Weapon Books

Does anyone have a reccomendation for a book focusing on the weapon aspects of Aikido? Most books seem to focus on the unarmed aspects. Thanks.

A quick search on Amazon turned up two books by Dave Lowry, Bokken Art of the Japanese Sword and Jo : Art of the Japanese Short Staff

No idea what they're like, never read either of 'em.

However, I found some positive reviews here Koryu Books and Resources and of course there are the ones on Amazon.

Don't bother buying either the jo or bokken book. They are both pretty poor for aikido. Pretty much the same techniques that you'd find in aikido, however the photos suggest the people who wrote it have a very linear technique - also they are not very comprehensive.

Much better are Saito's traditional aikido books (I have vol.2), but as you can guess from another thread, its difficult to get hold of them.

Ian

I think also that the answer to the question depends on who your teacher happens to be.

Saito sensei's weapons system approach is different from Nishio sensei's which is different from Saotome sensei's which is different from Tohei sensei's which is different from Chiba sensei's which is different from Kanai sensei's which is different from Toyoda sensei's which is different from...

Have you asked your aikido instructor about recommendations?

-- Jun

Hi Jun,

I've only really been exposed to Saito's weapon work. Although I remember much of what has been taught to me, as an instructor it's useful having reference books. Since I've pretty much given up on getting any of Saito's traditional aikido books, would you recommend anything from these other instructors?

Cheers,

Ian

(apologies if I don't thank you for a reply - I visit this site sporadically, an e-mail may be more useful if you have the time!)

Ian,

It's not a book, but just as good if not better if you're interested in Iwama ryu weapons work . . .

My teacher has a CD which includes all of the basics of the Saito weapons system; another one has variations. You can buy them at the Yellow Springs Aikido website:

www.ysaohio.com

Click on "Instructional CD ROMs". The weapons CD is "Bukiwaza" (obviously), the variations are on the "Oyowaza" cd (also obvious I guess). If you get serious about buying two of them, I also recommend the Taijutsu CD since you can get all three for a good price.

Can't buy them on the web, but Brian Porter will take your check/money order by mail and send them to you post haste. (My wife bought all 4 CDs for me last father's day just before we moved here and I started training with McVey sensei, they're a great study aid).

Hope that helps.
best
Paul

I'll jump on the Saito bandwagon as well.

Takemusu Aikido
Volume 5
Bukidori & Ninindori
Available from Aikido Journal

It's the only book I've seen that focused on weapon takeaways.

In the video realm there are several which are listed here:

http://www.aikiweb.com/videos/

You asked for books, the Saito books are excellent. There are also good videos available. I believe they are also Iwama people--I'd recommend the Cranes' stuff. Very clear and detailed with good production values. I just tried the site from which I order their book (excellent, but general, not focused on weapons) and videos, and I can't get on; the server may be down.

http://www.coolrain.com/

I'll second the promotion of the Crane's Videos. I was very impressed with them. they teach the basics

You could also try:

Structure of Aikido Kenjutsu & Taijutsu (Structure of Aikido, Vol 1) by Gaku Homma.