The book introduced me to the art of Aikido; it is, truly, the Aikido bible! Explaining Aikido on every possible level, techniques/history/philosophy. It, immediately, got me hooked on Aikido, forevermore. I used the think all martial arts were like beat em up/but, this book taught me, otherwise/martial arts is not about offence/but, self-defence, phsyical skill based on clear scientific principles/ furthermore, wisdom, deep spirituality; and, finally, enlightenment. I no longer want to beat up people; instead, I now wish only to save them!

72 of 86 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Why would 'discipline of coordination' be capitalized?, May 18, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere: An Illustrated Introduction (Hardcover)

Last month I started aikido lessons at age 30, with no previous martial arts experience whatsoever. I chose aikido because of its pacifist nature, which I learned about, albeit superficially, while doing a little bit of internet research. It didn't hurt that the dojo was in walking distance from my apartment. When I stepped into my first class, though, I felt like I was drowning, figuratively. The senior students were throwing around Japanese phrases left and right, and I was embarrassingly ignorant about the rituals. And there are lots of rituals. Believe me. I decided after my first class that I needed a book that would 1) explain the basics of each exercise, 2) have a glossary of Japanese terms used in aikido, and, most importantly, 3) describe the rituals in a typical aikido class and what they're all about. This book has all these things. It turned out to be an ideal supplement to what I'm learning in class. The only thing that prevents me from giving this book five stars, however, is that the, um, excessive style of writing is irritating at points. An example: "The practice then is the way along which a man can proceed from the basic, utilitarian consideration of learning an efficient means of self-defense which will follow certain ethical guidelines, to the 'high country' where the art becomes a Discipline of Coordination [sic] aimed at the harmonizing of opposites or alternates- not an art bent on or resulting in destruction, individual or wholesale." Quickly, someone, take away that man's thesaurus...