The Structure of Aikido: Volume 1: Kenjutsu and Taijutsu Sword and Open-Hand Movement Relationships [Paperback]

Gaku Homma (Author)

Book Description

Series: Structure of Aikido | Publication Date: May 16, 1997

In this remarkable interpretation of the foundation of Aikido technique, Gaku Homma focuses on the relationship between Japanese swordsmanship and open-hand movement, uniting historical tradition with the contemporary development of the art of Aikido. Although the study of Kenjutsu and Aikido have long been associated, this is the first book in which actual Aikido techniques are related to sequences used with the sword. Sixteen hundred frame-by-frame photos mirror the movement shared by both arts.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"As a martial arts teacher, I am very impressed with the clarity and reach of this book. Gaku Homma Sensei illuminates each technique in three contexts, showing us its nuance and value in different fighting situations. Any martial artist, no matter what style he or she practices, will be captivated by the originality of his approach and the practicality of his teaching."
- Kancho Joko Ninomiya, Grand Master of Enshin Karate

"Homma Sensei's powerful teachings are truly unique! His ability to instill discipline, self-confidence, balance, and focus go well beyond the mat. I've taken his insights to many heights, including the cockpit of Boeing 747!"
- Doug Kelly, Pilot/Instructor, United Airlines

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Frog Books; 1 edition (May 16, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883319552
• ISBN-13: 978-1883319557
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 0.4 x 10.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #191,906 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for advanced aikidoka, October 2, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Structure of Aikido: Volume 1: Kenjutsu and Taijutsu Sword and Open-Hand Movement Relationships (Paperback)

This is a very good volume of work that helps the aikido student learn how empty-hand techniques such as shiho-nage, irmi-nage and the 5 control holds all evolved from swordsmanship techniques. Anything that aids a student in realizing the purposes behind a technique can give him or her a better grasp of how to apply it in the dojo. Philosophically, this volume also aids the aikido student in realizing the peaceful intent of aikido. Looking at some of the photo series depicting sword vs. sword conflict, you get a real grasp of the fact that Ueshiba Morihei took violent, blood-spilling killing techniques and modified them into non-violent, peaceful restraining techniques that inflict no injury. In Aikido, sword techniques that were designed to disembowel opponents have been modified to allow a diligent student to overcome a violent attack with a minimum of force or effort. Gaku Homma has done aikido enthusiasts all over the world a great service with this book. I eagerly look forward to his next book, in which he promises to do for the jo, or short staff, what he has done for the wooden sword in this book.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Provides a Firm Understanding of O-Sensei's Art, April 6, 1998

By 

Steven Sykes ([e-mail]) (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Structure of Aikido: Volume 1: Kenjutsu and Taijutsu Sword and Open-Hand Movement Relationships (Paperback)

I'm sure their are plenty of Aikideshi like myself who wish our instruction included a higher ratio of weapons practice. This book is an excellent stimulus for exploration into the roots of Aikido through Kenjutsu. Countless sword techniques are explained step by step, with photos; then the hand-to-hand derivation is outlined right next to it, also with photos. Being in my second year of Aikido, through this book I learned that my weapons training isn't some outdated tradition (who fights with a sword?). In fact, our martial philosophy and hand-to-hand techniques are honed by the understanding/practice of Aikiken and Aikijo.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic for all martial artists, November 11, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Structure of Aikido: Volume 1: Kenjutsu and Taijutsu Sword and Open-Hand Movement Relationships (Paperback)

I am a Jujutsuka and I would highly recommend this book to any martial artist. It breaks the techniques down into concepts and principals and warns against using "cookie cutter" techniques in self defense. This is good logic, and good martial arts.

This is the kind of book one could ready many times and get something different from it every time. I also thought the translation was great - would heve been nice if ALL terms were defined in the text as well.