the book "Aikido: Techniques & Tactics" ?

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[Hagen Seibert]

Aikido: Techniques & Tactics
The Ultimate System of Street Defense
by Bennett, Gary

my first thought when I read the title was: "ha-ha-ha"
my second thought was: "maybe there´s something in it"

did anyone read this book ?
does it hold the promises of the subtitle ?
please let me know your views

Hagen

[wildaikido]

It appears in my look at the book that he learnt Yoseikan Aikido (well he uses the same names as us at least).
Any way Mr Mochizuki developed Yoseikan to be more practical because while he was in france in 1951 (I think) he had to prove Aikido was useful and sometimes he had to use his jujutsu, judo and karate (he was up against western boxing, savate and wrestling). He also told O'sensei this (don't know what he said in return but would love to know). Any way Yoseikan took these facts into account and has just about every think in it (yes including groundwork). So I think Yoseikan would be one of the better Aikido styles for self defense.

[jimbaker]

You might read the reviews on Amazon or right here on Aikiweb's book section before you plop down any cash on this. It is one of the worst rated books on Amazon!

Last I heard, GrandMaster 10th dan Bennett attributes all the bad reviews on some international conspiracy against him by traditional martial artists.. No, it is just bad.

Jim Baker
Oh, by the way, no one at the Yoseikan has any records that he ever studied with them.

[REK]

Hagen is right. This is without a doubt the single worst work on aikido it has ever been my sorry pleasure to scan. It was bad enough seeing a paunchy caucasian in his late 30's claiming status as 10th dan, but laughable in the end sections in which he discusses "fitness". Give me a break. Total waste of time, space and energy.

Rob

[Erik]

Originally posted by jimbaker
You might read the reviews on Amazon or right here on Aikiweb's book section before you plop down any cash on this. It is one of the worst rated books on Amazon!


Your review here on Aikiweb says it all quite well. It's just plain awful.

http://www.aikiweb.com/supplies/books/detail.html?book_id=2

It was a book to kill time for those who like it better dead.
Dame Rose Macaulay

[Jim23]

Here's a book that I really enjoyed (am enjoying, actually): Total Aikido by Gozo Shioda.

I have too many yellow stickies on the pages though -- they've got to go before it goes back to the library (I think I'll stop renewing it and actually purchase it)

http://www.aikiweb.com/supplies/books/detail.html?book_id=49

Excellent book!

Jim23

[wildaikido]

I feel that I need to say I no way endorse the book I just flicked through it and stated why it my be 'The Ultimate System of Street Defense' on my observations.

[aikilouis]

Concerning Mochizuki Sensei's activities in France in the 50's, I have an article about the subject(Harate Bushido, hors serie nbr 5, july 1999).
After demonstrating Aikido in judo seminars against a number of armed or bare handed opponents, he published a book named "Ma methode d'Aiki-jiu-jitsu" for french judo teachers, including changes of Aikido techniques to suit self-defense purposes. The Aikikai reacted strongly to the publication. Further, the article says that Stanley Pranin's book "Aikido Masters" (that I didn't read) is more complete about Ueshiba Sensei's reaction.

Louis R Joseph

[mj]

Originally posted by Hagen Seibert
Aikido: Techniques & Tactics
The Ultimate System of Street Defense
by Bennett, Gary

my first thought when I read the title was: "ha-ha-ha"
my second thought was: "maybe there´s something in it"

did anyone read this book ?
does it hold the promises of the subtitle ?
please let me know your views

Hagen

I also read this book, it's hysterical. And not just from an aiki point of view... it really is gruesome...kind of like the Addams Family version of MA. I'd advise everyone to read it. I had tears rolling out of my eyes, must get it out from the library again.

[Jim23]

Originally posted by mj


I also read this book, it's hysterical. And not just from an aiki point of view... it really is gruesome...kind of like the Addams Family version of MA. I'd advise everyone to read it. I had tears rolling out of my eyes, must get it out from the library again.
Just don't buy it and put coin in the guy's pocket.

Jim23

[Chocolateuke]

yeah Jim total Aikido by Gozo Shioda is a great boook indeed. I am Training in Yoshinkan under Jacques Payet sensi yes the french guy on ATM about 5 4 mounths ago. anyhow, that book helped me a lot. hagen as for your book I have not read it. I recomend total Aikido only because I acually use it so it is a bias recommendation. as for other good reading read the spirital foundations of Aikido, and invinsble warrior both greaat books on the philosipy and founder. well gotta run.