Aikido for Life

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful intro to the "mind" and practice of aikido
Review: I looked at a lot of books on aikido, trying to find one that summed up the "spirit" of aikido while not scaring off a beginner -- Homma Sensei has done an excellent job with this book.

As one of the last to study under O Sensei (Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of modern aikido), the author brings the spirit of aikido "straight from the horse's mouth." From the first chapter (Your Life is Your Dojo) to the last (You Are $40), Homma Sensei addresses virtually every problem and stumbling block a [new] student of aikido will encounter. From studying aikido for the wrong reasons (such as "to beat people up"), to coveting a black belt, to becoming frustrated with yourself, he addresses the issue and encourages the reader. Particularly refreshing is his insistence that people [gasp!] take responsibility for their own actions and behavior, as well as for their progress (or lack thereof).

I found the book very helpful as a beginner, but I can certainly see that it will continue to be helpful as I continue my study of aikido. In fact, many of the lessons Homma Sensei teaches are directly applicable (as the title suggests) to one's everyday life. I highly recommend this book!

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful intro to the "mind" and practice of aikido
Review: I looked at a lot of books on aikido, trying to find one that summed up the "spirit" of aikido while not scaring off a beginner -- Homma Sensei has done an excellent job with this book.

As one of the last to study under O Sensei (Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of modern aikido), the author brings the spirit of aikido "straight from the horse's mouth." From the first chapter (Your Life is Your Dojo) to the last (You Are $40), Homma Sensei addresses virtually every problem and stumbling block a [new] student of aikido will encounter. From studying aikido for the wrong reasons (such as "to beat people up"), to coveting a black belt, to becoming frustrated with yourself, he addresses the issue and encourages the reader. Particularly refreshing is his insistence that people [gasp!] take responsibility for their own actions and behavior, as well as for their progress (or lack thereof).

I found the book very helpful as a beginner, but I can certainly see that it will continue to be helpful as I continue my study of aikido. In fact, many of the lessons Homma Sensei teaches are directly applicable (as the title suggests) to one's everyday life. I highly recommend this book!

Rating:
Summary: Very good introduction to Aikido.
Review: If you are interested in a good introduction to Akido. this book is a pretty good place to start.

English is not the authors first language. but he has done extremely well in conveying the message.

The illustrations are a bit crude in my opinion. I have no right to complain because I doubt I could do as well.

I must say one thing in praise of this book. At least this book deals exclusively with the subject of Aikido. Very much unlike "The Way of Aikido" that I reviewed earlier.

If you have questions or comments; E-mail me. Two Bears.

Wah doh Ogedoda (We give thanks Great Spirit)

Rating:
Summary: Simple book about Aikido in life.
Review: Learn about the simplicities and principles behind aikido...

One may imagine learning more about Aikido in this book than other bigger tomes about this exotic japanese martial art.

Great book for the beginning martial artist who chooses to study aikido.