Aikido Weapons Techniques: The Wooden Sword, Stick and Knife of Aikido

As someone who has been seriously involved in numerous martial and weapon (Judo, Jujitsu, Karate-Do, Aikijutsu, Krav Maga, Kenjutsu, Kobudo, Tanto-Jutsu, Bo-jutsu, Hanbo-Jutsu, Wakizashi-Jutsu, Tanto-Jutsu, Arnis and many others) arts for more than 7 decades I am always seeking more knowledge of these subjects. When I saw this book (Aikido Weapon Techniques: The wooden sword, stick and knife of Aikido by Phong Thong Dang) on Amazon I decided to purchase it. Even though I have taken Aikido for a short time I never earned a Shodan (First degree Black Belt) in this art but I am quite familiar with the use of the 3 weapons (bokken, Jo, and Tanto) they train with in Aikido.This book is organized into 5 detailed chapters covering the following material: Kihon: basics and fundamentals, Bokken: Wooden sword, Jo: Wooden staff, Tanto: wooden knife, and Zanshin: a lingering connection. There is also a glossary and a reference and resources section.I found this excellent book to be very interesting and informative on the weapons employed in the art of Aikido. It is essential to know that learning any martial art from just reading a book is very difficult and it is ALWAYS best to combine the reading with actual practice with an instructor who can guide you toward competence in learning the many details in any martial art whether unarmed or weapons training.If you are a practicing Aikido student this is a must book to have in your personal library and as a reference source to go along with your actual hands on training.Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Tanto-Jutsu Techniques: A Bushi Satori Ryu Basic Manual).

I have just started Aikido classes and this book could not have come at a better time. It is a reminder of the actual training I have had in class. It also gives me more information on the few jo, tanto and bokken techniques that I have received in class. Some of these techniques and katas I have seen in an Aikido seminar so I know it is real. Everything is there, grips, etiquette, stances, ki from the Aikido point of view. There are also some knife techniques using the wooden knife known as the tanto. This is an excellent book for the beginner or intermediate student. The author has two other books on Aikido, Aikido Basics and Advanced Aikido. Phong Thong Dang is an Aikido 6th degree black belt with extraordinary experience, skill and knowledge. In addition he is also a 6th degree in Tae Kwon Do, a 5th degree in Judo and an 8th degree in Shaolin Kung Fu.

While there is a lot of great information put in this book by one of the great instructors of Aikido, the techniques would have been made much more clear, if a series of photos and perhaps diagrams had been added. In comparison to works by Saito Sensei or even the book Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere, it leaves much to be desired. A great beginning level book for those interested in Aikido as it demonstrates why Aikido is much more than just another run of the mill fighting art.Tony DiazRokudan ShihanAiki-Kempo Ju-Jitsu

There are chapters on kihon, boken, jo, tanto, and zanshin. There are photographs that help you through the basic moves with technical descriptions giving more thorough explanations. The photos are clear and well edited. Two-person exercises for boken are included. I got this mainly for the staff (jo) and it does a good job going through the form, also has two-person drills for staff. Wooden knife chapter drills are all two-person. The whole book is well-edited and concise.

This title has some really good techniques, and explains them well, but there isn't a lot of technique.This is a good start for basic technique.

"Aikido Weapons Techniques: The Wooden Sword, Stick, and Knife of Aikido" is for beginners. It starts from the most rudimentary steps for people who have never used weapons before. The pictures are excellent. One of the most important things in learning is to start with good habits from the beginning; never let bad habits develop. This book teaches all the right habits. Since I am a novice, this book was/is perfect for me.

I used to take Aikido years ago in the 80's. I loved it then and still do. This book brought back many good memories.

The introductory remarks about Aikido are excellent; the exposition of weapons technique less so. Kindle users be advised: the Kindle edition is riddled with typographical errors, especially in transcription of Japanese words. It appears to have been prepared with OCR software with little or no subsequent editing.