Thomas H. Makiyama

Aikido is a little know but highly scientific series of techniques dealing with self-defence that dates back to the Kamakura Period in Japan. For 800 years it has remained a jealously guarded secret taught only to a select few of the Japanese nobility, and only in recent times has the silence surrounding it been broken. Now there are two schools in Tokyo teaching the art of Aikido, and branches are flourishing in other cities of Japan. Fundamentally, the techniques of Aikido are similar to those used in Judo-but with one distinction. Judo is governed by a code of regulations designed to test skill in sporting contest; Aikido is bounded by no such restrictions and is not classified a sport. Regulated contests cannot be held: only exhibitions. Aikido is, in short, the perfect form of emergency self-defence and, correctly used, is a simple and very dangerous weapon. In this book-the first ever to explain Aikido to the world at large-the techniques are explained in logical sequence both in words and pictures, with special notes at the end of each technique. To the Judoka it will prove a fascinating extension of his favourite sport. Contents Author's introduction Aikido posture or stance Special aikido forms dealing with balance and coordination exercises Special aikido forms dealing with conditioning and stamina execises Executing an inverted 'V' Wrist-elbow-shoulder lock combinatin throw Defenses against overhead blows Defenses agaisnt an opponent who holds on to or grasps a single wrist with one of his hands Defenses against an oppoonent who holds on to or grasps a single wrist with both hands Defenese against a single lapel or related hold by an opponent Defenses against an opponent who grasps with both hands Defenses against body punches Examples of defenses against various forms of striking and grasping tactics Examples of defenses against a club or knife attack… (altro)

from postscript More than ever before, the writer is fully convinced that this volume should be accepted as a standard text for the correct study of the principles and techniques of Aikido, but what is more important, the true meaning of the Martial Arts. It is sincerely hoped that all instructors and students of the respective Arts will, somehow, after perusing this volume, realize that a certain Art is not superior nor, on the other hand, inferior to that of another. If the true spirit and meaning of the Martial Arts can, as explained in this volume, succeed in welding an inseparable bond of friendship, understanding an tolerence between instructors and students of the different Arts, then it will have served its intended purpose. Contents Introduction-Origin and History of Aikido How to study and put into Practice, 'Techniques of Aikido'' Important prerequisites for the successful study of the Principles of Aikido Chapter 1-Aikido Posture or Stance Chapter 2-Special Aikildo Forms Dealing with Balance and Coordination Exercises Chapter 3-Special Aikido forms dealing with conditioning and stamina exercises Chapter 4-Executing an Inverted 'V'Wrist-Elbow-Shoulder Lock Combination Throw Chapter 5-Defenses anainst Overhead Blows Chapter 6-Defenses against an Opponent who holds onto or grasps a single wrist with one of his hands Chapter 7-Defenses against an opponent who holds onto or grasps a single wrist with both hands Chapter 8-Defenses against a single lapel or related hold by an oppponent Chapter 9-Defenses against an opponent who grasps with both hands Chapter 10-Defenses against body punches Chapter 11-Examples of defenses against variouis forms of striking and grasping tactics Chapter 12-Examples of defenses against a club or knife attack… (altro)