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Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere: An Illustrated Introduction
Aikido and the Dynamic An Illustrated Introduction provides a complete foundation in the practice of one of the most distinctive and useful Japanese martial arts.
Aikido was created in Japan in the 1920's by Morihei Ueshiba, also known as Osensei. To possess the skills, techniques and attitude of the faithful practitioner of aikido, one must achieve a very high level of integration of the powers of mind and body, the harmonious combination of physical means and ethical motives. By controlling body position and learning how to harmonize important physical and mental abilities, anyone (regardless of size, strength or weight) can fend off attacks using this sophisticated martial art.
Written and illustrated by husband/wife team, Oscar Ratti and Adele Westbrook, Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere , with over 1,200 illustrations, includes many Aikido techniques in chapters such
Aikido was created in Japan in the 1920's by Morihei Ueshiba, also known as Osensei. To possess the skills, techniques and attitude of the faithful practitioner of aikido, one must achieve a very high level of integration of the powers of mind and body, the harmonious combination of physical means and ethical motives. By controlling body position and learning how to harmonize important physical and mental abilities, anyone (regardless of size, strength or weight) can fend off attacks using this sophisticated martial art.
Written and illustrated by husband/wife team, Oscar Ratti and Adele Westbrook, Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere , with over 1,200 illustrations, includes many Aikido techniques in chapters such
384 pages, Paperback
First published September 30, 1983
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
February 4, 2010
In another life, long ago, I was a pretty diligent Aikido student. The whys and wherefores of my abandonment of that art are for another post. Suffice it to say that when I did study it, I read this book, and found it very valuable. More recently, while digging through some things at my parents house and stumbled across it. I remembered it being a well-written book, and start reading through it. And, lo and behold, my memory hadn't deceived me. This is a good book. Actually, it's a GREAT book, IF you're interested in/a student of Aikido.
Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere is broken up into ten chapters, covering everything from the historical, philosophical, and ethical foundations of Aikido, to an outline of the ranking and grading structure of the art, and a detailed technical curriculum. The technical portions of the book are accompanied by fairly simplistic drawings; they aren't enough to learn the art on your own (not something I'd recommend anyway), but a useful reference if you're studying Aikido with a regular instructor.
A few parts of the book, notably the portions on ranking and grading, are probably outdated. This book was published in the 1970's, and martial arts being what they are, a lot has changed since then.
Even with that, I find it hard to imagine a better book for someone seriously interested in learning more about Aikido. This is about as complete an overview of the art as you're likely to get, and some of the concepts in it are useful and applicable even to practitioners of other arts. My copy actually has some interesting notes in the margins where I'm trying to tie in concepts from the Personal Defense Readiness program with what the author is saying. There's actually some overlap there.
If you are a student of Aikido, this book should definitely be in your library.
If you aren't, you may not get much use out of it, unless you just want to get a sense of the art.
BUT
This book is also just a fantastic example of how to write a clear, authoritative description of a martial art. I wish more martial arts writers approached their work like this--there would be a lot more quality books on the market.
Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere is broken up into ten chapters, covering everything from the historical, philosophical, and ethical foundations of Aikido, to an outline of the ranking and grading structure of the art, and a detailed technical curriculum. The technical portions of the book are accompanied by fairly simplistic drawings; they aren't enough to learn the art on your own (not something I'd recommend anyway), but a useful reference if you're studying Aikido with a regular instructor.
A few parts of the book, notably the portions on ranking and grading, are probably outdated. This book was published in the 1970's, and martial arts being what they are, a lot has changed since then.
Even with that, I find it hard to imagine a better book for someone seriously interested in learning more about Aikido. This is about as complete an overview of the art as you're likely to get, and some of the concepts in it are useful and applicable even to practitioners of other arts. My copy actually has some interesting notes in the margins where I'm trying to tie in concepts from the Personal Defense Readiness program with what the author is saying. There's actually some overlap there.
If you are a student of Aikido, this book should definitely be in your library.
If you aren't, you may not get much use out of it, unless you just want to get a sense of the art.
BUT
This book is also just a fantastic example of how to write a clear, authoritative description of a martial art. I wish more martial arts writers approached their work like this--there would be a lot more quality books on the market.
