The Aikido Student Handbook: A Guide to the Philosophy, Spirit, Etiquette and Training Methods of Aikido [Paperback]

Greg O'Connor (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 9, 1993

In the past twenty years, the Aikido population has increased tremendously in the United States, primarily because of the vast number of comprehensive American instructors. Greg O'Connor walks the reader through the history and philosophy of aikido. He then, in short chapters peppered with photos and illustrations, answers common questions about etiquette, training methods, and, in general, "what to expect" when practicing aikido.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The purpose of studying aikido is not only to gain physical ability. We practice for the deeper reason to become better human beings. For that reason I highly recommend this Aikido Student Handbook by Mr. Greg O'Connor. I believe this book will be beneficial not only for those who are just starting Aikido, but for those already involved and particularly for those who hold teaching positions."
- Yoshimitsu Yamada

About the Author

Greg O'Connor is founder and chief instructor of Aikido Centers of New Jersey/Aikido Centers Inc. Dedicated to Aikido for over 30 years he is one of the few full-time professional Aikido teachers in the United States. He currently holds the rank of 6th Dan and certified through Aikido World Headquarters, Tokyo (Aikikai Hombu).

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Blue Snake Books (December 9, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883319048
• ISBN-13: 978-1883319045
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.3 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #45,735 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #95 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Individual Sports > Martial Arts

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for the new aikidoist!, May 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Aikido Student Handbook: A Guide to the Philosophy, Spirit, Etiquette and Training Methods of Aikido (Paperback)

I was hesitant to purchase this book but am SO glad I did. I've been a martial artist for some time now and just recently began aikido. This book is a wonderful resource for newcomers, as it includes philosophy and etiquette and ways you can begin working on fitting in to your new dojo. Even how to SELECT the right dojo for you. Anyone interested in aikido, you need this book at the beginning of your training.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hand this one out at the door....., May 14, 2006

By 

Richard Laue (San Marcos, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Aikido Student Handbook: A Guide to the Philosophy, Spirit, Etiquette and Training Methods of Aikido (Paperback)

This little book has been amazingly useful. I am the instructor of an aikido dojo and I have made extensive use of this book. I give a copy to interested people who come to watch a class to thumb through while we are doing warmups or repetitive exercises (I find it really piques their interest and when I ask if they have questions after class, they have fewer and the questions are less basic and more insightful after having skimmed this. It answers some of the questions new people don't even know enough to know they SHOULD be asking. I also use one as part of the introductory package for starting up with us - at $10, you can't go wrong. Aikido technique can only be learned on the mat, and this IS NOT A TECHNIQUE MANUAL (nor was it ever intended to be). New students need some of the why's, etiquette and terminology and philosophy in concise, understandable form - that's what makes this a great guidebook. Great job! Instructors, try giving all your new students a copy of this book the day they leave from their first class - I believe it will pay for itself in increased student retention.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An overview only!, August 19, 2005

By 

jgrier (Philadelphia, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Aikido Student Handbook: A Guide to the Philosophy, Spirit, Etiquette and Training Methods of Aikido (Paperback)

This book is for people who are considering taking aikido lessons. It gives you details on what to expect when you go to the dojo. This book doesn't teach technique at all.