Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere

by Westbrook, Adele

• ISBN13: 9780804800044
• ISBN10: 0804800049
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1989-12-15
• Publisher: Tuttle Pub

Summary

Aikido, the "gentleman's fighting art," neutralizes aggression and renders attackers harmless without injuring them. By controlling body position and understanding its simple physical premises, anyone-regardless of size, strength or weight-can fend off attacks using this sophisticated martial art. This classic text reveals the secrets which enable the stunning displays of physical control practiced in Aikido. Further, it delves into the ethical intention requisite for successful aikido, and enables its readers to harmonize their vital powers-both mental and physical-into the disciplined practice of this elegant martial art.

Author Biography

Adele Westbrook, who works for one of the largest advertising agencies in the world, studied philosophy at Columbia University at the same time co-author Oscar Ratti was doing graduate work in the classical languages. They began to practice aikido together, and while studying under a variety of instructors in the United States and Europe, started the collection of notes and sketches which finally developed into this illustrated introduction to the art of aikido.

Oscar Ratti, now a commercial illustrator, received his degree in classical studies and law from the University of Naples where he was intercollegiate Greek-Roman wrestling champion and a member of the championship judo team. He later came to the United States and began to study aikido with Yasuo Ohara, one of the first instructors to teach in New York. In addition to being co-author of the book, Mr. Ratti provided all the excellent drawings that appear in this volume.

Mr. Ratti and Ms. Westbrook have also taught aikido in New York, working with youth groups at Centers associated with the Y.M.C.A.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	9	(2)
Preface	11	(2)
List of Charts	13	(4)
What is Aikido?	17	(12)
Defense in Aikido
The ``Centre'' and ``Ki''
The Strategy of Neutralization
The Potential of Aikido
The Foundations of Aikido	29	(6)
The Founder
Main Sources of Formation and Inspiration
The Martial Arts
The ``Ethics'' of Defense
Organization	35	(10)
The Hierarchy
Promotion
The Uniform
The Practice Hall
The Mat
Etiquette and Classes
The Practice of Aikido	45	(16)
The Theory of Attack
Physical Factors
Dynamic Factors
Technical Factors
The Unified Power of Attack
The Theory of Defense	61	(52)
The Process of Defense and Its Factors
The Inner Factors: the Role of the Mind
The Principle of Centralization
The Principle of Extension
The Principle of Leading Control
The Principle of Sphericity
Circuits of Neutralization
Spirals and Semi-Spirals of Neutralization
The Dynamic Sphere
Fusion and Special Exercises
The Physical Preparation	113	(30)
Preliminary Exercises: Suppleness
Basic Exercises: Coordination
Rolls and Somersaults
The Posture and Motion of Defense	143	(16)
Stages and Unity of the Aikido Process of Defense
The Posture
The Motion
The Basic Techniques of Neutralization	159	(164)
General Recommendations
Immobilizations
Projections
Combinations
Advanced Practice	323	(36)
``Mat'' or Kneeling Aikido
The Stave Exercises
The Techniques of Neutralization Applied Against an Armed Attack
The Techniques of Neutralization Applied Against a Multiple Attack
Free Style
Conclusion	359	(6)
Glossary	365	(6)
Selected Bibliography	371	(2)
Index	373