from cover Aikido may be described as one of the most subtle and sophisticated of the martial arts. Its techniques are complex while its accomplished performance is graceful and elegant. This book will be of special interest to the beginner who wishes to learn and perfect these techniques and set out on the path towards further discovery and expertise. Brian Bagot is an experienced martial artist. He organizes and runs his own judo and aikido clubs and holds 4th Dan in Zen Judo. He has been studying aikido for some years under Sensei Paul McGlone who is an aikido weapon specialist. Full descriptions of aikido techniques Instruction on the use of the major aikido weapons Illustrated throughout with step-by-step photo sequences Glossary of aikido terminology Includes the 31 count Jo Kata

Contents Foreword by Hayden Foster, Chairman of the Institute of Aikido Foreword by Bob Forrest-Webb, Chairman of the British Aikido Asociation Preface 1 History and Philosophy 2 The First Stages 3 Breath Control and Blending 4 Immobilisation Techniques 5 Projection Techniques 6 Introduction to Bokken 7 Aiki-jo-The Wooden Stave 8 Kokyu Nage-The Spirit of Aikido 9 Advanced Techniques 10 Aikido-The Modern Face Glossary of Terms Appendix 1 Japanese for Aikidoka Appendix 2 Typical Grading Syllabus Appendix 3 Organizations Representing Aikido bibliography Index