February 25, 2010
Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere is excellent as far as martial arts books go (at least the ones I've seen): it provides you with a little history, a little philosophy behind the art, and a lot of discussion of technique & application. Interestingly, the line drawings used throughout the book to illustrate techniques work *better* than photographs here, because the minimalist presentation allows you to see the line of attack, irimi tenkan, etc., which are usually integrated with the drawing. (Photographs also tend to be grainy or poor quality in Aikido manuals for some reason.) I seem to recall reading somewhere (an Aikido Journal review?) that the illustrator actually won an award for his work in Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere. Read the book, and you'll see why he earned the distinction.
I would definitely recommend Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere to anyone starting out in this martial art as a supplement to your training. Two other resources I would highly recommend are "Aikido 3d" (http://www.aikido3d.com/) and the late Shoji Nishio's DVD series available from Aikido Journal. Nishio Sensei had developed a unique style that, by his own estimation, isn't found in most Aikido schools; but he was a direct student of Morihei Ueshiba, and as a black belt in Karate, Judo and Iato, he brought a critical understanding to the art that is sometimes lacking in modern Aikido techniques -- namely, that Aikido was meant to be a true martial art, and accordingly its techniques should adapt and develop relative to other martial arts... otherwise, Aikido forfeits its practical value, and your training is basically a dance or cardio workout.
I would definitely recommend Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere to anyone starting out in this martial art as a supplement to your training. Two other resources I would highly recommend are "Aikido 3d" (http://www.aikido3d.com/) and the late Shoji Nishio's DVD series available from Aikido Journal. Nishio Sensei had developed a unique style that, by his own estimation, isn't found in most Aikido schools; but he was a direct student of Morihei Ueshiba, and as a black belt in Karate, Judo and Iato, he brought a critical understanding to the art that is sometimes lacking in modern Aikido techniques -- namely, that Aikido was meant to be a true martial art, and accordingly its techniques should adapt and develop relative to other martial arts... otherwise, Aikido forfeits its practical value, and your training is basically a dance or cardio workout.
June 7, 2008
A required text for the shelf of any serious martial artist, this book excels in several areas.
As pointed out in several reviews, the philosophy and technical analysis are equally valuable.
What I don't recall reading is that one strength of this book is in the simplified illustrations, in dorect contrast to the sometimes vague or even misleading (an Aikido pun!) pictures in many Aikido texts.
More than anything else, I return to this book for the clarity of it's ability to distill a technique down to essentials.
I just wish the people who wrote technical and electronic manuals were half as clear!
As pointed out in several reviews, the philosophy and technical analysis are equally valuable.
What I don't recall reading is that one strength of this book is in the simplified illustrations, in dorect contrast to the sometimes vague or even misleading (an Aikido pun!) pictures in many Aikido texts.
More than anything else, I return to this book for the clarity of it's ability to distill a technique down to essentials.
I just wish the people who wrote technical and electronic manuals were half as clear!
December 11, 2010
This is by far the best Aikido book ever written. I highly recommend it. The illustrations are amazing.
November 30, 2012
ATF Aikido book - excellent overview of techniques with very clear (and now classic) illustrations. Try to get one of the original editions that were printed in Japan and have a slip cover!
April 6, 2014
In addition to the amazing illustrations, which have been endless copied by aikidoists worldwide, this is a remarkably clear and organized description of aikido technique.
September 29, 2017
One of the book that is very hard to read if you have no interest. I skim through a few pages but the idea and they way of thinking is worth picking up!
February 4, 2010
In another life, long ago, I was a pretty diligent Aikido student. The whys and wherefores of my abandonment of that art are for another post. Suffice it to say that when I did study it, I read this book, and found it very valuable. More recently, while digging through some things at my parents house and stumbled across it. I remembered it being a well-written book, and start reading through it. And, lo and behold, my memory hadn't deceived me. This is a good book. Actually, it's a GREAT book, IF you're interested in/a student of Aikido.
Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere is broken up into ten chapters, covering everything from the historical, philosophical, and ethical foundations of Aikido, to an outline of the ranking and grading structure of the art, and a detailed technical curriculum. The technical portions of the book are accompanied by fairly simplistic drawings; they aren't enough to learn the art on your own (not something I'd recommend anyway), but a useful reference if you're studying Aikido with a regular instructor.
