Essential Aikido: An Illustrated Handbook

Aikido practice provides a wonderfully rich framework for personal exploration and development. However, for the beginner it involves a steep learning curve that may seem insurmountable. First there’s the strict etiquette to observe, then there’s the Aikido taxonomy in Japanese to learn, how to tie your obi (belt) correctly, how to sit, how to bow, how to fall down, how to stand up, how to attack… the list is never ending, and complex Aikido techniques have not yet been even mentioned. So it is not surprising that many beginners don’t last beyond the first few weeks. Hence this book of essential information to make the transition from raw beginner to competent practitioner a little less daunting.

Everything that a beginner needs to know is contained in this book, explained and illustrated. But for experienced practitioners and instructors Parts 3 and 4, which cover tai sabaki (body movement) and waza (techniques) it also details a rational, systematic method for learning and teaching basic Aikido forms.