Total Aikido: The Master Course

Total Akido is a an excellent guide for Yoshinkan Aikido written by its founder Gozo Shioda. Taught by the father of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, Shioda was an extraordinary student who soon became a legendary instructor. Yoshinkan means to "cultivate mind and spirit," and Shioda accordingly approaches Aikido, not just as a defense mechanism, but as spiritual practice and tool of self-betterment. (For a fuller but very accessible treatment of the spiritual/philosophical aspects of Aikido I recommend  The Philosophy of Aikido *Total Aikido gives detailed how-to directions and -- since words alone cannot do Aikido justice -- the instruction within this book relies extensively on visual aids. Shioda incorporates detailed photography and diagrams on every page accompanied by thorough descriptions and explanations of each image. The illustrations are especially insightful since they break down motion sequences which are often too fleeting and fluid to be comprehended in the dojo or on video.In Total Aikido, you will find neither rambling philosophy nor history lesson, but instead you will come away with a detailed understanding of the common mistakes and effective tactics in Aikido. Of course this book cannot replace practice, but offers a very helpful supplement to Aikido students regardless of style. In fact, it is likely to benefit any practitioner of martial arts.At this writing there is no search inside available, so I've included the section headings in the table of contents. I hope you find it helpful.-Translator's Introduction-Prologue-How to Use This Book-The Principles of Aikido-The Basics of Body Movement (Tai Sabaki No Kihon)-Basic Techniques (Kihon Waza)-Self-Defense Techniques (Goshin Waza)- Hidden Techniques (Ogi)

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Gozo Shioda was a direct student of Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba and this experience is seen through the detail of this book. The beginning of the book goes over various basics and exercises taught in Aikido. This proves very helpful for anyone who has not actually taken an Aikido class. There is a great deal of detail for various basic moves, explaining everything from breathing to shifting weight. One of the problems with soft martial arts such as Aikido is the difficulty in performing the throws or locks if you have not had an instructor. The book helps in this by explaining key points to the technique that should be remembered as well as explaining the mechanics of it in detail. Close up and side bars providing further detail along side the clear step by step pictures of the techniques as they are being performed also make it easier to learn these moves with a partner. I would give this book a perfect score if it were not for the Japanese technique names. This book was translated from Japanese. While the names of the techniques are translated to English the explanation for how to do the technique uses traditional Japanese terms at times.For example: from Four Direction Throw 1"1-2 From migi ai-hanmi kamae, uke grabs your left wrist and pulls in a straight line. You strike with right-handed back-fist atemi to uke's face."While this is a bit of learning curve I didn't find it as cumbersome once I had the basic terminology down.As for the practical side. While Aikido does not come as easily as learning to throw a good right hook, many of the throws and joint locks can be employed without much effort once they are learned well. The techniques are presented often against traditional grabs or overhand strikes, however much of the material can be used just as readily by simply training with someone shoving, throwing a punch or going to tackle. There was a lack of kick defenses, but most people starting a street fight will not kick high anyway. The joint locks to control people are useful, especially if you are in a position where you cannot knock someone out who attacks, such as a teacher or a security guard.

"Total Aikido" is a VERY fine manual on Yoshinkan Aikido -- as founded by Gozo Shioda -- who trained deeply with Morihei Ueshiba starting before World War II. So, a very self-defense oriented Aikido is presented -- almost like a renewal of Aiki Jutsu Daitoryu -- even with nearly indentical technical terms. Yet, its Aiki as good as any -- in all methods presented -- as would be expected coming from Gozo Shioda -- who was barely over a hundred pounds but had a mountain of intense Aiki to extend GREAT skill. This Aiki Art is PROVEN via its many Japanese Self-Defense Force, Police and other students -- as well as those of us across the seas who have encountered Yoshinkan Aikido directly via friendly hospitality of its intense followers -- welcoming visitors to their Dojo mat one way or another. "Total Aikido" itself is presented via perfectionist illustration and explanation of the few well-chosen core methods and many well-ordered adaptations to attack-situations. Indeed, Gozo Shioda and Yasuhisa Shioda -- via Yoshinkan Aikido and this fine manual -- DO show just how "gentleness can overcome the strong" +++

First big step to begin practicing Aikido is to find a Sensei who is open to use and teach the best methods from different schools of thought. I was fortunate to find an excellent teacher with over 50 years of experience. After watching Youtube videos of Shioda Sensei, I was baffled by some Shioda's effortless thows. This book unravels the mysteries. "Total Aikido" is a great tool to review the steps which make up the various throws. Excellent photo sequences and explanations of many of the techniques.

Important text to aide the beginning, intermediate and continuing Aikido student. These techniques only come alive however when taught by real teachers at a dojo. Helpful as a review for belt tests and getting more specific techniques for study after class.

Un ouvrage super qui rend de façon magistral l'enseignement de l'immorterl Gozo Shioda, le maître et ancien disciple du fondateur de l'aïkido M.Ueshiba...Un livre bourré de photos, d'explications, et de textes invitant à la comprendre pourquoi ce style de combat est si particulier!...un ouvrage que les pratiquants apprécieront et ceux qui veulent se mettre à l'art "divin"...voudront dépiauter!!...Magnifique!

To be honest, I'm new to Aikido, but have been with Shotokan style karate for years now. I like others have made the mistake of buying every book I have seen on Aikido, not even thinking that there are different styles out there. When I mentioned this to my club, I was told to get this one. As has been said before many times, You can not learn Akido or any other martial art just by reading books, But what you can do, is to take notice of what you have been shown at you last class, and then taken it home with you, to study along with a the correct book. As the Yoshinkan style is the one used in my club, then it's not rocket science that this book was suggested to me. I'm not saying that it won't be any good with other styles, I don't know, But I do know that if you are studying the Yoshinkan style, then this is the book for you. I find the photos easy to follow, and of a size easy to see. All in all, a 5 star book all day long.A real worth-while book, just don't try to run before you can walk.....

10/10

This is a good text, and I have to disagree with the reviewer who only gave it one star. You should never attempt to learn aikido (or any other martial art) purely from a book. The value of books is to consolidate knowledge and focus on some details. This book is good in this respect - each technique is shown clearly with an adequate number of photos, and key points are mentioned in the text. Combine this with practice at a reputable club under a qualified BAB instructor, and you will learn thoroughly.I disagree with the comment that there are no photos of the detail of what the hands are doing - check out the pic of Nikyo grip on page 96...