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Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere: An Illustrated Introduction
Aikido neutralizes aggression and renders attackers harmless. By controlling body position and harmonizing their vital physical and mental powers, anyone (regardless of size, strength or weight) can fend off attacks using this sophisticated martial art. This classic text reveals the secrets which enable the stunning control practiced in Aikido.
Paperback, 384 pages
Published
July 1st 2001
by Tuttle Publishing
(first published December 15th 1989)
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As I continue with my "AIkido Summer Reading List" for 2012, this is the first book I can say that I flat-out NEED for my library. No other book on aikido has offered so comprehensive, or so orderly and logical, a compilation of aikido's techniques, and how they go together. In fact, I was never really able to summarize aikido's techniques UNTIL I read this book!
This is taken together with a concise account of aikido's philosophy, neatly and tastefully worked into the text throughout (this book...more
This is taken together with a concise account of aikido's philosophy, neatly and tastefully worked into the text throughout (this book...more
Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere is excellent as far as martial arts books go (at least the ones I've seen): it provides you with a little history, a little philosophy behind the art, and a lot of discussion of technique & application. Interestingly, the line drawings used throughout the book to illustrate techniques work *better* than photographs here, because the minimalist presentation allows you to see the line of attack, irimi tenkan, etc., which are usually integrated with the drawing. (P...more
In another life, long ago, I was a pretty diligent Aikido student. The whys and wherefores of my abandonment of that art are for another post. Suffice it to say that when I did study it, I read this book, and found it very valuable. More recently, while digging through some things at my parents house and stumbled across it. I remembered it being a well-written book, and start reading through it. And, lo and behold, my memory hadn't deceived me. This is a good book. Actually, it's a GREAT book, I...more
In another life, long ago, I was a pretty diligent Aikido student. The whys and wherefores of my abandonment of that art are for another post. Suffice it to say that when I did study it, I read this book, and found it very valuable. More recently, while digging through some things at my parents house and stumbled across it. I remembered it being a well-written book, and start reading through it. And, lo and behold, my memory hadn't deceived me. This is a good book. Actually, it's a GREAT book, I...more
A brilliantly illustrated book about an elegant, spiritual defensive martial art. I devoured the first half and I flipped through the detailed reference section where a variety of techniques are described.
It's a great introduction and the concepts are quite applicable outside the dojo. It helps that the author, Adele Westbrook, is a philosophy major.
The elegance of the Aikido as a physical martial art is best illustrated by a young Steven Segal in this old black and white video: http://www.youtu...more
It's a great introduction and the concepts are quite applicable outside the dojo. It helps that the author, Adele Westbrook, is a philosophy major.
The elegance of the Aikido as a physical martial art is best illustrated by a young Steven Segal in this old black and white video: http://www.youtu...more
view all 5 comments
I read this book fairly obsessively when I was just starting out in Aikido at Tenshinkan. It did help me memorize a lot of the terminology. Of course the technical descriptions had that aura of "then a miracle occurs" for me then (in origami "a miracle occurs" somewhere between step three and five of the instructions. Most beautiful illustrations.
Ini buku terbaik yang pernah saya temukan. Pembahasannya mencakup nilai-nilai filosofis Aikido, lengkap dengan ilustrasi yang sangat membantu. Penting sekali untuk dibaca, baik bagi mereka yang sekedar ingin mengenal bela diri, pengamat, atau yang sedang mempertimbangkan untuk mempelajari Aikido secara serius.
ATF Aikido book - excellent overview of techniques with very clear (and now classic) illustrations. Try to get one of the original editions that were printed in Japan and have a slip cover!
1 like · like · see review
I must have an older version of the edition as I purchased it in 1983. The bible of Aikdo, or at least it was. Hard going at times, but a great reference source.
Dec 02, 2008
Kevin Shannon
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
any martial arts practioner or anyone interested in Aikido or Japanese arts.
Shelves:
best-books-i-ve-read
Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere is the best illustrated Aikido book there is.This is a very good book about the Japanese art of peace, Aikido.
A required text for the shelf of any serious martial artist, this book excels in several areas.
As pointed out in several reviews, the philosophy and technical analysis are equally valuable.
What I don't recall reading is that one strength of this book is in the simplified illustrations, in dorect contrast to the sometimes vague or even misleading (an Aikido pun!) pictures in many Aikido texts.
More than anything else, I return to this book for the clarity of it's ability to distill a technique dow...more
As pointed out in several reviews, the philosophy and technical analysis are equally valuable.
What I don't recall reading is that one strength of this book is in the simplified illustrations, in dorect contrast to the sometimes vague or even misleading (an Aikido pun!) pictures in many Aikido texts.
More than anything else, I return to this book for the clarity of it's ability to distill a technique dow...more
A good overall introduction to aikido and the techniques. A little lax on the ukemi (breakfalls) but still, not a bad read.
Excellent illustrations and explanation of history. Every aikidoka should have this in their collection.
A beautifully illustrated introduction to the Japanese martial art of Aikido. Now a classic.
Amazing reference book for any of those starting on the way, or already well down the path
Considered as the bible of Aikido. Must-have for aikido practitioners of all levels.
Great narratives and superb illustrations. Covers from basic to advance techniques.
One of the best martial arts books I've read out of hundreds.
The single best book on the subject I have ever read.
Jun 03, 2010
Barry
marked it as to-read
borrowed from a friend, but i'm not finish reading it yet..
One of the best books on Martial Art I have read.
This is a classic book on aikido. The line drawings of figures performing aikido that can be seen on many aikido websites come from this book.
classic text
Essential.
Though I'm not yet practicing aikido, this guide gives me a fabulous introductory feel for the martial art, and seems like it would serve as an excellent reference for the beginner or intermediate aikido student that wants to add a little practice time outside of the dojo. Clear, concise explanations and equally instructive illustrations.
Feb 08, 2008
Eri
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
all mind-body-spirit
Shelves:
inspiring
Understanding Aikido from the perspective of physics and maths, with methodist approach. Great for Aikidoka beginner and anyone who want to reach deep undertanding about this unique martial arts.
Reading this book is just like learning physics & maths in the sophomore year in real and practical application.
Reading this book is just like learning physics & maths in the sophomore year in real and practical application.
This book is Musty through and through, despite its having an updated version available. It is:
a MUST have, a MUST dogear, a MUST read, a MUST re-read, a MUST review, a MUST reference for EVERY Aikidoka.
a MUST have, a MUST dogear, a MUST read, a MUST re-read, a MUST review, a MUST reference for EVERY Aikidoka.
read it while stay in god island...
remind me great times exercise with great suhu... Master Omar!!! thanks for bringing me this fine life art to my world...
remind me great times exercise with great suhu... Master Omar!!! thanks for bringing me this fine life art to my world...
Apr 28, 2011
Charles
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
foxfire-survival-diy
Good Aikido philosophy book, decent technique as well, actually one of the better Aikido books.
Jan 22, 2008
Supe
added it
Philosophy and technique are both important and both given about equal weight
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