form dust jacket Most of us know some basic aikido techniques-though we are probably unaware of it. We know, for instance, that a good way to control someone is to twist his arm up behind his back. We know that it its painful to have the base of the thumb pinched round toward the edge of the palm. The ancient Japanese martial art of aikido-which has been developed over centuries and handed down through samurai families from generation to generation-is the study of arm-twists, body-throws, hand-holds and hundred of other techniques, which enable the user to control even a bigger man with the minimum of effort. Dynamic Aikido-including nearly 500 photographs and diagrams-brings together the whole spectrum of theoretical and applied aikido in one handy-sized volume. Already the Japanese edition of the book is a huge success in japan and is fast becoming the standard authority on the art in the dojos. Starting with a brief history, the book covers the philosophical background of aikido, basic movements, fundamental techniques and ends with a thorough account-complete with action pictures-of how aikido can be used in a dangerous situation such as an attack from behind while walking in a park, or a robbrey attempt by a pick-pocket. As a comprehensive text on the art, Dynamic Aikido is an essential companion to every beginner, a vital reference for all aikido students, as well as an excellent guide for all who want to learn for thenmselves some of the mysterious skillls of one of the oldest Japanese martial arts. Gozo Shioda, born in Tokyo in 1915, was the most outstanding student of Ueshiba Sensei and is today one of the greatest practitioners of aikido in Japan. After graduation from Takushoku University he worked for a time in Borneo and the Celebes. He studied for many years under Ueshiba Sensei and in 1955 established the Tokyo Yoshinkan school of aikido. Currently Shioda Sensei, who holds a ninth dan (grade) black belt in aikido, is director and chief instructor of the Yoshinkan and head teacher of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, Japan National Railways, the Air Self-Defense Forces, Sophia University, Meiji Gakuin University and his alma mater, Takushoku University. He is the author or the Japanese publication, How to Enjoy aikido. The Translator An interest in judo brought Geoffrey Hamilton to Japan in 1954 where he became a research studen at the Kodokan. Since then his interest has widened to encompass many of the martial arts and he holds a third dan in judo, a second dan in kendo and iaido and has been associated with the Yoshinkan for nearly three years. Mr. Hamilton, who is presently manager of the Tokyo branch of the British Travel Association, is co-author of Judo Combination Techniques and has written and translated a number of articles on the martial arts. Contents Preface Translator's Introduction History of Aikido Section 1: The Nature of Aikido Section 2: Posture & Movement Section 3: Basic Techniques Shiho-nage ('Four-directins Throw') Ikkajo Osae ('1st control') Nikajo Osae ('2nd control') Sankajo Osae ('3rd control') Yonkajo Osae ('4th control') Sokumen-irimi-nage ('Side-approach body throw') Shomen-irimi-nagae ('Front-approach body throw') Hiji-jime ('Elbow lock') Kokyu-ho ('Breathing Method') Tenchi-nage ('Heaven and earth throw') Kote-gaeshi ('Outward wrist twist') Section 4: Practical Application Glossary

Yoshinkan aikido is one of the most effective forms of aikido with the shortest learning curve. Still some of the knee-bend stances leave it wide open for a kick to dislocate or break the knee. Keeping this in check, though, I would recommend this book as a very basic primer...also recommended is his follow-up Total Aikido. ( )