Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere by A. Westbrook & O. Ratti

-- THIS IS A SECOND-HAND BOOK--

Aikido Book
by A. Westbrook
and O. Ratti
Classic book
Great read

Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere Description

Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere: An Illustrated Introduction provides a complete foundation in the practice of one of the most distinctive and useful Japanese martial arts.

Aikido was created in Japan in the 1920's by Morihei Ueshiba, also known as Osensei. To possess the skills, techniques and attitude of the faithful practitioner of aikido, one must achieve a very high level of integration of the powers of mind and body, the harmonious combination of physical means and ethical motives. By controlling body position and learning how to harmonize important physical and mental abilities, anyone (regardless of size, strength or weight) can fend off attacks using this sophisticated martial art.

Written and illustrated by husband/wife team, Oscar Ratti and Adele Westbrook, Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere, with over 1,200 illustrations, includes many Aikido techniques in chapters such as:

What is Aikido?
The Foundations of Aikido
The Practice of Aikido
The Basic Techniques of Neutralization
Advanced Practice
And more!

'On the back' of Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere

First time in paperback!

"This is certainly the finest book on a martial art which this reviewer has ever inspected. Clear statement of purpose, lucid presentation, patient detail, and effective illustration characterize this extremely well written work. . .. From the history and theory of the art, the authors proceed to fundamental techniques of defense . . . Very highly recommended for libraries where quality books on self defense are in demand." Charles Curran, Library Journal

Aikido has often been referred to as the gentleman's fighting art; its essence lies partly in its sophisticated style and particularly in its intrinsic motivations.
Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere: An Illustrated Introduction, with over 1,200 illustrations, provides a complete foundation in the practice of this distinctive and effective art-a method of self-defense that can be used against any form of attack and, at its highest levels, a discipline of coordination, a "way" of harmonizing all human vital powers. To possess the skills and attitude of the true practitioner of aikido, one must achieve a very high level of integration of the powers of mind and body, the harmonious combination of physical means and ethical motives. The skillful student of aikido ("harmony spirit way") can neutralize an aggression and render an attacker harmless, while safeguarding the attacker from any unnecessary serious injury.

Adele Westbrook studied philosophy at Columbia University and has since made a career in advertising and publishing. She is currently an executive for a New York City publishing company. Oscar Ratti received a degree in classical studies and law from the University of Naples, where he was an intercollegiate Greco-Roman wrestling champion, as well as a member of the championship judo team. During graduate studies in classical languages at Columbia University, he began to study aikido with Yasuo Ohara, one of the first instructors to teach in New York. Mr. Ratti is a commercial illustrator, and he serves as a design consultant for traditional and web-based publications. Ms. Westbrook and Mr. Ratti have together taught aikido in New York, working with youth groups at centers affiliated with the YMCA. They are also the authors of Secrets of the Samurai, available from Tuttle Publishing, and translators of The Medieval Health Handbook.

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