A few parts of the book, notably the portions on ranking and grading, are probably outdated. This book was published in the 1970's, and martial arts being what they are, a lot has changed since then.
Even with that, I find it hard to imagine a better book for someone seriously interested in learning more about Aikido. This is about as complete an overview of the art as you're likely to get, and some of the concepts in it are useful and applicable even to practitioners of other arts. My copy actually has some interesting notes in the margins where I'm trying to tie in concepts from the Personal Defense Readiness program with what the author is saying. There's actually some overlap there.
If you are a student of Aikido, this book should definitely be in your library.
If you aren't, you may not get much use out of it, unless you just want to get a sense of the art.
BUT
This book is also just a fantastic example of how to write a clear, authoritative description of a martial art. I wish more martial arts writers approached their work like this--there would be a lot more quality books on the market.
Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere is broken up into ten chapters, covering everything from the historical, philosophical, and ethical foundations of Aikido, to an outline of the ranking and grading structure of the art, and a detailed technical curriculum. The technical portions of the book are accompanied by fairly simplistic drawings; they aren't enough to learn the art on your own (not something I'd recommend anyway), but a useful reference if you're studying Aikido with a regular instructor.
A few parts of the book, notably the portions on ranking and grading, are probably outdated. This book was published in the 1970's, and martial arts being what they are, a lot has changed since then.
Even with that, I find it hard to imagine a better book for someone seriously interested in learning more about Aikido. This is about as complete an overview of the art as you're likely to get, and some of the concepts in it are useful and applicable even to practitioners of other arts. My copy actually has some interesting notes in the margins where I'm trying to tie in concepts from the Personal Defense Readiness program with what the author is saying. There's actually some overlap there.
If you are a student of Aikido, this book should definitely be in your library.
If you aren't, you may not get much use out of it, unless you just want to get a sense of the art.
BUT
This book is also just a fantastic example of how to write a clear, authoritative description of a martial art. I wish more martial arts writers approached their work like this--there would be a lot more quality books on the market.
June 18, 2017
This book, while clearly a classic in the genre, is (unfortunately) an example of why very junior martial arts practitioners should never write a technical manual on the art. I can't imagine a 1st year medical student writing a medical textbook and expecting doctors to take it seriously.
The best thing about this book is the illustrations. They are so beautiful that they have become almost the defacto Aikido illustrations used far and wide both online and in dojo paraphernalia. Unfortunately, the text just doesn't match the beauty and truth of the illustrations.
That said, if you're an Aikidoka, I recommend you have a copy in your library... if for no other reason that it's a classic and you need to know what's in it, for better or for worse. If possible, get the hardcover, not the paperback. I've had mine for decades and it still looks as good as it did the day I bought it.
The best thing about this book is the illustrations. They are so beautiful that they have become almost the defacto Aikido illustrations used far and wide both online and in dojo paraphernalia. Unfortunately, the text just doesn't match the beauty and truth of the illustrations.
That said, if you're an Aikidoka, I recommend you have a copy in your library... if for no other reason that it's a classic and you need to know what's in it, for better or for worse. If possible, get the hardcover, not the paperback. I've had mine for decades and it still looks as good as it did the day I bought it.
October 14, 2016
This is a very complex but essential book for students of Aikido. The concept of 'circularity' is very well defined and puts the discipline into a perspective that is visual and fascinating. I was immediately able to identify similar phenomena in other sports requiring circular motions, such as Tennis and golf.
Some of the philosophical messages are though-provoking and also have applications in other areas of life. Technical terms in Aikido are well explained. The only gripe I have is the overly verbose prose that makes reading this book a little more complicated than attempting to read Hamlet or Othello. If you can get past that, the wisdom in its content is worth the effort.
Some of the philosophical messages are though-provoking and also have applications in other areas of life. Technical terms in Aikido are well explained. The only gripe I have is the overly verbose prose that makes reading this book a little more complicated than attempting to read Hamlet or Othello. If you can get past that, the wisdom in its content is worth the effort.
May 26, 2017
A bit too much background for my taste. I didn't like the writing style with the authors always referencing themselves as "the authors". It felt like reading a german text (and I prefer english texts because they are usually easier to read than the german ones).
