In this remarkable interpretation of the foundation of Aikido technique, Gaku Homma focuses on the relationship between Japanese swordsmanship and open-hand movement, uniting historical tradition with the contemporary development of the art of Aikido. Although the study of Kenjutsu and Aikido have long been associated, this is the first book in which actual Aikido techniques are related to sequences used with the sword. Sixteen hundred frame-by-frame photos mirror the movement shared by both arts.
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First Sentence
Volume 1 in this three-volume series focuses on manners, etiquette, ukemi (the art of falling), as well as basic body movement. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
Volume 1 in this three-volume series focuses on manners, etiquette, ukemi (the art of falling), as well as basic body movement. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By D. E. Ortiz
Format:Paperback
Unlike many of the martial literature out there, The structure of Aikido is a solid, scholarly and accesible representation of the art. The style of writting it's clear, professional and avoids the popular generalizing jargon that most martial arts book have e.g. "the most..., the best..., the deadliest... everyone knows... etc. Even though we know no-one can learn an art through reading alone, this book goes a long way into depicting a vivid portrait of the actual techniques used. And the comparisons between the Kenjutsu and Taijutsu are formidable, a most excellent approach that is refreshing and scientific. The contents are divided into the different techniques, basically what you would expect from a martial arts manual but the book itself has gone beyond my expectations and addresses in writting the core elements in performing the techniques.
A true classic work that raises the standard for serious studies in martial arts to a higher level. I recommend it whole heartedly and it is definitely a book all martial artists should have even though they may not do Aikido.
A true classic work that raises the standard for serious studies in martial arts to a higher level. I recommend it whole heartedly and it is definitely a book all martial artists should have even though they may not do Aikido.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The author, Gaku Homma-sensei, is the founder of the Nippon Kan style of Aikido, a style which places great emphasis on the relationship between the weaponry used in Aikido (typically bokken, jo and tanto) and taijutsu or "empty hand" techniques. In this book, Homma presents a very clear illustration of their interrelated nature. He explains clearly topics which can often be overlooked. At no point does he simply assume you know what he is talking about or that you will "pick things up" yourself.
Anyone who has been practicing Aikido for longer than 6 months will find this an insightful and useful resource. A word of caution to beginners - this is a detailed description of Homma-sensei's own style, Nippon Kan. Unless, of course, you are lucky enough to be practicing at his dojo in Denver, there will be differences between the style and form that you may currently be practicing. It is, nevertheless, a very interesting read!
Anyone who has been practicing Aikido for longer than 6 months will find this an insightful and useful resource. A word of caution to beginners - this is a detailed description of Homma-sensei's own style, Nippon Kan. Unless, of course, you are lucky enough to be practicing at his dojo in Denver, there will be differences between the style and form that you may currently be practicing. It is, nevertheless, a very interesting read!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I am a Jujutsuka and I would highly recommend this book to any martial artist. It breaks the techniques down into concepts and principals and warns against using "cookie cutter" techniques in self defense. This is good logic, and good martial arts.
This is the kind of book one could ready many times and get something different from it every time. I also thought the translation was great - would heve been nice if ALL terms were defined in the text as well.
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4.8 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
very good book
Does not really follow aikikai style aikido , great to see the swordtechniques, lot off pictures , sometimes hard to see not very clear due to there size
Published 20 days ago by Philip Deschacht
5.0 out of 5 stars
this book is worth every penny!
This book is structured in a way that makes it easy for the beginning aikidoist to improve in this art. Read more
Published on 26 Mar 1998
5.0 out of 5 stars
The book shows an interesting description of Aikido
The book shows an interesting Comparison between the moves associated with Kenjustu ( Sword Techniques ) and Taijutsu ( Open hand techniques ). Read more
Published on 27 Jan 1998
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