The last 60 years I have been seriously involved in numerous martial arts (Boxing, Wrestling, Judo, Jujitsu, Karate-Do, Law Enforcement Defensive tactics) including Aikido, but I seldom mention this interesting martial art because I never achieved any rank in this system. The fact is, many of the techniques I have taught in law enforcement came from Aikido and Jujitsu arts.

I picked up this 189 page paperback volume (Aikido Basics by Phong Thong Dang and Lynn Seiser) at a bargain price on Amazon and found this to be a good basic text on the art of Aikido. This book, published by Tuttle Martial arts series, is organized into six parts and the twenty two chapters cover a lot of material. Some of the topics covered includes: The history of Aikido, the philosophy of Aikido, the different branches of Aikido, choosing the right school, clothing and equipment, basic principles, stances, strikes, grabs, throwing techniques, locking and pinning, Ki development, randori, testing for belt promotion and many other basic facts.

There are numerous black and white photographs showing some of the techniques but this Tuttle martial art book has the same flaw as the others I have read and reviewed. A lot more photographs are needed for all the techniques they mention. In any case, as I have mentioned in other physical action books, learning any martial from just reading a book is often not productive unless it is combined with a hands-on class with an instructor. This book can serve as a reference source to review the material learned in an Aikido class.