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The Aikido Student Handbook: A Guide to the Philosophy, Spirit, Etiquette and Training Methods of Aikido
In the past twenty years, the Aikido population has increased tremendously in the United States, primarily because of the vast number of comprehensive American instructors. Greg O'Connor walks the reader through the history and philosophy of aikido. He then, in short chapters peppered with photos and illustrations, answers common questions about etiquette, training methods, and, in general, "what to expect" when practicing aikido.
112 pages, Paperback
First published December 9, 1993
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
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April 24, 2008great for beginners: If you are a beginner (in the first few months) this is a great book. Not just an eye-level, unconvoluted, unpretentious introduction to the philosophy and aims of aikido, but also deals with some of those universal questions of most beginners- like how to approach practicing with veterans. Nice, pleasant read, which will only increase your enthusiasm.
April 8, 2018
Nice intro book to Aikido training
March 22, 2018
Generally a good introductory book. But as with most Aikido books, a bit too esoteric at times for my taste.
December 8, 2012
Greg O'Connor has written a tremendous book about "The Way of Universal Harmony" the martial art known as Aikido. Though neither orange, nor particularly thick this book could surely be the "Idiot's Guide to Aikido" with some important tweaks. It is a detailed, beautifully eloquent work with an obvious sense of humor.
The Aikido Student Handbook is described well by its own preface (p.9). "...My purpose in creating this Aikido Student Handbook is to answer questions -- sometimes voiced, sometimes not-- by the first day- or the ten thousandth day student..." a few lines later "...This book will guide you through the Aikido dojo, Aikido etiquette, and give you advice on Aikido training. It will tell you what to expect, what is expected of you as a student in Aikido, and much more..."
A mere 108 pages in length, O'Connor has 19 headings listed in his table of contents. Headings listed include; Preface, Forward, Introduction, About the Founder, About Aikido, What You Will Get from Aikido, The True Power of Aikido, What is a Dojo, Looking for a Dojo, Common Questions, Joining a Dojo, Etiquette, Training in Aikido, Weapons Training -Bokken and Jo, Promotion and Advancement, Conclusion, U.S.A.F. Test Requirements, Aikido Terms as well as a thorough two page Suggested Readings section. Included throughout are beautiful cartoons, numerous drawings, as well as photographs. Unfortunately the photographs choosen added nothing significant to the subject or its presentation.
The art of Aikido has many "flavors" and branches. The Yoshinkan and Tomiki schools of Aikido, among other versions are not mentioned or seem overtly dismissed by the author. While acknowledging the power of the techniques, unfortunately, at times O'Connor is similar in basic tenor to the martial arts authors, John Stevens or Terrence Webster Doyle. (i.e. excessively pacifistic).
Children comprise the majority of students in most American martial arts schools. O'Conner does not mention them at all. Perhaps in future editions the subject of child students will be addressed and included? This book seems intended for adults solely.
The portion "Visiting Other Dojos" (pp.44) is badly written/edited. Instead of describing how Aikido students should conduct themselves when being "observers"/guest students when visiting a different school; have fun, paying dues on time, clean the dojo, etc. are O’Conner's generic attempted answers for the question. A far better job should have been done editing this section and exploring the question more depthfully. The subject was avoided and answered with common sense generic fluff.
But for all its small faults, Mr. O'Connor has written a wonderful resource. An updated edition with far greater inclusion of the different perspectives and philosophies of different Aikido schools (eg Yoseikan, Tomeki, Yoshinkan, Iwaka, etc., etc.) of Aikido would be better still.
For similar books "Aikido Basics" by Lynn Seiser & Phong Thong Dang Aikido Basics might be a decent start. Gaku Homma's "Aikido for Life" Aikido for Life would be a better recommendation for readers interested about Aikido generally.
O'Conner's work is excellent template in most regards. It omits deifying its founder(s), or presenting its physical techniques. if you seek to understand the things you might encounter enrolling/understanding what occurs in an Aikido class, this is your book!
The Aikido Student Handbook is described well by its own preface (p.9). "...My purpose in creating this Aikido Student Handbook is to answer questions -- sometimes voiced, sometimes not-- by the first day- or the ten thousandth day student..." a few lines later "...This book will guide you through the Aikido dojo, Aikido etiquette, and give you advice on Aikido training. It will tell you what to expect, what is expected of you as a student in Aikido, and much more..."
A mere 108 pages in length, O'Connor has 19 headings listed in his table of contents. Headings listed include; Preface, Forward, Introduction, About the Founder, About Aikido, What You Will Get from Aikido, The True Power of Aikido, What is a Dojo, Looking for a Dojo, Common Questions, Joining a Dojo, Etiquette, Training in Aikido, Weapons Training -Bokken and Jo, Promotion and Advancement, Conclusion, U.S.A.F. Test Requirements, Aikido Terms as well as a thorough two page Suggested Readings section. Included throughout are beautiful cartoons, numerous drawings, as well as photographs. Unfortunately the photographs choosen added nothing significant to the subject or its presentation.
