Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere: An Illustrated Introduction (Tuttle Martial Arts)
Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere: An Illustrated Introduction (Tuttle Martial Arts) book cover

Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere: An Illustrated Introduction (Tuttle Martial Arts)

Paperback – July 1, 2001

Price
$22.99
Format
Paperback
Pages
375
Publisher
Tuttle Publishing
Publication Date
ISBN-13
978-0804832847
Dimensions
6 x 0.8 x 9 inches
Weight
1.44 pounds

Description

"…one of the best books on Aikido on the market. Not only for the beginner but for the advanced practitioner. It's well respected by most people in Aikido. If you're looking for a good, in-depth book, this is the one you'll want." -- RyukyuBooks.com "…an outstanding introduction to the art of Aikido. Anyone starting out in aikido would do well to buy this book, read the beginning chapters of it and then review it from time to time. Great book!" -- AikidoJournal.com "If you are a student of Aikido, this book should definitely be in your library. If you're not a student of Aikido, this book can still be a useful way to familiarize yourself with the art on a theoretical level. It's also an interesting resource for anyone who wants to do some serious thinking about their martial art. Anyone who has ambitions to write a book on their own martial art should read this one; this is how an art should be presented." -- Examiner.com "…this is a fine addition to any library. […]the book definitely is worth owning." -- BestJudo.com "It has been a most useful reference for me over the years, and I'd highly encourage any adult to make it a part of your personal Aikido library." -- Teresa Mastison Sensei, Aikido of Phoenix Oscar Ratti received his degree in classical studies and law from the University of Naples where he was intercollegiate Greek-Roman wrestling champion and a member of the championship judo team. He later came to the United States and began to study aikido with Yasuo Ohara, one of the first instructors to teach in New York. Adele Westbrook studied philosophy at Columbia University at the same time co-author Oscar Ratti was doing graduate work in the classical languages. They began to practice aikido together, and while studying under a variety of instructors in the United States and Europe, started the collection of notes and sketches which finally developed into this illustrated introduction to the art of aikido.They also authored Secrets of the Samurai , and Mr. Ratti, now deceased, also provided the illustrations for Code of the Samurai , both available from Tuttle Publishing. Read more

Features & Highlights

  • Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere: An Illustrated Introduction
  • provides a complete foundation in the practice of one of the most distinctive and useful Japanese martial arts.
  • Aikido was created in Japan in the 1920's by Morihei Ueshiba, also known as Osensei. To possess the skills, techniques and attitude of the faithful practitioner of aikido, one must achieve a very high level of integration of the powers of mind and body, the harmonious combination of physical means and ethical motives. By controlling body position and learning how to harmonize important physical and mental abilities, anyone (regardless of size, strength or weight) can fend off attacks using this sophisticated martial art.Written and illustrated by husband/wife team, Oscar Ratti and Adele Westbrook,
  • Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere
  • , with over 1,200 illustrations, includes many Aikido techniques in chapters such as:
  • What is Aikido?
  • What is Aikido?
  • The Foundations of Aikido
  • The Foundations of Aikido
  • The Practice of Aikido
  • The Practice of Aikido
  • The Basic Techniques of Neutralization
  • The Basic Techniques of Neutralization
  • Advanced Practice
  • Advanced Practice
  • And more!
  • And more!

Customer Reviews

Rating Breakdown

★★★★★
60%
(339)
★★★★
25%
(141)
★★★
15%
(85)
★★
7%
(40)
-7%
(-40)

Most Helpful Reviews

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Great book on Aikido, but....

A lot of good things have been said about this book by many others, and I basically agree with them. So, I'm not going to repeat any of them here. However, the one thing that I don't like about this book is that, instead of using the common terminology used by aikidoka around the world, the authors use algebraic terms like "attack #1" neutralised by "immobilization #2". Why can't they just use the proper terms such as "shomen-uchi" and "nikyo"? Give me a break. This is like calling "slamdunk" a "scoring technique #5".
14 people found this helpful
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Excellent Aikido Resource

I started Aikido recently and was inundated with new information. Every technique had its own name (in Japanese!) and it was hard to remember these names with all the moves, only doing them in the dojo a couple times. I don't know how you could make a manual to a martial art better than this one. Each immobilization and projection is clearly labeled and described with great illustrations. It has helped me to understand the terminology and get the basic ideas behind not only the techniques but also the art of Aikido itself. I consistently go back and review the techniques before and after practicing in the dojo. This work continues to do its job of helping me past the terminology and basic ideas of the techniques and leaving me to do real life practice. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in practicing Aikido at any level for any length of time.
6 people found this helpful
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Best Aikido book out there

This book covers all the basics of aikido. It has very useful information by showing the ideas behind the moves. With outstanding illustrations together it digs to the core of aikido.
4 people found this helpful
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Dynamic Achievement

Read part as green belt. beyond me. Read at it again as Brown Belt ...only half made sense. Read it after achieving my Black Belt and liked it. After Nidan achieved Loved it ! So I'm a slow "understander" or it is just so well done that it appeals to people at all levels.
2 people found this helpful
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Great Read.

This book is a very good read. If you are a beginner this book is a great way to help you understand this form of martial arts a lot. If you have been in this form of martial arts for a while it's still a good way to brush up on your understanding. This writer did a fantastic job.
1 people found this helpful
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Four Stars

good information
1 people found this helpful
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Book that adds dimension to practice

I am in my first year of learning Aikido and this book has been good for the insights. As well the drawings have been easy to follow. I know some of the terms used are slightly different than my class uses. I find it interesting how many of the senior students have this book and have said it has been great to reference, even if you only read it once. Hope this book helps me to unlock more secrets of aikido than I have already seen.
1 people found this helpful
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Masters thesis in paperback......

Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere is one of those books that tells the story but you must dig a little for the information. Depending on your years of experience, or lack thereof, this book will be your Bible of Aikido or something you prop the door open with. This is not a teaching book but a tome to be savored. To be read and re-read to gather the knowledge the authors are trying to impart to you. I purchased this book three times over the years because mine keeps disappearing and would glady do it again, it is that good.
The one drawback is that at times the techniques are numbered instead of named but even that turned out to be a plus because it forces you to pay attention. Whatever you have read about this book it is true, if you don't have it in your library, get it. This is not so much a review than it is an endorsement. I have plenty of books in my martial arts library but there is only a few that I would keep replacing and this is one of them.
They call this an illustrated introduction but it goes way beyond that. Combined with your personal training this is a Masters thesis in paperback.
1 people found this helpful
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Aikido for every type of situation

This book provides a very clear teaching about the art of Aikido.The technical background is useful for the martial artist who wants to practice street combat without damaging the assailant and provides also a full spiritual guide on budo and the ki power.Very good one!
1 people found this helpful
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Good reference

Excellent book on aikido, great illustration as well