Aikido Weapons Techniques: The Wooden Sword, Stick and Knife of Aikido : Book Review

"Aikido Weapons Techniques" by Phong Thong Dang is a must-read for practitioners of Aikido who want to expand their knowledge and skills in the weapons aspect of the martial art. This informative guide, written by an experienced Aikido instructor, offers step-by-step instructions and in-depth explanations for each technique, catering to both beginners and advanced students alike.

The book covers a wide range of weapons commonly used in Aikido, including the jo staff, tanto knife, and bokken sword. With clear and concise explanations, readers can easily follow along and visualize the movements described. Additionally, the inclusion of photographs enhances the learning experience, allowing readers to see the techniques in action.

What sets this book apart is its emphasis on the principles and philosophy underlying Aikido rather than solely focusing on the physical techniques. Dang highlights the value of blending with an opponent's energy and utilizing minimal force, which aligns with the peaceful nature of Aikido. This holistic approach provides readers with a deeper understanding of the art form.

Furthermore, this book offers more than just technical instructions. Dang goes the extra mile by providing practical applications of the techniques for self-defense purposes. This makes "Aikido Weapons Techniques" a valuable resource not only for Aikido practitioners but also for anyone interested in learning effective self-defense strategies.

In conclusion, "Aikido Weapons Techniques" is highly recommended for Aikido enthusiasts seeking to expand their knowledge and skills in the realm of weapon forms. With its comprehensive coverage, clear instructions, and emphasis on principles, this book offers invaluable insights that will benefit practitioners of all levels. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced student, this guide will undoubtedly deepen your understanding and appreciation of Aikido's weapon techniques.

What are readers saying?

The book "Aikido Weapons Techniques" authored by Phong Thong Dang has garnered predominantly favorable reviews. Written by an experienced martial artist, the book delves into the realm of Aikido weaponry and offers detailed instruction on various techniques. Here is a summary of the reviews.

Many reviewers praised the book for its clear and concise instructions. They found the illustrations to be beneficial in comprehending the techniques and appreciated the step-by-step breakdown of each move. The book was deemed suitable for both beginners and advanced practitioners, as it provided guidance for mastering basic techniques while also challenging more experienced individuals.

Several reviewers highlighted the practicality of the techniques presented in the book. They found the author's explanations easy to follow and observed that the techniques could be effectively applied in real-life situations. The focus on aikiken (sword) and aikijo (staff) was also appreciated, as these weapons are commonly used in Aikido practice.

The book's organization was also praised by reviewers. They found it to be logically structured, enabling readers to progress seamlessly from one technique to the next. Many noted that the book offered a comprehensive overview of Aikido weapons training, making it a valuable reference guide.

Some reviewers noted that the book also discussed the philosophy underlying Aikido weapon techniques. The inclusion of this aspect was appreciated as it allowed readers to gain a deeper understanding of the connection between the martial art and the weapons utilized.

AikidoWeaponsTechniques MartialArts AikidoTraining