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Rating: 
Summary: Covers Mid-Range Weapons of Aikido and Chinese martial arts.
Review: Although this is still a terrific book for anyone with an interest in comparitive martial arts study, I didn't feel this volume was as thorough as the first in actually comparing Chinese Martial arts versus Aikido (Takemusu style). The second in a planned three part series on the Comparative study of Chinese martial arts and Aikido, this book includes sections on Aikido sword and jo (a staff about 36-50 inches in length), and Chinese sword methods. A paperback volume, the volume I own was printed on quality acid-resistant paper. I noticed an improvement in the quality of the pictures in this volume from those in the first.Author Sugawara clearly states in the introduction that the theme of this volume is to introduce the reader to the "how to's" of weapons training in both styles, so perhaps volume three of this series will cover what I felt was missing. As per the statements of the author, this volume DOES give decent coverage to the weapons methods of both Aikido and Chinese Martial practice. Both Tetsutaka Sugawara and Lu-jian Xing are versed in Aikido and Chinese martial arts (each has extensively studied BOTH), and therefore have a good grasp on the methods and philosophies of both arts. This has probably helped this series avoid any competitive air between these martial arts, where one might try to "prove" that one method is any better or worse than the other. This is the first book that has broached the subject of Chinese sword and Aikido Sword in the same volume--I look forward to the third volume in this series.
Rating: 
Summary: aikido and chinese martial arts Vol 1 and 2
Review: Excellent books but definately for the experienced martial artist and student of comparative martial arts.Drawback is few side by side comparisons of the different traditions. Chin Na and Aikido would be closer categories for vol 1 and techniques especially swordwork differs greatly and is hard to compare between Chinese and Japanese systems for volume 2 .It is nice to see the respect the authors afford each other and this makes it a five star.
Rating:
Summary: Advanced Primer and History Book
Review: First I would like to say that this book is not for the beginner. The beginning history would be benneficial for all. History is followed over the 1st 100 pages. But the majority of the book is directed mainly toward the art of Aikido and Chin Na. There are many photographs in the book (some other angles would have been most helpful), but the written explanations are fantastic. An overlooked treasure. A must for all those that study Aikido and Chin Na.
Rating:
Summary: Detailed Overview & Comparison of Chin-na & Aikido
Review: This 332 page volume is the first in a projected 3-volume series. This first volume compares the philosophy of Chinese Martial arts with that of Aikido, and the empty-handed combative aspects of both arts. This volume is broken down into four sections. The first offers a historical context for both Japanese and Chinese martial arts, the second part deals with Chinese martial arts, and is heavily illustrated and includes descriptive narratives to accompany each sequence of photos. Part three deals with Aikido (specifically the Takemusu style), and illustrated by photos with explanations much the same as part two did for the Chinese arts. Part four includes direct comparisons of the most common techniques of aikido and Chinese Martial Arts. This book is heavily illustrated, and apparently intended for people who have an interest in understanding the similarities and differences--in essence, the connections between different "styles" of martial arts. I do not consider this book to be instructional in nature. Someone without a basis in martial arts training might have difficulty understanding the depth or point of this book--both Chinese martial arts and Aikido are rather extensive in and of themselves. The authors of this book are also NOT concerned with proving that one art is superior in any way to the other. For those with a more studious bent who enjoy considering the possibilities, here is a volume you will enjoy. A note on the co-author's relationship in research: Co-Author Tetsutaka Sugawara Studied Aikido under the arts Founder Morihei Ueshiba beginning in 1960, and has also studied Goju Ryu and Tai Chi--he is the founder of the Minato Research and Publishing Co (Now known as Sugawara Martial Arts Institute). Co-Author Lu-jian Xing studied Chinese martial arts under Chu-xinag Du, Yan-ling Xing, and others. He met Sugawara when he came to Japan in 1992 to learn Aikido as an Uechi-deshi (live in student) under Sugawara at the Sugawara Institute, and the two commenced their comparative study of these martial arts. The second volume in this series has been published, and deals with weapons aspects of both Chinese Arts and Aikido. I eagerly await the third volume in this series...
Rating:
Summary: Detailed Overview & Comparison of Chin-na & Aikido
Review: This 332 page volume is the first in a projected 3-volume series. This first volume compares the philosophy of Chinese Martial arts with that of Aikido, and the empty-handed combative aspects of both arts. This volume is broken down into four sections. The first offers a historical context for both Japanese and Chinese martial arts, the second part deals with Chinese martial arts, and is heavily illustrated and includes descriptive narratives to accompany each sequence of photos. Part three deals with Aikido (specifically the Takemusu style), and illustrated by photos with explanations much the same as part two did for the Chinese arts. Part four includes direct comparisons of the most common techniques of aikido and Chinese Martial Arts. This book is heavily illustrated, and apparently intended for people who have an interest in understanding the similarities and differences--in essence, the connections between different "styles" of martial arts. I do not consider this book to be instructional in nature. Someone without a basis in martial arts training might have difficulty understanding the depth or point of this book--both Chinese martial arts and Aikido are rather extensive in and of themselves. The authors of this book are also NOT concerned with proving that one art is superior in any way to the other. For those with a more studious bent who enjoy considering the possibilities, here is a volume you will enjoy. A note on the co-author's relationship in research: Co-Author Tetsutaka Sugawara Studied Aikido under the arts Founder Morihei Ueshiba beginning in 1960, and has also studied Goju Ryu and Tai Chi--he is the founder of the Minato Research and Publishing Co (Now known as Sugawara Martial Arts Institute). Co-Author Lu-jian Xing studied Chinese martial arts under Chu-xinag Du, Yan-ling Xing, and others. He met Sugawara when he came to Japan in 1992 to learn Aikido as an Uechi-deshi (live in student) under Sugawara at the Sugawara Institute, and the two commenced their comparative study of these martial arts. The second volume in this series has been published, and deals with weapons aspects of both Chinese Arts and Aikido. I eagerly await the third volume in this series...
Rating:
Summary: Very good if you already know something
Review: This book is a must for any martial arts' student, especially for those who train aikido or kung fu, but it is not a book for novices. It is just not basic. You have to know very well the basics of aikido or kung fu (any style) to understand what to do. The tecniques are very well explained and the pictures are very good too, but if you never trained with a wooden sword or staf before, go back to your dojo and learn the basics first. On the other hand, if you already know aiki-ken or aiki-jo, even if you are not a master, but a serious student, you will love to see how much aikido and chinese martial arts have in common. If that is the case, well, buy the book, because it really worths.
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