Aikido Lit

Well, today is the big day--first time back doing aikido after 3 years. I've looked at everything from Jeet Kune Do (Vunak's R.apid A.ssault T.actics system) to BJJ--and somehow have come full circle back to aikido.

I want to jump into the deep end and give it all I've got. However, I'm pretty ignorant about the different styles and the differences between "soft" and "hard" aikido.

What are some good books to get started? I only have the "Aikido and the Dynamic Circle" or whatever it's called--the book with the drawings everyone uses as avatars.

Thanks!

(this is my first post... hope I don't get banned within a week like I usually do in forums

Brad, that's "Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere".... It is an iconic book, and one you can refer to for many years, but IMHO it is a bit difficult for a beginning or "freshly returning" student, and the naming terminology is unconventional. Try "Aikido Basics" and "Advanced Aikido" by Dang and Seiser, "Aikido in Training" by Crane and Crane, "Aikido: Basic and Intermediate Studies", by Litchen, "The Art of Aikido" by K. Ueshiba, "Progressive Aikido: The Essential Elements" by M. Ueshiba, "Total Aikido: The Master Course" by Shioda, "The Principles of Aikido", by Saotome, "Aikido" by Brady, "Discovering Aikido" by Atkinson, or "Aikido, The Way of Harmony" by Stevens. These books are all in print and readily available. You also can't go wrong with anything by Tohei or Saito, but most of these books are out of print, hard to find, and usually expensive.

There are dozens more good books, but the above will give you a good basic knowledge base, from standpoints of numerous styles.

Now, the BAD NEWS... First, there really aren't any books which objectively compare the various major styles of Aikido, as most authors will be speaking from their own backgrounds, and will obviously favor same, and usually either ignore, gloss over, or downright denigrate other schools of thought. But that's OK, because you can learn about Aikido from a book, but you cannot learn Aikido that way. You must get on the mat and do it the right way. It sounds as though you have already selected a dojo, but you can still look around to get a better feel of what else is out there. There are often seminars where you can experience instructors of diverse styles. And a big factor in your future decisions is going to be what is available to you in your own location. Look around long enough, and you'll know what feels right to you. And most importantly, enjoy the ride...

Oh, and one other thing... If you really want to find out more about Aikido books, slide on over to the AJ website and look at the bibliography put together by Stan Pranin and some other guy whose name I can't remember... Here's the link: http://www.aikidojournal.com/bibliography.php

Clark Bateman wrote: Try "Aikido Basics" and "Advanced Aikido" by Dang and Seiser, "Aikido in Training" by Crane and Crane, "Aikido: Basic and Intermediate Studies", by Litchen, "The Art of Aikido" by K. Ueshiba, "Progressive Aikido: The Essential Elements" by M. Ueshiba, "Total Aikido: The Master Course" by Shioda, "The Principles of Aikido", by Saotome, "Aikido" by Brady, "Discovering Aikido" by Atkinson, or "Aikido, The Way of Harmony" by Stevens. These books are all in print and readily available. You also can't go wrong with anything by Tohei or Saito, but most of these books are out of print, hard to find, and usually expensive. http://www.aikidojournal.com/bibliography.php[/url]

Wow! Thank you so much, that is a great start--and good advice about objectivity between schools.

Clark-san,

I am always amazed by your generosity of information and speed of response. Good suggestions.

Compliments and appreciation.

Read on.

Not at all, Lynn-san. All I have to do is read 'em. It is people like you and the other authors who have to write 'em. It's an arduous and thankless task, with little more than personal satisfaction as a reward. The thanks should go to you for persevering, and putting yourselves out there for our benefit.

Clark Bateman wrote: putting yourselves out there for our benefit.

Clark-san,

Benefited? You think you benefited?

My friend, you need to get out more. We'll have to take care of that this weekend at the seminar.

Here's some GENERAL info. on styles. You should probably start by narrowing down to what styles are readily available in your geography. Remember that within styles instruction can vary greatly.
http://www.shugenkai.com/styles.htm
http://www.aikidojournal.com/article.php?articleID=29

Welcome back.