Customer Reviews

Complete Aikido (Complete Martial Arts)

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Having read over 18 books on the subject of aikido, and training in Tenshin Bugei Aikido for the past year, I was pretty up to date on the various aikido techniques and basic history. However, one thing that always bothered me was seeing how split the Aikido world has become, and I often could not account for how a martial art that was supposed to spread peace and harmony could lead to aikido organizations and senseis who want nothing to do with each and who talk badly of one another. After reading Suenaka Sensei's book, I have a much better grasp of Aikido's history after the Founder's death. The best thing about the first half of the book, which is biographical info about Suenaka Sensei, is that it explains how the great schisms came about in the Aikido world following O-Sensei's death. It makes for eye-opening reading, and I think the subject is not well understood by most modern aikidoka, from comments I have heard. I recently discovered through an on-line chat with a member of one of Koichi Tohei Sensei's affiliated dojos that he still does not allow a picture of the founder of Aikido to be displayed in any school that he has authority over; they are only allowed to display his picture. This troubles me greatly, but after reading Suenaka Sensei's book and coming to understand the depth of the controversy, it makes more sense than it did when I first heard about this. It seemed incredible to me that a man who learned Aikido at O-Sensei's feet today will not allow a picture of the founder to be displayed in his dojos. One has to wonder who's picture will replace his when he dies. At any rate, the book casts light on much of Aikidos recent history;most aikido books only cover aikido up until O-Sensei's death. For this reason, it is a valuable learning tool. The techniques taught in the book are very effective, demontrating that Suenaka Sensei believes that Aikido is both a spiritual endeavor and a practical combat art, instead of just one or the other, as many tend to want to believe these days. Very thought provoking book and I encourage you to read it.

This is an excellent book on the growth of a martial artist (Suenaka) and the evolution of an art (Aikido). Suenaka moves through the years rather quickly, yet one feels connected at each stage of his life. I have read a couple of Tohei's books and while I agree that ki practice is essential to Aikido, Suenaka does not forsake technique for ki development. He also makes a strong point for using atemi (vital strikes) when applying a complete Aikido waza (technique). Contrary to what some Aikido stylist may believe, and what Suenaka understands, atemi is very useful as a distraction or to "soften" up your attacker. Suenaka is a true master who highlights the ways politics and egos can negatively impact the martial arts. The technique photos are pretty good but not extensive. Basic movements and drills were addressed well. It was an enjoyable read.

Having been involved in Aikido, Judo and Karate for more than 20 years. I am glad that Suenaka Sensei gave his insight into what really happened between Doshu and Tohei Sensei. After practicing with the Federation for sometime I always wondered what happened that caused the split between the Doshu and Tohei. Suenaka Sensei's account has brought all the missing pieces together for me and has answered all the questions I had about one of the most monumental events in Aikido post O'Sensei's passing.

I also found Suenaka Senseis credential very impressive and wish that he had a school in Canada as I would love to have the opportunity to train with someone that has studied with all of the masters he has.

It seem that Suenaka Sensei's Technical part of the book is much more real life oriented than the Aikido that I am used to practicing and teaching. I was amazed to see him actually using a kick in one of his techniques. I have never seen anyone at Hombu do that and I will start to combine my use of kicks as atemi in my own techniques as it really makes sense. Also the use of punches seems to be used in every technique that Suenaka Sensei does which has really made me think about having to combine atemi with everything I do if I want my Aikido to work in the street.

Rare among martial arts books, this is a good read even for those without a primary interest in Aikido, or even martial arts in general. For the serious Aikidoka and martial historian, it is a real jewel.

The first half of the book deals with Suenaka Sensei's life and family lineage that placed him in the unique position to pioneer Aikido in the United States. An original member of the very first class of Aikido in the United States (Hawaii, 1953), his samurai ancestry virtually predicted the outcome of his life. Raised up training in all forms of the martial arts, from the karate his father taught him, to judo, lua, golden gloves boxing, jujitsu... he has learned it all, and tested it in the street.

The story of how his relationship with the Founder of the beautiful and powerful art of Aikido (Morihei Ueshiba, O'Sensei) brought about personal transformation in his life, is universal in nature. Anyone who has been influenced by the presence of true greatness, and has had their lives changed because of it, should relate to Suenaka Sensei's love and devotion to the art of Aikido that his discipleship with the Founder engendered.

Many have benefited from this love; Suenaka Sensei started the first dojo in the Carolina's, one of the first in California, and the first to open and even more significant, to stay open in Okinawa, the world's hotbed of karate. Everyone can enjoy this true biography of a modern master.

