Product Description

Employing a question-and-answer format, Center: The Power of Aikido outlines the five elements of power that the aikido enthusiast must use to succeed, and it explains strategic applications of movement that give the practitioner the advantage. Moving beyond techniques and forms, this engaging, hands-on book explores the underlying dynamics of moving energy through the body and manipulating the energy of the aggressor.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #176537 in Books
• Published on: 2000-06
• Released on: 2000-05-18
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 150 pages

Review
"This interesting and thought-provoking book by Ron Meyer and Mark Reeder offers useful ideas for training and personal explorations of center."
—Hiroshi Ikeda Sensei

"Here is a remarkable book, not just for aikidoists but for all martial artists. Beyond kata, deeper than mere technique, its teaching takes us on a journey of mastery that rejoins heaven and earth. To learn the secrets of nearly effortless power, read this book."
—George Leonard

"This is the first book that seriously discusses how Aikido works. Buy it."
—Mike Sigman

Customer Reviews

Good book for Aikido practitioners.
It is very difficult to explain Aikido through words but this book gives some very good pointers worth trying during your regular practice.

It doesn't teach regular Akido techniques but it gives some pointers on body posture, mindset and working with your partners.

Excellent insight into what is really happening in Aikido
As a newbie Aikido-ka of only one year, this book is really helping me understand what is supposed to happen during technique. I am starting to grasp why Sensei is so focused on whole body motion and a centered & balanced alignment at all times.

After reading a dozen other books on Aikido, this is the first book that explores centering, whole body alignment, grounding, up-rooting, and spiraling concepts individually and as pieces of the whole. These concepts, and the training methodologies suggested, have helped me in my training immensely. I expect I'll review this book frequently since it's so packed with gems of insight.

The authors are not of the same martial style as my school ... but the concepts presented are older than any Aikido style.

~ Jim B. go-kyu - Nihon Goshin Aikido

Superb resource for more experienced aikido students
Reeder and Meyer have put together an excellent resource for more individuals who have been studying aikido for several years. Rather than discussing individual techniques, the authors focus on general principles that are applicable to a wide range of aikido techniques. While I agree with an earlier reviewer that the question and answer format does get a little tedious by the end, the book remains extremely clear throughout.

As the cover states, the book is based on studies with Hiroshi Ikeda Sensei; both Reeder and Meyer have been students of Ikeda Sensei for a number of years. Having seen Ikeda Sensei myself at over a dozen seminars and camps, I found this book to be a wonderful printed summary of Sensei's teachings. That makes the book even more valuable, as it can be used quite effectively as a way to continue working on the principles Ikeda Sensei stresses in his seminars long after you've seen him in person.

I've read the book twice in its entirety over the past two years, glanced at it for specific things numerous times, and will probably start my third cover to cover reading soon. This is one of the most valuable and useful books in my library.