Aikido Complete

Aikido is a new Japanese martial art that combines the best of all the other martial arts. Aikido tends to overcome the differences in strength and size. The man or woman who possesses the skill taught in this book gains tremendous self-confidence and the ability to walk without fear. More, it instills a remarkable inner harmony, or Aikido is more than a way of dealing with an attacker - it is a way of life.

Aikido techniques are truly amazing. The author of this book once defended himself against a violent and totally unrehearsed attack by four students simultaneously. With speed and grace but with what appeared to be a minimum of movement. Professor Yamada all but destroyed the four attackers and, after a few minutes, they retired, dazed and shaken. Aikido employs circular rather than linear movements, and one uses the opponent's own force and momentum to overcome him. There is no brute force with Aikido: its effects are so natural that the attacker hurts only himself with his aggressiveness. The person practising Aikido is always totally relaxed and in control, mentally and physically.

This is the definitive book on Aikido. The step-by-step directions are clearly and carefully illustrated with photographs by Alexander Langfelder. Aikido Complete was written by a true master of the art who has devoted most of his life to its study and practice. It is the closest thing to learning Aikido in person from Professor Yamanda in the New York Aikikai,