Jon Pearson

Aikido-the way of Harmoniy-is an ingenious and non-aggressive system of self-defence in which an unprovoked attack is neutalised by pinning or throwing techniques, causing the minimum of harm to the assailant.

In this introduction, second Dan Jon Pearson provides fresh insight into the essential priniciples of this graceful Japanese martial art. He explains the profound influence of the founder Morihei Ueshiba, how Aikido redefines power and force, and how practical techniques are designed to promote harmony, spiritual fulfilment and the peaceful resolution of conflict.

An indispensable guide to all students, this book covers:

History and philosophy
Practical aspects of traiing
Weaons practice
Aikido organisations

Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments
Foreword by Shihan T.K.Chiba
1 Introduction--Martial arts-myth and reality; Aikido as budo; Martial arts and the new student; Aikido: the potential
2 History and philosophy--The history of budo; The history of the Founder; Philosophy of the Founder
3 The principles of Aikido--Uke and nage; Three responses to an attack; Mind-body dualism; Nage: the principles; Uke: the principles; Seiza
4 Practice--The dojo; Sensei; Dress and appearance; Etiquette; On the mat; The core techniques
5 Advanced practice--Suwari-waza; tantodori; multiple attacks; from exercise to technique
6 Weapons practice--The bokken; Bokkken practice; The jo; jo practice; Iaido
7 Organizaiton and hierarchy--Organization; Rank and grading
Appendix: Jujutsu
Glossary
Reference section
Index… (mais)

(from cover)

What is Aikido?
Is it a sport or an art?
How will it improve my physical and emotional well-being?

Aikido is a graceful and non-aggressive Japanese martial art, meaning the way of harmony. The aim of combat is to neurtralise an unprovoked attack using pinning or throwing techniques, causing the minimum of harm to your opponent.

In this introductiry guide, Jon Pearson provides fresh insight into the essential priniciples of this unusual form of self-defence, and explainis how Aikido redefines power and force. The practical techniques are designed to promote harmony, spiritual fulfilment and the peaceful resolution of conflict.

An indispensable guide for all students, this book cover the profound influence of the founder Morihei Ueshiba, the history and philosophy of Aikido, how to use and practise with weapons, and where to find an Aikido organization near you.

Jon Pearson is a trained physiotherapist currently working in America. He has been practising Aikido for 18 years, and is a black belt second Dan. He began teaching in Spain in 1985 before setting kup a dojo in Bristo in 1987.

Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments
Foreword by Shihan T.K.Chiba
1 Introduction--Martial arts-myth and reality; Aikido as budo; Martial arts and the new student; Aikildo: the potential
2 History and philosophy--Thke history of budo; The historiy of the Founder; Philosophy of the Founder
3 The principles of Aikido--Uke and nage; Three responses to an attack; Mind-body dualism; Nage: the principles; Uke: the principles; Seiza
4 Practice--The dojo; Sensei; Dress and appearance; Etiquette; On the mat; The core techniques
5 Advanced practice--Suwari-waza; tantodori; multiple attacks; from exercise to technique
6 Weapons practice--The bokken; Bokken practice; The jo; jo practice; Iaido
7 Organizaiton and hierarchy--Organization; Rank and grading
Appendix: Jujutsu
Glossary
Raference section
Index… (mais)