Understanding Aikido

Understanding Aikido presents an historical, cultural, and philosophical look at the development of the Japanese martial art of Aikido. Sunderlin focuses on the influences brought to bear on Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido, and the subsequent cultivation of the latter's martial art as a vessel of Budo. The author also provides a look at the different directions Aikido has taken since its inception and tackles some of the criticism leveled by practitioners of other martial arts, then offers ideas for strengthening Aikido as a viable method of self-defense while calling for increased cooperation between its numerous styles. The book is NOT an Aikido "How to," though its technical characteristics are discussed. The topics are in-depth and complex. Understanding Aikido: Essential Information & Perceptions concerns the Japanese 'martial art' of Aikido. 11 sections, 17 chapters with endnotes; includes tables, figures, pictures, a glossary, a bibliography, and an index. 530 pages.