Total Aikido: The Master Course (Bushido--The Way of the Warrior) (Hardcover)

~ Gozo Shioda (Author), Yasuhisa Shioda (Contributor) "One of the basics of aikido is the principle of maintaining a straight center line in the body..." (more)
Key Phrases: right tegatana, large turning movement, left tegatana, Gozo Shioda Sayings, Ueshiba Sensei (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Aikido students and enthusiasts the world over will be delighted with this English translation of Gozo Shioda's "hidden principles," finally made available by the Yoshinkan school of aikido. An outstanding student of aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba, Shioda, who taught thousands of people in his lifetime, left a profound legacy, successfully teaching the spiritual and practical applications of a martial art that could all too easily become mired in one or the other.

In this sequel to DYNAMIC AIKIDO, the preeminent master continues his explanation of the essential principles but in finer detail. Comprehensive and fully illustrated, TOTAL AIKIDO covers the basic postures and movements with special emphasis on certain key points for perfecting one's technique to achieve maximum effect with the minimum of effort. Demonstrations are provided in a dōjō setting, with helpful pointers for avoiding common mistakes. To enable students to develop greater strength and control, they are shown how to increase their speed, shift their center of gravity, and synchronize movements with those of their opponents.

This is an essential work for students of all levels, a treasury of expert information.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Japanese

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Kodansha International; 1st edition (February 15, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 4770020589
• ISBN-13: 978-4770020581
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #117,910 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Beginner's Manual, May 13, 2000

By A Customer

I've purchased several Aikido/Martial Arts books in the past few years and I must say that this one is the best. It is difficult, if not impossible, to describe Aikido techniques in text; thus, proper illustration and easy to follow photographic sequences are critical to any Aikido text. This book has the most illuminating graphic representations of Aikido techniques of any that I have read so far. They even thought to number the photos in the sequences (a supprisingly novel concept). The accompanying description and explanation are quite well written. I wish all Aikido books were this well done.

It should be said that this book was written by Gozo Shidoa, the founder of Yoshinkan Aikido. Yoshinkan is a style that your local dojo may or may not practice. However, I find myself continually comming back to this book despite the fact that my own dojo doesn't practice Yoshinkan.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Total Aikido: practical, precise & no-nonsens, June 8, 2000

By A Customer

This is the best book on aikido I have in a extended collection. Yoshinkan Aikido is explained in a very detailed manner, exactly pointing out the do's and don'ts of aikido's basic techniques, both ura and omote as well as tachi as suwari waza.

I myself find it especially helpful to review a specific technique when I encounter problems with them myself. Sometimes the fluent movement from my instructor in class is a bit too fluent to pinpoint certain details. Shioda's book offers the possibility to keep a certain detail in mind for the next time.

In any case, Total Aikido is a buy you'll find hard to regret.

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best Aikido book out there!, March 11, 2002

By	Tyrone Turner (Arverne, NY United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a great overview of Aikido. It explains the principles of aiki without getting into too much philosophy. The author mentions that Aikido is 70% striking ("atemi") which is very different from what you'll hear from most Aikidoka. Most Aikidoka that I come into contact with seem to forget that Aikido is a martial art and not a dance. The best set-up for an Aiki technique is to first belt your opponent.

The basic techniques (which is all you'll really ever need for self-defense) are explained in detail and demonstrated with clear black-n-white photos.

If you're already a martial artist, these techniques will be a great supplement to your existing arsenal.