The Hidden Roots of Aikido: Aiki Jujutsu Daitoryu - Secret Techniques of an Ancient Martial Art [Hardcover]

Shiro Omiya (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 15, 1999

The Daitoryu is a brutally effective fighting method thought to have been first developed more than a thousand years ago by members of the Japanese imperial family. It was then refined and honed in great secrecy through centuries of hand-to-hand combat by highly trained warriors. Its techniques were jealously guarded until late in the nineteenth century, when it was first introduced to the world by master Sokaku Takeda, who began to accept students from around the country.

It was this tradition that Morihei Ueshiba spent years studying just before he set out on his own to found Aikido-which has in recent years become one of the world's most popular martial arts. The roots of Aikido are in the Daitoryu, and for that reason Aikido practitioners will want to learn all they can about this martial art.

The Hidden Roots of Aikido is the first book to appear in English that offers a detailed visual introduction to techniques of the Daitoryu tradition. Heavily illustrated with approximately 800 photographs, it gives a clear, complete picture of the steps involved in about 90 techniques. Its substantial section on history and theory takes a close look at the Daitoryu's historical background and philosophy, while a glossary of terms provides a handy list of the most important terms.

The Hidden Roots of Aikido will be an indispensable learning tool for students of the Daitoryu, and a valuable reference for other martial arts practitioners.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Shiro Omiya studied Aiki Jujutsu Daitoryu with Kozui Tsuruyama, a second-generation disciple of Sokaku Takeda, the master who first introduced the Daitoryu to the world.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 216 pages
• Publisher: Kodansha USA; First edition (March 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 4770023278
• ISBN-13: 978-4770023278
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #521,571 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books in years!!, February 23, 2001

By 

Jeff Green (Athens, AL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Hidden Roots of Aikido: Aiki Jujutsu Daitoryu - Secret Techniques of an Ancient Martial Art (Hardcover)

This is one of the best books I've ever read in the martial arts field. It has helped me a great deal in my own development in the arts. I teach a self defense class in Florence,AL which is geared for practical defense on the street. I especially enjoyed the section on pins and their variations. In today's dojos I see so many instructors focusing on the sport aspects of the arts which don't always work on the street. I loved the fact that they showed the pins that you could do without using your hands and that they never assume that there is only one attacker on the street and that every move addresses these situations. I feel like this book will benefit people of all arts not just Aikido. Many modern style Jujitsu practitioners really need to see this book because I feel like they would learn alot. The only drawback I see is that if you don't already know how to do certain wrist locks you may be lost in some places. For those people I would recommend they read Dynamic Aikido by Gozo Shioda first before buying this book,but I would definately buy this book if I wanted to be a better martial artist

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Hidden Roots of Aikido: Aikijujutsu Daitoryu.......umm ok., March 24, 2000

By 

billy rodgers (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Hidden Roots of Aikido: Aiki Jujutsu Daitoryu - Secret Techniques of an Ancient Martial Art (Hardcover)

First and foremost, this was a good book. A clear connection between Aikido and Daitoryu Jujutsu is made, especially with the visual aid of the many photographs of the techniques. Their similarities are evident. However, not much is given to readers on the actual working relationship of Daitoryu and Aikido, and what exactly makes them different. I feel that this book was created for the Aikido practitioner who perhaps is looking for answers that he may be asking about where his or her PHYSICAL techniques originated from. Philosophy is barely touched upon. The author's treacher was a second generation disciple of the headmaster of Daitoryu, (who taught the founder of Aikido). I wonder how much of the book's content is synthesis and how much is authentic. All in all, it is a fascinating book, and does provide insight into the workings of both Daitoryu Jujutsu and Aikido technique.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent work for Aikiju-jutsu beginners, January 13, 2000

By 

Edmundo Paredes - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Hidden Roots of Aikido: Aiki Jujutsu Daitoryu - Secret Techniques of an Ancient Martial Art (Hardcover)

I am an instructor of Goshin Ryu Aikijiu-jutsu and I really enjoyed this book. It is well organized and readable. The action sequence shown in the photographs is very clear. If you are familiar with the principles common to all styles of this art you will be fond of this work, particullarly with the references to counter-techniques, rarely seen. An excellent book.