The Aikido Student Handbook: A Guide to the Philosophy, Spirit, Etiquette and Training Methods of Aikido

I wanted to locate a good dojo to practice at. After reading " An Open Secret: A Student's Handbook for Learning Aikido Techniques of Self-Defense and the Aiki Way (great book, I highly recommend it as a companion for this book) I was advised to get a copy of Greg O'Connor's book. He provides really good advice on how to go about the process.He lays out a practical approach for a prospective student to follow in finding a school to train, begin taking lessons and gives basic information on what to expect when arriving at a dojo. I was surprised to find a copy of the "Aikido Student's Handbook" lying out in the visitor's area at the dojo I was checking out. Guess they were confident that their dojo meets the grade.I was apprehensive on my first day. This book was helpful in describing how to approach experienced people at the dojo. I had reviewed the Common Questions section of the book where concern's are addressed like: "will I hold back a more advanced student if we train together," "do I need to know Japanese," "do the rolls and high falls hurt?" "I'm afraid I'll be too clumsy and get embarrassed," and "how long will it take get a black belt." I admit that I had some of these questions bouncing around in my head.Reading this book before taking the first class helped lessen many of my fears and concerns.This book is a quick read, presenting the basics, in less than 100 pages. It was well worth spending a few dollars investment on. I've already reviewed some book sections since starting my training. I'm certain that I will go back again over the next months and years on my way to that black belt!

A great guide to aikido, for beginners and advanced alike. I’ve been training in the martial arts for over 30 years, but I’m a relative newbie to aikido, having just 2 years of training. This book is a good guide to the philosophy, training methods and etiquette in an aikido dojo (school). It takes a lighthearted approach to the material, without being silly. I view this as a book that a serious student can read through, and refer back to throughout their aikido journey.

Being new to the aikido world and coming from traditional jiu jitsu this book answered a quite a bit of questions that I had. For example on what lapel goes over which and how to cycle through practice moves- how many times you grab and so forth, why things are done on etiquette/formality. The philosophy was interesting and helped to get a better understanding of the art in general. Over all you invest in a good uniform why not spend a bit extra and pick up this book and it will help ease up on some newbie confusion and being possibly overwhelmed cause there is a lot to take in.

This book goes through the decision making process and what you can expect in the initial stages of your interest in Aikido. It outlines the mindset, obligations, etiquette and responsibilities. If you are just beginning your investigation into Aikido, this is the book for you. It goes into everything, in detail, just short of the actual practice. It is written very well and the information is easily understood. It's one of those books you will refer to several times should you decide Aikido is for you.

This book is a good guide to the beginner. Once read, and employed it should aid the student in understanding Aikido fundamentals.

This book is surprisingly good, a worthy introduction to Aikido. I must add, though, that it is best when combined with Larry Reynosa's "A Beginner's Guide to Aikido."What makes this book extraordinary is the way that the author explains the spirit behind Aikido, the loving martial art, and O-Sensei's vision of this Way. I have made it a point to have my students read it, not for protocol, as much as for their understanding of what and why we do what we do.Definitely a must-have for most any Aikidoka, especially beginners.

This is a great book that covers great fundamentals of the aikido system. I personally enjoyed the section on the real value of aikido training and the everyday application of aikido and how it is used in our lives. This is a good book for anyone interested in taking aikido, and is a good read for anyone who has trained it. Practicing the fundamentals is imperative in everything we do. This book exhibits phenomenal fundamentals.

This is not a course book. It appears to be an advertisement book.

A great book, an essential read with any Aikidoka. Highly recommend. Even if you don't practice Aikido you should still buy and read this book, it's more than just a book.

Very nice book covering a lot of useful topics for the beginner.Sometimes a bit US oriented but anyway really interesting and easy to read.

Still reading book , and learning the Aikido methods.

Ann excellent resource for the beginning student.

So and so: one does not learn anything one doew not know from general life. It spends too many pages on trivialities, without giving the true meaning of Aikido or explaining any techniques. Better see something else