Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere: An Illustrated Introduction (Paperback)

by Adele Westbrook (Author), Oscar Ratti (Author) "EMERGING from a long period of obscurity in the East-during which time it was familiar only to relatively restricted circles-aikido has been called one of..." (more)
Key Phrases: Master Uyeshiba, Dynamic Sphere, Circuits of Neutralization (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"...The finest book on a martial art...very highly recommended." -- Library Journal

Product Description
Aikido neutralizes aggression and renders attackers harmless. By controlling body position and harmonizing their vital physical and mental powers, 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 control practiced in Aikido.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 375 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing (July 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804832846
• ISBN-13: 978-0804832847
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (86 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #27,764 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 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 (TOP 500 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.

23 of 24 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!

62 of 73 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...