The second half of the book gives instruction, with excellent photography abundantly used throughout. Many books on instruction should have the same caveat: Aikido can't be learned from any book. What this manual shows is both the proper and improper ways of performing techniques, and fortunately for the prospective student, these have been tested in the real world. While the spiritual nature of Aikido separates it from much of the martial world, it is first and foremost a martial art, and as Suenaka Sensei believes, if it doesn't work, it is a waste of time, and a dishonor ! to the teachings of O'Sensei.

Forty five years devoted to Aikido lends the highest credibility to his interpretation of the art. The act of constantly striving to raise standards, for the preservation and improvement of the art and its students, is the reason this book was written, and it should be in the library of any serious martial artist.

I especially liked all the stories, and I agree that aikido can be very useful in real life self-defense situations, if you learn and apply it in certain ways. Unfortunately aikido as it's mostly taught today, has lost some of it's practicality. But the potential of aikido is great. Just decide what you want out of it. I also recommend The Robert Koga DVDs (Practical Aiki-do) or his biography, for those in doubt whether aikido can "work" on the streets. Also David Dye's DVDs have that approach (Aikido Self Defense for the Modern Warrior). Both of these senseis are ex police officers and have tried and tested their techniques in the world outside of the dojo.

Rare and personal!! For all who are really interested in the politics that go on in martial arts from the Kyu levels to Hanshi, great insight into the developement of style, the rise and fall of ryu in the orient as well as in the States is bestowed. This book will show you the evolution of style and philosophy on a personal level. How does one balance what we adhere to in our art as well as in life itself. A great read and highly accurate in waza. Essential.

I just finished reading most of the reviews and I was surprised by the respect for Sensei Suenaka that was expressed.

This book came about through love for Aikido and Sensei Suenaka. Something that most of the reviewers did not know is that, we (yes, myself included) donated our time, services and talents to help Sensei Suenaka obtain his dream of completing this book. This book was something he was very passionate about and felt needed to be written. During the whole process he kept telling us "this book is going to be different" and he was right.

I just purchased additional copies of his book to have when my children get older. I want them to know about the history, spirituality and the self-defense that Aikido has to offer.

I am now on the West Coast and unable to attend classes, but I will never forget the journey that his Atlanta school provided. I am hoping to savor it a moment longer through his book.

Unlike other aikido books, The Suenaka sensi doesn't need a translator so the real thought ,idea or reason he wants to convey to the readers are not lost in the translation. His explanation on the Four Basic Principles to Unify Mind and Body is far better than "Ki in Daily Life".
The first half of the book pertain to his story of Aikido with the great founder of Aikido. It's like a mini-novel, with all the recipe of a good story, with happy ending.
The second part is the breathing, streching, basic ukemi, and the techiques with correct and incorrect executions.
This the best book for beginners with instructions( of course!).

I can't wait for the release of his second book.

Finally, there is a book on Aikido that tells it from the heart and from a person who was there. Suenaka Sensei comes off as a real person who is not in it for the money, but is out to help everyone understand what happened to Aikido after O'Sensei passed away. I know I was confused, but this book brought me back to center. I am so happy I read this. My favorite line: The only thing a belt is good for it to hold the gi closed. Nice!!![...]

If you look in any yellow pages or in any martial arts magazines, you will sadly see multitudes of "Shihan" (masters) who run martial arts schools or have training videos. A little investigation will reveal that there usually is no substance behind the rank, or the "World Champion" status that is proclaimed.

Then there are real Shihan like Suenaka Sensei.

This book, in addition to any written by John Stevens Sensei, provide not only factual background about Aikido, but are important guides to the spirit of humilty that all of the arts are supposed to foster.

The stories of his relationships with Aikido's founder, Ueshiba Sensei (known as O Sensei-great teacher-by Aikido practitioners), Tohei Sensei and the other great true Shihan who influenced his life are fascinating. We should all be so lucky.

Equally important is the emphasis on Aikido's practicality in the street and in everyday life...the former of which is frequently questioned in the martial arts community.

This book also is very honest about how childish, riduculous and foolhardy politics are in the martial arts community. Those who allow themselves to be influenced by such nonsense should be ashamed. It is unfortunate that so many instructors bombard students with the precept that they should be humble, yet display such hipocracy. Being humble with arrogance is not being humble at all.

Any martial arts student who is dedicated to the spirit of his/her training will find this, and as mentioned any book by John Stevens Sensei, VERY refreshing.

One great Aikido instructor under whom I had the privilege to train used to say "never take your 'student hat' off...you can learn from everyone". I am not a student of Suenaka Sensei or his "style" of Aikido, but there is a lot to learn from this book. Hopefully, the self-proclaimed champions and masters also can learn something from this.

C.B. Phoenix, AZ