The art of Aikido has many "flavors" and branches. The Yoshinkan and Tomiki schools of Aikido, among other versions are not mentioned or seem overtly dismissed by the author. While acknowledging the power of the techniques, unfortunately, at times O'Connor is similar in basic tenor to the martial arts authors, John Stevens or Terrence Webster Doyle. (i.e. excessively pacifistic).
Children comprise the majority of students in most American martial arts schools. O'Conner does not mention them at all. Perhaps in future editions the subject of child students will be addressed and included? This book seems intended for adults solely.
The portion "Visiting Other Dojos" (pp.44) is badly written/edited. Instead of describing how Aikido students should conduct themselves when being "observers"/guest students when visiting a different school; have fun, paying dues on time, clean the dojo, etc. are O’Conner's generic attempted answers for the question. A far better job should have been done editing this section and exploring the question more depthfully. The subject was avoided and answered with common sense generic fluff.
But for all its small faults, Mr. O'Connor has written a wonderful resource. An updated edition with far greater inclusion of the different perspectives and philosophies of different Aikido schools (eg Yoseikan, Tomeki, Yoshinkan, Iwaka, etc., etc.) of Aikido would be better still.
For similar books "Aikido Basics" by Lynn Seiser & Phong Thong Dang Aikido Basics might be a decent start. Gaku Homma's "Aikido for Life" Aikido for Life would be a better recommendation for readers interested about Aikido generally.
O'Conner's work is excellent template in most regards. It omits deifying its founder(s), or presenting its physical techniques. if you seek to understand the things you might encounter enrolling/understanding what occurs in an Aikido class, this is your book!
September 1, 2013
Don't look for techniques in this book - O'Connor's book is all about how not to make a fool of yourself in the dojo: how to find a dojo/teacher, how to bow and behave, how to make your most out of your training and how to care for your aikido uniform.
One would think this would be all self-explanatory, but unlike training in a gym where you get verbal pointers, martial arts dojo rarely give explanations on why you're doing what you're doing. In Japan, you follow the leader and you'll learn the finer points during your training. Western education is different and many Westerners flounder in the dojo, misunderstanding customs or trying to find a Western reference point. This book is like a translator sitting on your shoulder telling you why you need to do all the stuff that seems so mysterious to the first time beginner.
Recommended to beginning students of Aikido.
One would think this would be all self-explanatory, but unlike training in a gym where you get verbal pointers, martial arts dojo rarely give explanations on why you're doing what you're doing. In Japan, you follow the leader and you'll learn the finer points during your training. Western education is different and many Westerners flounder in the dojo, misunderstanding customs or trying to find a Western reference point. This book is like a translator sitting on your shoulder telling you why you need to do all the stuff that seems so mysterious to the first time beginner.
Recommended to beginning students of Aikido.
June 27, 2017
As one who is just now starting upon the way, having read only Ueshiba's The Art of Peace before coming to O'Connor's work, I found the Aikido Student Handbook to be an excellent introduction to the spirit and practice of Aikdio. I especially appreciate the straightforward tone and practical content of this book, as it is highly informative without being overwhelming to a beginner. My interest in Aikido has certainly been piqued; in fact, it may be time to start looking for a dojo.
May 16, 2010
This book is pretty good on the very basics of aikido, as far as I can tell, although in many cases I think that if you're at the point of learning this stuff you're better off learning the specific practices at your own dojo. There is an extremely hilarious cartoon about how different people wear their gi/hakama that is worth the price of the book, however.
July 15, 2007
This is THE essential book to get for people who wonder what this "AIKIDO" is all about. No techniques though... there are many other books for that. The usual proviso... learn aikido at a dojo-you won't get it from a book.
June 7, 2008
Without a doubt, the best "Dojo" handbook ever written.
It's clear and simple guidelines are so well written and illustrated that it's value extends beyond the Aikido Dojo to make it an exellent introduction to any student of the Japanese martial arts.
It's clear and simple guidelines are so well written and illustrated that it's value extends beyond the Aikido Dojo to make it an exellent introduction to any student of the Japanese martial arts.
June 8, 2015
A very practical guide for someone that starts to apply the sacred art of Aikido. I found it very useful and accommodating. It helped me get in touch more with his defensive and humane art and I higly recommend it to all of you who are interested in starting practising Aikido.
August 9, 2011
An ok book. It didn't leave much of an impression on me, but was interesting and would be more useful to an Aikido student.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews