by C. M. Shifflett
The new 2nd edition is now at the printer. Due in bookstores in March 2009, but you can pre-order here for autographed copies and free shipping.
Exercises, tools, and toys for illustrating and honing basic Aikido skills from rolling to specific techniques, with extensive cross-referencing to other writers, other styles, other resources. Page references are provided to standard texts such as Total Aikido (used by Yoshinkan styles)
Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere (used by Aikikai and Ki Society styles).
The
Dynamic Sphere translation table translates the notoriously unwieldy numbering system of this otherwise excellent book into more common dojo terms complete with page references. For example, "Immobilization #2 against Attack #1" is better known as Katate-tori nikyo. Find this throw on page 180 of
Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere or get details on nikyo itself on pages 174-177. For still more information, you will be referred to pages 96-97 of Total Aikido.
Aikido Exercises begins with a collection of common beginners' questions, general directions on class etiquette, explanations of hitori waza (aiki taiso/exercises) and their application to individual techniques, with useful tools for learning and understanding the Japanese terms.
"A Brief Ki Class" reviews the physics and psychology behind the mystifying ki exercises -- and Aikido techniques.
"Rolling, Falling, and Flying" provides a different slant on Real Self-Defense, and suggestions for safe and effective teaching and leaning of rolling skills. Many readers have commented on this section, especially The Physics of Ukemi by forensic pathologist Wendy Gunther. In Dr. Gunther's world, the intersecting effects of time, force, and affected surface area on bodies are known as "wounding energy."
"I've been looking for that information for 20 years," said one reader. And a writer working on a Hapkido manual wrote to beg permission to reproduce it in its entirety. "I tried to rephrase it," he said, "but could not. It is simply the best explanation on the planet of the physics of ukemi."
"Resources" includes an annotated bibliography of suggested books and films, suppliers, and organizations. For the studies that everyone knows about but can't find (such as the anatomy of wristlocks or Bad Guys sizing up potential victims in 7 seconds by their walk) you may find it here.
"Off the Mat in Real Life" features a section on verbal self-defense by linguist Suzette Elgin. Trouble with the boss at work? You know very well that the answer is not a round-house kick or face plant. Dr. Elgin provides real tools for real self-defense in Real Life.
The Glossary of Japanese Terms includes derivations and etymology of words by Japanese Aikidoist Chizuko Suzuki. Chizuko is the lovely lady on the cover and thanks to her, this is not just another derivitive copy of a copy of a copy of a copy of a dojo handout.
If you would like your book autographed by the author, be sure to choose the "autograph" option below.
