Ultimate Aikido: Secrets of Self-Defense and Inner Power [Paperback]

Yamada (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 212 pages
• Publisher: Citadel (October 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080651566X
• ISBN-13: 978-0806515663
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #735,879 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book to have in your Aikido book library!, July 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Ultimate Aikido: Secrets of Self-Defense and Inner Power (Paperback)

Sometimes, you just need a good book to refer to the techniques and clarify a couple of points. This book is it. While I understand that it is somewhat lacking in the spiritual aspects of Aikido, I won't fault it because I like the graphical illustration so much. The illustration gives adequate detail to movements so that I can clarify some of the movements which are not so obvious and easily remembered, especially after you get whipped around alot in class. I do wish that Yamada sensei would write another book focusing on Advanced techniques of Aikido and weapons training!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent instruction in traditional (Aikikai) Aikido, October 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Ultimate Aikido: Secrets of Self-Defense and Inner Power (Paperback)

This is a very useful teaching tool from a outstanding Shihan (teacher's teacher) in classical, traditional Aikikai Aikido. The terminology used is standard terminology, and a large number of basic techniques are very well explained and illustrated with clear action photos and some drawings. The book is a very useful teaching / learning tool to help with frequent practice for the Aikido student. An excellent book for beginner to advanced Aikido students. If you are going to pick one book on techniques in classical, traditional Aikido, this should be it.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great introduction to basic aikido!, May 21, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Ultimate Aikido: Secrets of Self-Defense and Inner Power (Paperback)

Sensei Yoshimitsu Yamada displays great thoughfullness in explaining and illustrating basic Aikido empty-hand and weapon techniques to the uninitiated. Not much here on the philosophical foundations of Aikido, but plenty of detail on execution of techniques. Those interested in understanding the nonviolent, peaceful philosophy behind this art should check out Kisshomaru Ueshiba's "The Spirit of Aikido". This book by Sensei Yamada focuses on technique, displaying with exactness how the various pins, locks and throws are executed with both dramatic photographs and instructive drawings. I highly reccommend this book to anyone who wants to learn how to perform Aikido.