Product Description

In the past twenty years, the Aikido population has increased tremendously in the United States, primarily because of the vast number of comprehensive American instructors. Greg O'Connor walks the reader through the history and philosophy of aikido. He then, in short chapters peppered with photos and illustrations, answers common questions about etiquette, training methods, and, in general, "what to expect" when practicing aikido.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #45797 in Books
• Published on: 1993-12-09
• Released on: 1993-12-09
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 107 pages

Review
"The purpose of studying aikido is not only to gain physical ability. We practice for the deeper reason to become better human beings. For that reason I highly recommend this Aikido Student Handbook by Mr. Greg O'Connor. I believe this book will be beneficial not only for those who are just starting Aikido, but for those already involved and particularly for those who hold teaching positions."
- Yoshimitsu Yamada

About the Author
Greg O'Connor is co-founder of Aikido Schools of New Jersey, and the chief instructor of ASNJ's Morristown and Clifton dojos. He is one of the few full-time professional Aikido teachers in the United States and currently holds the rank of 4th Dan, Shidoin, with the United States Aikido Federation Eastern Region under Shihan Yoshimitsu Yamada, 8th Dan.

Customer Reviews

Really useful only for beginners.
A good book, with an interesting point of view, but included information is very basic. If you are looking for technical content, it ain't here...

Hand this one out at the door.....
This little book has been amazingly useful. I am the instructor of an aikido dojo and I have made extensive use of this book. I give a copy to interested people who come to watch a class to thumb through while we are doing warmups or repetitive exercises (I find it really piques their interest and when I ask if they have questions after class, they have fewer and the questions are less basic and more insightful after having skimmed this. It answers some of the questions new people don't even know enough to know they SHOULD be asking. I also use one as part of the introductory package for starting up with us - at $10, you can't go wrong. Aikido technique can only be learned on the mat, and this IS NOT A TECHNIQUE MANUAL (nor was it ever intended to be). New students need some of the why's, etiquette and terminology and philosophy in concise, understandable form - that's what makes this a great guidebook. Great job! Instructors, try giving all your new students a copy of this book the day they leave from their first class - I believe it will pay for itself in increased student retention.

great for beginners
If you are a beginner (in the first few months) this is a great book. Not just an eye-level, unconvoluted, unpretentious introduction to the philosophy and aims of aikido, but also deals with some of those universal questions of most beginners- like how to approach practicing with veterans. Nice, pleasant read, which will only increase your enthusiasm.