Aikido: The Essential Guide to Mastering the Art

Aikido combines elements of self-defense technique, spiritual enlightenment, and self-confidence into a complete system for physical and spiritual health. This simple but thorough guide, aimed at both men and women, explains the origins, history, theory, and philosophy of aikido and gives detailed, illustrated instructions for aikido's essential techniques. Topics include dojos (formal training halls), uniforms, weapons, and breathing practices and explanations and complete demonstrations of groundwork, leading and throwing against punches, strikes and cuts, immobilization techniques, timing, and weapons training.

Author Bruce Allemann started practicing Aikido in 1986 while he was a university student. He is currently a 3rd Degree Black Belt instructor. He teaches Aikido three times a week in Cape Town, South Africa, and is a member of the AFSA (Aikido Federation of South Africa) Teaching Committee.