Recommended aikido reading

Aikido The Tomiki Way
Aikido: the Tomiki Way
by Neil Saunders

A very useful useful reference material for any Tomiki Aikidoka. This book contains over 1100 photographs demonstrating the kata system (including all six Koryu-No-Kata) of Tomiki Aikido, as well as explaining etiquette, basic movements, and ukemi that are used in this system.

Tomiki Aikido

Tomiki Aikido: Randori & Koryu no Kata
by Dr Lee Ah Loi

An essential aid for anyone studying Tomiki Aikido from beginners to Dan grades. It covers every aspect from basic breakfalls through Randori no Kata and Shichihon (balance breaking)to Koryu no Kata.

Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere

Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere
By Adele Westbrook
Total Aikido

Total Aikido: The Master Course
by Gozo Shioda

This book explains the fundamental principles in fine detail. It covers the basic postures and movements, placing special emphasis on perfecting the key techniques for achieving maximum effect with minimum effort. It is aimed at beginners and advanced students.

Angry White Pyjamas

Angry White Pyjamas
by Robert Twigger

The story of an English poet who found himself training in Aikido with the Japanese Riot Police. Entertaining and interesting.

The Book of Five Rings

The Book of Five Rings
by Miyamoto Musashi

Written by the master swordsman and undefeated samurai Miyamoto Musashi in 1643, the Book of Five Rings has become a classic on strategy and confrontation. Written not only for martial artists but for leaders in all professions, the book analyses the process of struggle and mastery over conflict that underlies every level of human interaction.

Bushido

Bushido: The Way of the Samurai
by Tsunetomo Yamamoto (Author),  Justin F. Stone (Editor),  Minoru Tanaka (Translator)

In the sixteenth-century Japan, Tsunetomo Yamamoto created the Hagakure which was secretly circulated among the “awakened” samurai-the samurai elite. In 1906, the book was first made available to the general Japanese public and, until 1945, its guiding principles greatly influenced the Japanese ruling class – particularly those individuals in military power. This book is the first English translation of the “Hagakure”

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Aiki Physics

Very interesting article from Brisbane Aikido Republic on the physics of aikido. Worth reading when thinking about kamae.

Aiki Physics

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Go placidly….

…amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Opening verses of Desiderata (Max Ehrmann)

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First training session at our new venue

Genryukan Aikido has started training at the new venue at the Clarendon & Westbury Community Centre.

It has been very successful with an excellent turnout, about 20 people, thanks to the support of Gowaryu, Mushin-no-shin and Katsujinken dojos. Their presence was very appreciated.

The session was mainly geared toward freeplay so we could test-drive those mats properly, and simply to have a bit of fun!

We would like to thanks the Dover Bushido Judo club for letting us use their mats.

Here are some pictures taken during the session:

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