Aikido Basics (Tuttle Martial Arts Basics) Paperback – April 4, 2017

The last 60 years I have been seriously involved in numerous martial arts (Boxing, Wrestling, Judo, Jujitsu, Karate-Do, Law Enforcement Defensive tactics) including Aikido, but I seldom mention this interesting martial art because I never achieved any rank in this system. The fact is, many of the techniques I have taught in law enforcement came from Aikido and Jujitsu arts.I picked up this 189 page paperback volume (Aikido Basics by Phong Thong Dang and Lynn Seiser) at a bargain price on Amazon and found this to be a good basic text on the art of Aikido. This book, published by Tuttle Martial arts series, is organized into six parts and the twenty two chapters cover a lot of material. Some of the topics covered includes: The history of Aikido, the philosophy of Aikido, the different branches of Aikido, choosing the right school, clothing and equipment, basic principles, stances, strikes, grabs, throwing techniques, locking and pinning, Ki development, randori, testing for belt promotion and many other basic facts.There are numerous black and white photographs showing some of the techniques but this Tuttle martial art book has the same flaw as the others I have read and reviewed. A lot more photographs are needed for all the techniques they mention. In any case, as I have mentioned in other physical action books, learning any martial from just reading a book is often not productive unless it is combined with a hands-on class with an instructor. This book can serve as a reference source to review the material learned in an Aikido class.Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Shotokan Karate Self-Defense Techniques: Practical combat karate for the street).

Looks good

for anyone attending an Aikido class. There are many aspects to attending a class other than learning Aikido techniques and those "other" aspects are well covered in this book. The writing is clear and direct and so makes extracting the point quick and easy.There are also various branches of Aikido, and so styles differ, but the basic set of techniques are similar and so the descriptions of the techniques in this book are helpful for connecting the technique name with a set of physical movements. One thing I'd caution the reader about is that you should not expect to learn Aikido from a book. There are more incorrect ways to apply a technique than you can imagine, so having an instructor who is knowledgeable and patient there to observe and correct your application of Aikido is essential.But, overall, as a book for beginning Aikido, this book is a good reference.

Excellerated, have'nt had a chance to study.

This book is a very precise and fundamental look at aikido. A joy to read an I true beginning into the the art of harmony. I’m glad I added it to my collection.

This book does a very good job of explaining its title subject... basic Aikido. There are no politics or style-specific posturings here; only solid basic information in an easy-to-read format. Look also for two recently released titles by the same authors: "Advanced Aikido" and "Aikido Weapons Techniques".

Friend was thrilled with gift! Very handy when on the road and no time to practice

Take the time to read it

Very helpful book if you are a beginner in Aikido

Good for beginners

great book, well written

First copy got lost so I ended up buying a copy from a specialist book seller. Its OK but as a beginner I wanted detailed step-by-step instructions and lots of pictures and photos. I am still looking for that book

Excellent book, easy to follow.