from dust jacket

Aikido is the workd's newest and most mysterious martial art, an incredible system of graceful movements combined with the ancient, deadly skills of Japan's most famous fighting arts. Aikido is an amazing skill which unlocks hidden powers of strength and condfidence in even the smallest person, young or old. It has grown from a small, secret society in the hills of the Japanese countryside into a worldwide movement whose popularity has soared in th past few years.

Finally, this definitive manual by Yoshimitsu Yamada, one of the world's greatest masters, will make these long-held secrets of self-defense and inner power avaliable to the public. More than 700 detailed photographs by Nobu Arakawa show with precision and clarity each nuance of motion, while Yamada's detailed text will inspire the most advanced student as well as the novice. The book covers every aspect of Aikido, from the development of 'breath power' to practical applications against multiple attacks and weaponss.

Yoshimitsu Yamada studied directly under the founder of aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, for over ten years. He taught at Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo and brought Aikido to the United States at the 1964 World's Fair in New York. He has developed the largest and most successful aikido school in the country, the New York Aikikai, which also serves as headquarters for the United States Aikido Federation. He serves as Chairman of the Board and Technical Director of the USAF and is a member of the superior Council of the International Aikido Federation. He presently holds the rank of 7th degree Black Belt.

Contents

Foreword
About Morihei Ueshiba: The Founder of Aikido
The Nature of Aikido
Principles of movement
Etiquette-Proper sitting (seiza); Proper Bowing (Rei)
Wrist Warm-ups
Stance & Distance (Hanmi & Maai)
Falling (Ukemi)-Back Roll; Front Roll
Basic Movements-Irimi; Tenkan; Back Stretch
Kokyu-ho-Sitting Kokyu-ho; Standing Kokyku-ho
Hand Positions
Basic Irimi Nage
Knee-walking (Shikko)
Attacks & Techniques
Atemi Waza
Shomenuchi
Yokomenuchi
Tsuki
Ryotetori
Morotetori
Katatori
Katatori Menuchi
Ushiro Ryokatatori
Ushiro Tekubitori
Ushiro Kubishime
Suwari Waza
Hanmi Handachi
Advanced Techniques
Techniques Against Weapons
Action Photos
Conclusion
The International Aikido Community & Dojo Listings
International ALikido Federation
United States Aikido Federation
Glossary
USAF Promotional Test Requirements