http://www.northfloridaaikido.org/LibraryEN-UShttp://www.northfloridaaikido.org/LibraryThis book appeared in 1933 and is the first published account of O-Sensei's art. Although not actually written down by him, it is a transcription of lectures and explanations which was later reviewed by the founder and approved as a teacher's manual. The political and historical context of the times should be kept in mind. No attempt has been made to edit the text. The original copy has O-Sensei's title which was simply "Budo Renshu", i.e. "Budo Training". Later the second Doshu annotated this with the word "Aikido". The Dojo decided on using the original name here despite the fact that most Japanese copies are entitled Aikijujutsu Ogi", or "The Secrets of Aikijujutsu". The latter is actually an interpretive heading used by the copyists.2008-07-30T16:32:40http://www.northfloridaaikido.org/LibraryWith the worldwide popularity of aikido rivaling that of judo and karate-do, the Aikikai Foundation and the Ueshiba family have decided that it is time for this historic treatise of the martial arts to be translated into English, and made available to general readers and students of aikido all over the world. Reproduced faithfully from the original, this seminal work contains one of the founder's few personal statements of his basic principles, expressed both in prose and mystical poetry. The text is accompanied by photographs of Morihei illustrating the aikido techniques he describes. This martial arts classic is preceded by an introductory biographical essay on Morihei by his son Kisshomaru Ueshiba, the present chairman of the Aikikai Foundation. This enlightening work recounts the founder's early life, his inspirational 'encounter with the religious mystic Onisaburo Deguchi, and the spiritual revelations that led him to develop the art of aikido.2008-07-30T16:31:30http://www.northfloridaaikido.org/LibraryIn this volume, we take up the theme, "how to use weapons in Aikido and Chinese martial arts". Through weapons training, you will be able to understand about the following martial arts elements: (1) The difference between body techniques and weapons training, (2) The difference between the Japanese curved sword, and the Chinese straight sword, (3) How to take a proper distance, (4) How to watch your partner's eyes, (5) How to grab your partner's mind, (6) How to move with good timing, (7) Proper traditional foot work, (8) Circular movements with the weapon, (9) A block should include an attack, an attack should include a block, (10) Long weapon's, and short weapon's weak points, (11) The weak points of armor, (12) How ancient people produced good steel about two thousand years ago with little technology.2008-07-09T16:30:11http://www.northfloridaaikido.org/Library"The 'spirit' of aikido lies in bringing to light man's natural strength and his hidden natural abilities." A detailed explanation of what aikido really means and of how to apply the principles to our daily lives.2008-07-09T16:29:19http://www.northfloridaaikido.org/LibraryThis book was supervised by no other than Koichi Tohei, and it shows. Its focus is on not only the body and techniques, but on development of the mind as well. This book has two parts: Unification of Mind and Body, and Shin-Shin Toitsu Aikido Techniques. Waza are well illustrated and explained.2008-07-09T16:28:18http://www.northfloridaaikido.org/LibraryA completely fascinating look at one of the most intriguing periods of history, the Ancient Japanese period equivilent to Medieval Europe. This book details the arms and armor of the Samurai class that dominated the battles, protecting their aristocratic interests, the Samurai were the champions of their era, always following the code of Bushido. This book is superb in it's presentation of rare photographs of authentic weapons and clothing worn by the Samurai, imcluding the beginnings with archery and weapons of hand to hand combat.2008-07-09T16:27:27http://www.northfloridaaikido.org/LibraryEmploying a question-and-answer format, Center: The Power of Aikido outlines the five elements of power that the aikido enthusiast must use to succeed, and it explains strategic applications of movement that give the practitioner the advantage. Moving beyond techniques and forms, this engaging hands-on book explores the underlying dynamics of moving energy through the body and manipulating the energy of the aggressor.2008-07-07T17:49:45http://www.northfloridaaikido.org/Library2008-07-07T17:49:01http://www.northfloridaaikido.org/Library2008-07-07T17:48:26http://www.northfloridaaikido.org/LibraryThis is a real account from a real person. Bob Smith's book does exactly what it sets out to do, to showcase the personalities of the martial arts masters he encountered during his stay in Taiwan. He lived the dream. He went, he sought, he learned from the masters who made the art great.2008-07-07T17:47:22http://www.northfloridaaikido.org/LibraryFighting arts are as old as man himself and as varied as his languages. In Asia they developed to a degree of effectiveness probably unsurpassed elsewhere in the world. This book explains the relationships between fighting arts, assesses their strengths and weaknesses, and presents new material about hitherto unknown fighting methods. Written by two of the best-known and most widely published authorities in the field, it covers fighting methods and techniques found in eleven Asian countries-fighting techniques that range from the artful Chinese tai-chi and Burmese bando to Japanese jujutsu and the lethal pentjak-silat of Indonesia.2008-07-07T17:46:25http://www.northfloridaaikido.org/LibraryAncient theory, modern practice: Dynamic Aikido brings together the whole spectrum of theoretical and applied aikido. Through it, one can become perfectly attuned to one's opponent, can sense his intentions and turn his movements to one's own advantage. Comprehensive and fully illustrated, Dynamic Aikido presents the basic postures and stances, fundamental techniques and applications: how to cope with a frontal attack, how to avoid an attack from the rear, how to sense and thwart the pickpocket. An essential companion for every beginner, a vital reference for students of all levels.2008-07-07T17:45:38http://www.northfloridaaikido.org/LibraryEnlightenment through Aikido focuses on Aikido's spiritual teachings, drawing on Sunadomari's experiences as a direct student of Morihei Ueshiba. Quotes from the founder and the author's interpretations show how Aikido can develop inner strength and tranquility. This book is an excellent companion for those practitioners who aspire to go beyond the physical in their journey along the path of Aikido.2008-07-07T17:44:42http://www.northfloridaaikido.org/LibraryFor the first time in English, The Essence of Aikido presents the profound philosophy of Aikido in Morihei's own words, disclosing many of the arcane secrets of Aikido's aims and methods. Considered by many to be the greatest martial artist and spiritual teacher of the twentieth century, Morihei provides a wealth of clues to the often puzzling nature of the inseparable link between the physical and spiritual aspects of Aikido, revealing the heart of the peaceful warrior's art.2008-07-07T17:43:41http://www.northfloridaaikido.org/LibraryThis book is a new translation of a number of classical tai chi texts. The translations are clear, and the language flows well. The translators also included brief explications of difficult terms withing the text itself so as not to disrupt the flow of words. The presentation of the book is well done, with many illustrations and pages of calligraphy. While fairly short, this book is very nice introduction to the classic Chinese texts on tai chi.2008-07-07T17:42:49