Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Writting, a Must Read
Review: Christopher Watson creates a wonderful storyline of Suenaka Sensei's life. Anyone interested in the history of aikido and possibly one of the best martial artists alive should read this book. It is beautifully written and will capture your interest with every juicy story.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic Book for any Aikidoka
Review: Complete Aikido is a fascinating book on one man's study of aikido and is fascinating to read of a man that knew and studied with the Founder of Aikido. A must-have book encompassing one's study and how it relates to aikido and why he's important in being able to speak of the art as well as excellent photography of various techniques in Aikido.
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Summary: True Understanding
Review: Finally, there is a book on Aikido that tells it from the heart and from a person who was there. Suenaka Sensei comes off as a real person who is not in it for the money, but is out to help everyone understand what happened to Aikido after O'Sensei passed away. I know I was confused, but this book brought me back to center. I am so happy I read this. My favorite line: The only thing a belt is good for it to hold the gi closed. Nice!!![...]
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Summary: What a great book for anyone that is interested in AIKIDO
Review: Having been involved in Aikido, Judo and Karate for more than 20 years. I am glad that Suenaka Sensei gave his insight into what really happened between Doshu and Tohei Sensei. After practicing with the Federation for sometime I always wondered what happened that caused the split between the Doshu and Tohei. Suenaka Sensei's account has brought all the missing pieces together for me and has answered all the questions I had about one of the most monumental events in Aikido post O'Sensei's passing.I also found Suenaka Senseis credential very impressive and wish that he had a school in Canada as I would love to have the opportunity to train with someone that has studied with all of the masters he has. It seem that Suenaka Sensei's Technical part of the book is much more real life oriented than the Aikido that I am used to practicing and teaching. I was amazed to see him actually using a kick in one of his techniques. I have never seen anyone at Hombu do that and I will start to combine my use of kicks as atemi in my own techniques as it really makes sense. Also the use of punches seems to be used in every technique that Suenaka Sensei does which has really made me think about having to combine atemi with everything I do if I want my Aikido to work in the street.
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Summary: Coverage of much of little known Aikido History + techniques
Review: Having read over 18 books on the subject of aikido, and training in Tenshin Bugei Aikido for the past year, I was pretty up to date on the various aikido techniques and basic history. However, one thing that always bothered me was seeing how split the Aikido world has become, and I often could not account for how a martial art that was supposed to spread peace and harmony could lead to aikido organizations and senseis who want nothing to do with each and who talk badly of one another. After reading Suenaka Sensei's book, I have a much better grasp of Aikido's history after the Founder's death. The best thing about the first half of the book, which is biographical info about Suenaka Sensei, is that it explains how the great schisms came about in the Aikido world following O-Sensei's death. It makes for eye-opening reading, and I think the subject is not well understood by most modern aikidoka, from comments I have heard. I recently discovered through an on-line chat with a member of one of Koichi Tohei Sensei's affiliated dojos that he still does not allow a picture of the founder of Aikido to be displayed in any school that he has authority over; they are only allowed to display his picture. This troubles me greatly, but after reading Suenaka Sensei's book and coming to understand the depth of the controversy, it makes more sense than it did when I first heard about this. It seemed incredible to me that a man who learned Aikido at O-Sensei's feet today will not allow a picture of the founder to be displayed in his dojos. One has to wonder who's picture will replace his when he dies. At any rate, the book casts light on much of Aikidos recent history;most aikido books only cover aikido up until O-Sensei's death. For this reason, it is a valuable learning tool. The techniques taught in the book are very effective, demontrating that Suenaka Sensei believes that Aikido is both a spiritual endeavor and a practical combat art, instead of just one or the other, as many tend to want to believe these days. Very thought provoking book and I encourage you to read it.
Rating: 
Summary: not complete
Review: i bought this book because of the word "complete" but it is far from complete. first part is about roy suenaka's aikido auto/biography, about half the book - which i am not reallt interested in (i'm most interested in O'Sensei's). most memorable thing was how angry suenaka was when he fought off a drunk? because it seems rather odd. second part is just too brief for absolute beginners. it even explains what is NOT included in the discussion/instructions and the reason - that there are just too many techniques and combinations of techniques. i also expected a lot of illustration/photographs. complete equals details, lots and lots of information, and several 'kitchen sinks' at least. these are missing.
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating book
Review: I especially liked all the stories, and I agree that aikido can be very useful in real life self-defence situations, if you learn and apply it in certain ways. Unfortunately aikido as it's mostly taught today, has lost some of it's practicality. But the potential of aikido is great. Just decide what you want out of it. I also recommend The Robert Koga DVDs (Practical Aiki-do) or his biography, for those in doubt whether aikido can "work" in the streets. Also David Dye's DVDs have that approach (Aikido Self Defense for the Modern Warrior). Both of these senseis are ex police officers and have tried and tested their techniques in the world outside of the dojo.
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating book
Review: I especially liked all the stories, and I agree that aikido can be very useful in real life self-defense situations, if you learn and apply it in certain ways. Unfortunately aikido as it's mostly taught today, has lost some of it's practicality. But the potential of aikido is great. Just decide what you want out of it. I also recommend The Robert Koga DVDs (Practical Aiki-do) or his biography, for those in doubt whether aikido can "work" on the streets. Also David Dye's DVDs have that approach (Aikido Self Defense for the Modern Warrior). Both of these senseis are ex police officers and have tried and tested their techniques in the world outside of the dojo.
Rating:
Summary: Aikido - a sincere guide
Review: I have been practicing and studying Aikido for only a few years. In my opinion I think Sensei Suenaka's book is an informative and sincere guide for any true student of Aikido. The first part of the book makes for very interesting reading and I found, is in itself, a martial arts guide that can be referred back to. If you are a student of Aikido or you are thinking of starting on such a path, then careful study of this book should assist you in the development and quality of your training and help you to better understand O'Sensei's ideals for this 'living' art. A very good book by Sensei Suenaka and Mr. Watson
Rating:
Summary: history, spirituality and self-defense
Review: I just finished reading most of the reviews and I was surprised by the respect for Sensei Suenaka that was expressed.
This book came about through love for Aikido and Sensei Suenaka. Something that most of the reviewers did not know is that, we (yes, myself included) donated our time, services and talents to help Sensei Suenaka obtain his dream of completing this book. This book was something he was very passionate about and felt needed to be written. During the whole process he kept telling us "this book is going to be different" and he was right.
I just purchased additional copies of his book to have when my children get older. I want them to know about the history, spirituality and the self-defense that Aikido has to offer.
I am now on the West Coast and unable to attend classes, but I will never forget the journey that his Atlanta school provided. I am hoping to savor it a moment longer through his book.
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