If you could buy just ONE book about Aikido techniques, what would it be?

The best one I have ever read is: "Integral Aikido" by Sensei Jim Giorgi.

Positive Aikido by Dave Rogers, Henry Ellis and Derek Eastman.

My preferred style of aikido!

Michael Hacker wrote: Anything by Bruce Tegner.

Dear Michael.
Books by Bruce Tegner are classics.So well illustrated eg.How to stop a mad guy from splitting you in two with a immense axe or crushing a dogs rib cage[was the dog mad? answer the dog was not very pleased]Old joke.I have an original red book by this early pioneer of japanese mayhem.I wolud not part with it for love nor money [well maybe 10 dollars or a peck o the cheek might persuade me otherwise].
My own favourie book on Aikido is the book by Tamura Sensei written in french.Superb.Aido in daily life , by Tohei Sensei is imo excellent. Cheers, joe.

I'm quite attached to "Budo Training in Aikido". http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...wardfastwebsit

It is cryptic, some of the descriptions are wrong, and the drawings are not always clear or accurate. For some reason, I just love this book anyway. Working through the techniques has led to more "aha" moments than any other book I've looked at.

Another vote for Living Aikido.

It has the most wonderful, esoteric and parable-like language (a weird dichotomy) combined with pictures of simplicity. It's remarkably short in reading length but remarkably long in terms of food for thought and moments of 'ah!'.

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned the venerable "Aikido" by Kisshomaru Ueshiba. I haven't had a copy for some time, since I lent my copy to a student who then disappeared. The quality of the photographs in the paperback deteriorated from the original hardback edition, but it is all the same a very clear exposition of Nidai Doshu's conception of "standard" aikido. I also like the fact that the very young Chiba and Tamura senseis are taking ukemi!

Another classic is "Dynamic Aikido" by Gozo Shioda. Good photos and descriptions of Shioda's aikido, as well as some entertaining "practical self-defence" at the end - I particularly like the bit where the young lady in the tight skirt throws the big ruffian down the stairs...

Alex

Ok,here's my own contribution to this very interesting thread.If one is looking for a book of techniques,Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere is really helpful.But for someone so new in the world of Aikido,i'm not so sure that a "techniques manual" is the appropriate choice,since in such a begginer's level,technical manuals without a teacher's guidance will look like a confusing blur.
So in my opinion,you can use your "forced" dojo vacations to fathom in the aikido perspective of everyday matters by reading Aikido The Book In Between,by Mario Gunter Frastas sensei.
I believe that through his book,the author is giving his martial point of view in every aspect of life in a way that can be rarely discussed inside a dojo and reading it can be a unique experience,at least in my opinion.
So here is a link if you'd like to take a look at it: http://www.marioaikibook.com/THE%20BOOKS%20WEBSITE.htm
I hope that my post was helpful...

Aikido and the dynamic sphere. There is a lot to work through, starting with the basic philosophy of the art, including the unified theories of attack and defence, moving through to the specific techniques. The first time i read this book i skimmed over the majority of the technical applications, but now that i am reading it again with some months of training under my belt, I am taking more care over the details of the individual moves in order that i may gain more close knowledge and understanding of the techniques as we use them in class. This is a comparatively cheap and worthwhile purchase for aikidokas of any level in my humble opinion.

I'm surprised the no one has recommended not to buy any books. Between videos, articles, interviews, pictures, discussions, there is more information available online to anyone than ever before.

The content available via the internet is the living book on aikido. You have the only book you need: a monitor to read from, and a keyboard input device. If you got here, you have "the" book.

If you've got a little money burning a hole in your pocket, go and buy a year's subscription to http://members.aikidojournal.com/ajm...ions-page.html

Well, if you want to save your money there is an interesting one here for free. I quite enjoyed it.
http://www.discovering-aikido.com

Matt Bostock wrote: Positive Aikido by Dave Rogers, Henry Ellis and Derek Eastman. My preferred style of aikido!

An excellent book. I have a signed copy. I began my Aikido journey with Sensei Ellis, and i train every week with Sensei Derek Eastman.