The Aikido Student Handbook: A Guide to the Philosophy, Spirit, Etiquette and Training Methods of Aikido: Amazon.ca: Greg O'Connor: Books

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"The purpose of studying aikido is not only to gain physical ability. We practice for the deeper reason to become better human beings. For that reason I highly recommend this Aikido Student Handbook by Mr. Greg O'Connor. I believe this book will be beneficial not only for those who are just starting Aikido, but for those already involved and particularly for those who hold teaching positions."
- Yoshimitsu Yamada

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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.

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Customer Reviews

10 Reviews

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Average Customer Review

4.3 out of 5 stars (10 customer reviews)

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5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book, Dec 22 2011

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GreenDragon7 - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Aikido Student Handbook: A Guide to the Philosophy, Spirit, Etiquette and Training Methods of Aikido (Paperback)

This is an excellent book. It is well laid out, easy to understand and offers valuable insight about the practice of and tradition behind aikido.

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5.0 out of 5 stars A must have if you're just starting or thinking of beginning, May 2 2002

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JP Kane (Naperville, Illinois United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Aikido Student Handbook: A Guide to the Philosophy, Spirit, Etiquette and Training Methods of Aikido (Paperback)

This is a great introduction BEFORE you enter the dojo to train. It is just what it says, a handbook. This book is a great guide for the beginning Aikido practitioner or for someone who is still investigating. It gives practical advice about how to find the right place to begin practice and what to expect once you begin practice. For more on Aikido see Greg O'Connor's second book.

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5.0 out of 5 stars A very useful book for new ( or prospective) aikidoka, Aug 21 2000

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W.D. Peckenpaugh (Silverton, OR USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Aikido Student Handbook: A Guide to the Philosophy, Spirit, Etiquette and Training Methods of Aikido (Paperback)

Having recently begun studying aikido, I had (of course) many questions: how to select a dojo; dojo etiquette; aikido's history; the different schools/branches, their similarities and differences, and how they came to be; how to wear a gi and tie an obi. O'Connor's book is a wonderful reference, answered most of my questions, and introduced me to many things I wouldn't even have thought to ask. This is not a picture book of aikido techniques, so if that's what you want, look for another book.

O'Connor walks the reader through the history and philosophy of aikido, which is very useful. 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. Advanced students may find some of it very basic, but it was very valuable to me as a raw beginner. (My only gripe: no mention of the painful toe knuckles one gets when first learning to sit seiza for long periods of time! My sensei has impressive calluses on the tops of all his toes...)

Nobody wants to behave inappropriately or disrespectfully, and nobody wants to waste time doing something he will ultimately not like. O'Connor's book is very helpful in preparing new students for what to expect, and I recommend it without reservation.

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Most recent customer reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars Includes nothing on training
This is not a very comprehensive book. Some of the material is duplicated throughout. There is nothing on the actual techniques or methods in the book. Read more

Published on Mar 6 2000

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for the new aikidoist!
I was hesitant to purchase this book but am SO glad I did. I've been a martial artist for some time now and just recently began aikido. Read more

Published on May 10 1999

4.0 out of 5 stars Good practical book
I found this book quite helpful after I got my blackbelt and was floundering around wondering what to do next.

Published on July 8 1998

4.0 out of 5 stars Excelent introduction to Aikido (if you don't know anything)
This book proved to be a great intro to Aikido and martial arts in general (especially Japanese ones). Read more

Published on May 13 1998 by Patrick Kelly

4.0 out of 5 stars Helps keep your head on when starting Aikido
When I started Aikido I bought The Aikido Student Handbook. It's been a great help on some of the questions I didn't know I had. Read more

Published on April 16 1998 by Bo Brandt

5.0 out of 5 stars A great reference for anyone interested in Aikido

I rate this book a 10 simply because it does an excellent job accomplishing what it sets out to do - acclimate a new or prospective student to the art of Aikido. Read more

Published on Feb 23 1998

4.0 out of 5 stars The Aikido Student Handbook
This is a straight forward, informative source of information
for those interested or newly started in the study of
Aikido. Read more

Published on Dec 31 1996