Doing Aikido Book by Alan Drysdale (Preowned)

Aikido is a Japanese martial art that focuses on using circular movements to redirect an attacker's strength to bring about his downfall.

It is purely defensive in intent, but is effective in a wide range of situations. Aikido is a "soft" style in that the user should not use a great deal of muscular strength, yet can result in heavy falls. Accordingly, this book is intended to be used in conjunction with attending class regularly at a reputable school where classes are taught by an experienced and qualified teacher.

"Doing Aikido" is aimed at students in the kyu ranks, no longer beginners and not yet black belts.

About the Author:

Alan Drysdale began studying aikido at the University of Reading in England in 1972. His first teacher was Hamish McFarlane of the Institute of Aikido (a group started by Sensei Kenshiro Abbe, who was the first person to teach aikido in England). Dr. Drysdale began teaching as a first kyu in Bristol, England and received a shodan in 1978. Shortly after that, he emigrated to America. He taught for a year in Atlanta, at Rodney Grantham's school. Towards the end of that time he received a USAF shodan under Yoshimitsu Yamada, then moved to Titusville, Florida, to work in the space program. Since then, he has been practicing at the Sand Drift Aikikai, under Dr. H. T. Walker, receiving subsequent ranks from Yamada Sensei and Dr. Walker. He is currently the chief instructor of the Sand Drift Aikikai.