Rating: 
Summary: A universal message of spirituality and practical wisdom.
Review: C. M. Shifflett presents her subject on several levels. There is an intriguing look at the philosophy and power of Ki, a window into the world of Morihei Ueshiba's "Noble Warrior," a practical and joyfully creative presentation of Ki exercises, and a well-written guide to several forms of meditation. It seems to me that most books on martial arts are more or less esoteric, (i.e. understood by a "select few"). I found the messages contained in this book to be universal in scope and practical for areas far beyond the practice of Aikido - much more a philosophy of living. In fact, when I first read the book, I had not yet seen Aikido. I was so intrigued that I searched out a local Dojo. Incidently, check out the art work. My mother-in-law knows nothing about Aikido, and yet she was fascinated with the people in the pictures, who seem more real than photographs.
Rating:
Summary: A universal message of spirituality and practical wisdom.
Review: C. M. Shifflett presents her subject on several levels. There is an intriguing look at the philosophy and power of Ki, a window into the world of Morihei Ueshiba's "Noble Warrior," a practical and joyfully creative presentation of Ki exercises, and a well-written guide to several forms of meditation. It seems to me that most books on martial arts are more or less esoteric, (i.e. understood by a "select few"). I found the messages contained in this book to be universal in scope and practical for areas far beyond the practice of Aikido - much more a philosophy of living. In fact, when I first read the book, I had not yet seen Aikido. I was so intrigued that I searched out a local Dojo. Incidently, check out the art work. My mother-in-law knows nothing about Aikido, and yet she was fascinated with the people in the pictures, who seem more real than photographs.
Rating:
Summary: Easy to follow Primer
Review: I am a Matsubayashi Ryu practitioner. And have been studing KI. This books covers all of the basic excercises I feel one needs to practice KI. It is easy to read and follow.With this book, not only can you devlop good Metods of KI excercises; but a positive outlook on life in general.
Rating: 
Summary: The Force is strong with this one...
Review: I earned my shodan during three years training in Japan, (my instructors were wonderful people), and have taught for three years also, (receiving permission from World Aikido headquarters). This is an excellent little book; it is pleasant both to look at and read, and covers alot of information in a well-paced and thoughtful manner. The elegant presentation reminds me of books on Japanese flower arrranging. It is also concise, delivering not only what I understand to be a complete rendition of the various ki techniques and their applications in a straightforward manner, but also including brief notes on the various influences of aikido on cinema (the seven samurai & Star Wars), apocryphal tales about the founder Ueshiba Morihei, etc... I enjoyed reading this book and consider it, unlike several other books on the subject, both well worth the expense and a useful addition to one's aikido library.
Rating:
Summary: an invaluable primer for shin shin toitsu aikido students.
Review: I had hesitated to review this for two reasons: First, while I have never met the author, based upon an ongoing e-mail correspondence, I very much consider her a friend. Second, my own practice of aikido is in a very different style (aikikai). It has occurred to me that this may actually be an advantage in judging the book: would a naive reader, upon opening and perusing this book, gain an understanding of the why and how of ki exercises? Definitely yes; the word "primer" would perhaps be even more apt than "sampler." Ms. Shifflett's breezy tone and relaxed line drawings (including, recognizably, George Simcox Sensei, as well as the author) invite the reader to explore; her very concise "how-to's" are liberally sprinkled with anecdotes that keep the book flowing, never bogging down in instructions. While this style happens not to be my cup of tea, this book has a place any well-rounded aikido library (my copy is staying put), and I strongly recommend this book to anybody who is beginning to practice shin shin toitsu style aikido or who may be curious about what it has to offer.
Rating:
Summary: Direct information for beginner and advanced students
Review: I have been in the martial arts for over 43 years, and own and operate the Hombu martial arts Education Center in Lafayette, Indiana.I instruct the art of Aikido,and find this book of value for intructional information, assisting all instructors a guide, and a path to keep on track. It gives all readers an overall picture of how KI training is taught, and what is involved. The drawings are very good, and I feel a dedicatied student can get much value from such text. It is good of her to share her knowledge and experience. Keep up the good work. Respectfully, Dr. Thomas H.Burdine\PhD\M.A. Head of family Kokon Ryu Aikido, Bujutsu, Renmei
Rating:
Summary: A practical, user-friendly book
Review: Many books have been written about the mysteries of aikido. This book unravels them into reality in the most digestible, practical, and readable form I have yet seen. As a somewhat experienced aikidoka, I refer to my copy when asked to teach, or explain a concept to a beginner. Very solid, engaging, grounded and even just a darn good read.
Rating:
Summary: Marvelous, beautiful primer.
Review: Most books on aikido suffer from some common flaws. They usually have a whole lot of small blurry photographs of techniques and a set of platitudes, with no way to relate them to either aikido practice or real life. This book has neither of those flaws. As a beginner in ki-aikido, now forced to be in a town without a ki society dojo, I use Ki in Aikido as a regular reference to when I want to practice the ki exercises, which are clearly and comprehensively explained. More importantly, she discusses the positive outlook necessary for success in aikido and in life. In a sense, it's both a primer on ki exercises and a self-help book for maintaining a "plus" attitude in life. Also extremely witty and enjoyable to read. If nothing else, get it for the beautiful drawings of real live aikido practitioners. The only danger with this book is that you may love it and become an evangelist and enthusiastically loan it to a friend, who will love it and never give it back. That would be bad.
Rating:
Summary: A fun, hands-on, and profound set of exercises - great!
Review: The author has written down a set of simple tests and exercises (with illustrations) that demonstrate various aikido and spiritual principles, ranging from obvious to subtly profound. Insightful, fun, enjoyable, easy-to-understand -- and possibly even surprising and controversial! It's about time this material was put in writing.
Rating:
Summary: An outstanding guide to Ki development
Review: The concepts of "Ki" as taught in Ki Society Aikido schools is not easy for westerners to comprehend. I first started practicing it in 1990. Since then, outside of the writings of the founder, Koichi Tohei Sensei, I have not found a readily available and readable book that expliains Ki to westerners. Then came "Ki in Aikido: A Sampler of Ki Exercises" by C. M. Shifflett. In this easily manageable (size wise) book, Ms Shifflett gives a breif discription of Aikido and Ki then gets into the "meat of the matter". She explains Ki very clearly and gives lots of examples of how to incorporate it into your Aikido and your life. The art work is excellent and very aptly displays what is discribed. For my money, there is no better book for anyone: from the seasoned high ranking instructor to the novice to the curious onlooker. Anyone can get something from this book.
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