Short description
Demonstrates how the Basic Exercises that comprise the core teaching in Aikido will develop physical focus in the practitioner, and teach them how to harness that focus for wider practical applications. This book also explains how achieving harmony with one's opponent can be done through a selfless devotion to the techniques.
Long description
Shioda demonstrates how the Basic Exercises that comprise the core teaching in Aikido will develop physical focus in the practitioner, and teach them how to harness that focus for wider practical applications. Also central to the Aikido philosophy is the importance of achieving harmony with one's opponent and Shioda explains how this can be done through a selfless devotion to the techniques. By doing this, one can enter an unrestrained state of mind, which in turn can improve one's powers of concentration. This book primarily deals with the Basic Throws that form the early stages of Aikido practice and is a revised edition of a previous textbook that was not for sale to the public. This updated version includes a wealth of rare photographs of the author demonstrating the techniques, as well as a new section on Practical Application. As discussed in a new foreword by the author's son, Yasuhisa Shioda, this book should serve as a testament to the universality of Aikido, a martial art which, partly down to its emphasis of defense over attack, can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age. This is one of Aikido's most endearing aspects, and it is the wish of both the author and his son that readers will find in this book an invaluable study resource, and that through Aikido practice, will foster a continual desire to improve themselves. This textbook includes a wealth of valuable footage of Gozo Shioda. As it includes almost all of the most important basic throws, it is valuable both as a study aid to practice and as a collection of reference material.