Aikido: The Complete Basic Techniques (Hardcover)

~ Gozo Shioda (Author), Yasuhisa Shioda (Author)
Key Phrases: backhanded punch, spin your right foot, large sliding step, Second Control, Third Control, First Control Type (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Aikido was developed by the legendary Morihei Usehiba, the culmination of many years of dedicated training in the classical fighting arts. In its relatively short history, Aikido has become one of the most revered martial arts in the world, drawing a wide range of devotees of all ages. Much of its appeal is that it is unique in preserving the martial traditions of Japan in the context of contemporary society. In Aikido: the Complete Basic Techniques renowned Budo master Gozo Shioda, who devoted himself to the study of Aikido under Ueshiba and founded the Yoshinkan Aikido, details all of Aikido's most important basic techniques, providing the reader with a rich and engaging insight into this modern and universally respected martial art.

This book primarily deals with the basic throws that form the early stages of Aikido practice. Each technique is presented in concise, comprehensive, and lucid explanations accompanied by detailed photographs that will serve as an essential study aid for the beginning student and also act as a valuable source of reference material for the more advanced practitioner. Shioda demonstrates how the Basic Exercises that comprise the core of Aikido teaching will assist the practitioner in focusing his or her strength, and how that strength can be harnessed for wider applications. Also central to the Aikido philosophy is the importance of synchronizing the spirit and achieving harmony with one's opponent, and Shioda explains how this can be done through a selfless devotion to the techniques. In so doing, one can foster a spirit of self-improvement, and unter an unrestrained state of mind in which one's powers of concentration will be at their strongest.

This book includes a wealth of rare photographs of the author demonstrating the techniques, as well as a new section on Practical Application. As discussed in a foreword by the author's son, Yasuhisa Shioda, this book should serve as a testament to the universality of Aikido, a martial art which, partly due to its emphasis of defense over attack, can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age.

From the Publisher

A legendary Budo master and bestselling author offers a comprehensive and detailed overview of Aikido's essential techniques.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Kodansha International (October 13, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 4770030193
• ISBN-13: 978-4770030191
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #50,044 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Reference Material for Aikido Students/Instructors, December 26, 2006

By	P. Wright (Sacamento, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you have to buy one book on Yoshinkan Aikido, I would recommend Total Aikido by Gozo Shioda (same author). Total Aikido goes into much greater detail on basic stance, basic movements, breakfalls, history, self defense application, and principals of Yoshinkan Aikido. However, this book is a great compliment to Total Aikido, primarily focusing on application of more than 100 basic techniques, mostly demonstrated in the photos by the founder, Gozo Shioda, himself. This is a great reference source for any Yoshinkan practitioner. The book also briefly covers kamae, kihon dosa (alone and with a partner), ukemi, shikko-ho, and a few other basic principles. This book cannot replace the experience from training under a qualified instructor, but is a valuable tool for the student who wants to refresh and review what he/she has learned. Aikido, The Complete Basic Techniques is also a great tool for instructors who wish to review details of the techniques performed by the founder, and resolve any debates on application of basic techniques.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Both specialty martial arts and general-interest libraries will find it a fine basic reference., February 7, 2007

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Aikido: The Complete Basic Techniques comes from a master and teacher and the top student of modern Akikido's founder, so it's backed with much experience and authority as it explains all the most important basic techniques of the martial arts and surveys their underlying teaching. The Basic Throws which are key to early Aikido practice are based on a revised edition of an earlier Japanese-only textbook: this updated version appears in English for the first time and pairs small step-by-step back and white photos with clear instruction. Both specialty martial arts and general-interest libraries will find it a fine basic reference.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent companion to training, May 13, 2009

By	Douglas A. C. Kelley (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book presents the fundamental techniques of Yoshinkai aikido, clearly describing how the moves are to be performed. My only concern is that buki-waza are not also presented. Otherwise I have found this book to be quite helpful, and more extensive than Dynamic Aikido.