Center: The Power of Aikido [Paperback]

Ron Meyer (Author), Mark Reeder (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 18, 2000

Employing a question-and-answer format, Center: The Power of Aikido outlines the five elements of power that the aikido enthusiast must use to succeed, and it explains strategic applications of movement that give the practitioner the advantage. Moving beyond techniques and forms, this engaging, hands-on book explores the underlying dynamics of moving energy through the body and manipulating the energy of the aggressor.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This interesting and thought-provoking book by Ron Meyer and Mark Reeder offers useful ideas for training and personal explorations of center."
—Hiroshi Ikeda Sensei

"Here is a remarkable book, not just for aikidoists but for all martial artists. Beyond kata, deeper than mere technique, its teaching takes us on a journey of mastery that rejoins heaven and earth. To learn the secrets of nearly effortless power, read this book."
—George Leonard

"This is the first book that seriously discusses how Aikido works. Buy it."
—Mike Sigman

Product Details

• Paperback: 150 pages
• Publisher: Frog Books (May 18, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 158394012X
• ISBN-13: 978-1583940129
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 0.5 x 9.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,038,466 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb resource for more experienced aikido students, May 22, 2003

By 

Matthew A. Fisher (Monroeville, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Center: The Power of Aikido (Paperback)

Reeder and Meyer have put together an excellent resource for more individuals who have been studying aikido for several years. Rather than discussing individual techniques, the authors focus on general principles that are applicable to a wide range of aikido techniques. While I agree with an earlier reviewer that the question and answer format does get a little tedious by the end, the book remains extremely clear throughout.

As the cover states, the book is based on studies with Hiroshi Ikeda Sensei; both Reeder and Meyer have been students of Ikeda Sensei for a number of years. Having seen Ikeda Sensei myself at over a dozen seminars and camps, I found this book to be a wonderful printed summary of Sensei's teachings. That makes the book even more valuable, as it can be used quite effectively as a way to continue working on the principles Ikeda Sensei stresses in his seminars long after you've seen him in person.

I've read the book twice in its entirety over the past two years, glanced at it for specific things numerous times, and will probably start my third cover to cover reading soon. This is one of the most valuable and useful books in my library.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars No Nonsense Aikido, July 7, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Center: The Power of Aikido (Paperback)

This is an outstanding book. It is very clearly written. Section One gives clear and useful insights into power. Section Two provides an interesting perspective on applications of power.

The question and answer format becomes tedious by the end. However, the content starts out strongly and continues until the last sentence.

An important additon to any serious student's library.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simplicity with Depth, April 18, 2001

By 

D. B. Williams (Newcastle, NSW Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Center: The Power of Aikido (Paperback)

I have studied aikido for more than 2 years, and have read many books on the subject. This is among the best I have seen. It may whet someone's appetite for aikido if they have not previously practised, but its greatest value is to those who are actively practising aikido. It provides few details of specific techniques (which are very difficult to convey accurately in written form anyway), but discusses with great clarity the main aikido principles. The value of this is that it allows one to develop an understanding of those aspects of training one should pay attention to in order to improve. One can concentrate on only one, or at most two aspects of a technique while it is being practised. Meyer and Reeder guide the student in choosing the important aspects to attend to. One can move from book to training and back again repeatedly, creating a deepening spiral of understanding over time. Simple concepts can be understood on an intellectural level quickly, and yet take a lifetime to embody. If the practitioner uses his or her attention wisely in developing the correct 'feel' for aikido, a competent instructor can easily correct the technical problems that always occur. I highly recommend this book.