from cover

'This book is a combined history book and training manual, an essential guide to anyone practising or wanting to take up Aikido regardless of style'-Philip Newcombe, Technical Driector of Shodokan UK

Aikido is a defensive martial art that uses throws and joint locks. Although there are many varying styles of Aikido, the basic principle remains the same: the force of any attack is controlled and diffused without injury. This is achieved by using avoidance and balance breaking followed, if necessary, by techniques including a range of locks and throws.

Tomiki Kenji, the founder of Shodokan Aikido, introduced randori, or freestyle format, into Aikido practice. This allows players to develop the skills to respond appropriately to attackers who offer rigorous resistance to techniques. His system is now enjoyed and practised across the world, attracting new proponents by its graceful simplicity and efficacy.

This book sets out to explan the need for and scope of randori in Aikido practice. With over 300 illustrations, it is an essential learning aid for all Aikido students-regardless of grade and style-and, in particular, those students who wish to explore the nature of unpredictability in relatin to Aikido techniques.

Elplains the historical and philosophical principles behind randori, and the physiological principles of Aikido.

Illustrates fundamental trainng and practice methods.

Describes the role of kata and randori in Aikido practice.

Guides the player through the shodokan system and the grading syllabus.

Scott Allbright is a fourth dan in Skhokokan Aikido. He has an MA in Japanese and has trained extensively in Japan. He won the world championships in Ohio, USA, in 1995 and is currently the national coach for the UK shodokan team. Scott runs his own Japanese dojo in Sheffield.

Contents

Foreword
Preface
1 Aikido: An Introduction
2 Shodokan Aikido
3 Shodokan Aikido Training System
4 Kata
5 Methods of Training for randori
6 Grading Syllabus
7 Application Techniques
8 The Future of Shodokan Aikido
Bibliography
Useful Contacts
Index