Also practicing Jiu Jitsu myself, some techniques are very "arty": when I saw the graphic showing tori running towards uke's knife I almost stopped reading right there (I know that Aikido is about the art - and less about self defense - but why would you teach anyone something like that?)
Also practicing Jiu Jitsu myself, some techniques are very "arty": when I saw the graphic showing tori running towards uke's knife I almost stopped reading right there (I know that Aikido is about the art - and less about self defense - but why would you teach anyone something like that?)
December 26, 2016
This is an excellent book on the martial art style of aikido. While many question the efficacy of aikido as an effective martial art or style of self defense, this book highlights the benefits of aikido as a system of exercise and as a means of improving general coordination, timing, and body movement. Definitely worth reading if you are considering the study of aikido or if you simply wish to learn about the basic concepts of aikido. This is not a book about fighting.
February 8, 2008
Understanding Aikido from the perspective of physics and maths, with methodist approach. Great for Aikidoka beginner and anyone who want to reach deep undertanding about this unique martial arts.
Reading this book is just like learning physics & maths in the sophomore year in real and practical application.
Reading this book is just like learning physics & maths in the sophomore year in real and practical application.
August 19, 2008
Though I'm not yet practicing aikido, this guide gives me a fabulous introductory feel for the martial art, and seems like it would serve as an excellent reference for the beginner or intermediate aikido student that wants to add a little practice time outside of the dojo. Clear, concise explanations and equally instructive illustrations.
July 29, 2009
I read this book fairly obsessively when I was just starting out in Aikido at Tenshinkan. It did help me memorize a lot of the terminology. Of course the technical descriptions had that aura of "then a miracle occurs" for me then (in origami "a miracle occurs" somewhere between step three and five of the instructions. Most beautiful illustrations.
November 20, 2009
Ini buku terbaik yang pernah saya temukan. Pembahasannya mencakup nilai-nilai filosofis Aikido, lengkap dengan ilustrasi yang sangat membantu. Penting sekali untuk dibaca, baik bagi mereka yang sekedar ingin mengenal bela diri, pengamat, atau yang sedang mempertimbangkan untuk mempelajari Aikido secara serius.
October 29, 2007
This book is Musty through and through, despite its having an updated version available. It is:
a MUST have, a MUST dogear, a MUST read, a MUST re-read, a MUST review, a MUST reference for EVERY Aikidoka.
a MUST have, a MUST dogear, a MUST read, a MUST re-read, a MUST review, a MUST reference for EVERY Aikidoka.
June 9, 2014
I am more into krav maga now than Aikido. I still think Aikido can be valid, but I think the training methodology lacks realism needed to inculcate practitioners against real world threats and stress. Still, this is a great book for any Aikido practitioner.
June 8, 2015
I read a lot of books about Aikido, but this book I think in my humble opinion covers Aikido from all angles. It’s perfect both for the beginner and also for the advanced student.
It’s a must book for everyone that is fortunate enough to add Aikido in his/her life.
Highly recommended.
It’s a must book for everyone that is fortunate enough to add Aikido in his/her life.
Highly recommended.
July 14, 2017
A little outdated. The terminology used nowadays by Hombu Dojo differs quite a bit. But as a view on the way Aikido developed in the last couple of decades quite interesting. And of course, it's a complete classic with the wonderful drawn images.
March 9, 2007
the classic book on a truly amazing martial art.
July 19, 2007
read it while stay in god island...
remind me great times exercise with great suhu... Master Omar!!! thanks for bringing me this fine life art to my world...
remind me great times exercise with great suhu... Master Omar!!! thanks for bringing me this fine life art to my world...
November 24, 2007
Fantastic book. Insightfull.
Read
January 22, 2008Philosophy and technique are both important and both given about equal weight
December 3, 2008
Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere is the best illustrated Aikido book there is.This is a very good book about the Japanese art of peace, Aikido.
February 20, 2009
The single best book on the subject I have ever read.
February 22, 2009
A beautifully illustrated introduction to the Japanese martial art of Aikido. Now a classic.
May 13, 2009
A good overall introduction to aikido and the techniques. A little lax on the ukemi (breakfalls) but still, not a bad read.
July 20, 2009
One of the best books on Martial Art I have read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews