Complete Aikido is the authoritative text on this enlightening martial art and self-defense system. This definitive guide is packed with history and philosophy, and offers precise descriptions with over 400 black-and-white photographs illustrating the correct—and incorrect—way to execute aikido techniques. In the almost thirty years since the death of aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba O'Sensei, his many students have spread his philosophy and vision across the world. Roy Yukio Suenaka Sensei is one of them.
Complete Aikido provides insights into the three leading styles of aikido: the original art developed by Founder Morihei Ueshiba O'Sensei, the Shin-Shin Toitsu aikido of Koichi Tohei Sensei, and the Suenaka-ha Tetsugaku-ho aikido of Roy Suenaka Sensei. Both a fascinating martial biography and a comprehensive instructional manual, Complete Aikido is a must for all practioners seeking the way of harmony.
I really enjoyed this book because I was expecting a manual instruction about Aikido techniques but I was pleasantly surprised when I realised that the first part of the book was about the writer’s life presenting a lot of the history of the Aikido which I honestly did not know.
It explains how the different separate paths of the art of Aikido were created after the O-sensei’s death. The second part was what I expected instructions on how to perform the techniques and I liked the fact that it had both the proper and improper moves.
A well written book not only for someone that want to practice Aikido but for someone that wants to have a historic aspect of the art.
One of my favorite books on Aikido/Martial Arts. I loved the perspectives offered by Roy Suenaka on his time in the martial arts, especially his narratives involving O'Sensei and Hohan Soken Sensei. It isn't simply another book on Aikido but offers a unique insight into that art via someone's personal story. Don't look into this if you're expecting a catalogue of techniques however.
This is the book written by the founder of my stlye of Aikdio, the aikido practiced at Aikido of Jacksonville. A great book with very effective pictures and descriptions.