What is Aiki Book by Tadashi Nomoto
The Secret Teachings of Daito-ryu: The Kodo Horikawa Tradition
A landmark work in martial arts history that approaches the secrets of Aiki!
The hidden techniques of the Horikawa lineage—the essence of Aiki!
Every detail, both historical and technical, has a reason behind it!
A first-class historical source of Daito-ryu, combined with detailed practical instruction!
The mechanism of Aiki is systematically broken down and explained step by step!
Control everything at the point of contact—this is Aiki!
No muscular strength required!
Master the ultimate, most mysterious technique in the martial arts world!
The Kodo Horikawa tradition preserves some of the most “mysterious” techniques within the various lineages of Daito-ryu. These techniques are said to embody “Aiki” in its purest form—considered both the greatest invention and the greatest enigma of martial arts.
This book is written by a licensed master inheritor of the tradition, explaining the principles of Aiki, training methods for acquiring it, and advanced applications.
CONTENTS
Chapter 1: The Lineage and Transmission of Aiki
- The instant contact where the opponent’s power disappears
- Encountering the mysterious Aiki of the Horikawa tradition
- What is Aiki?
- Aiki transmitted through private instruction
- Techniques passed down from Kodo Horikawa
Chapter 2: How Does Jujutsu Differ from Aiki?
- The mechanics of jujutsu
- The mechanics of Aiki
- Training methods of the Horikawa tradition: Aiki Jujutsu
Column: Interpreting “Jujutsu, Aiki Jujutsu, and Aiki no Jutsu” from Daito-ryu documents
Chapter 3: The Structure of Aiki within Jujutsu
- The principles behind techniques
- Lifting an opponent from the shoulders
- Rotating the opponent’s shoulder
- Controlling the opponent’s arm as one unit
- Applying techniques without movement
- Lifting the opponent’s hips
Chapter 4: Horikawa Training Methods for Developing an Aiki Body
- The “hand and body” of Aiki
- Learning the “release hand”
- Attacking the apex of a triangle
- Using circular structure (ensō)
- Methods for cultivating Aiki
Chapter 5: Basic Applications of Aiki
- The foundation of Aiki is attacking the opponent
- Learning directional attack through clapping
- Lifting the opponent with Aiki
- Throwing the opponent with Aiki
- Dropping the opponent with Aiki
- Taking away the opponent’s power (power release)
Chapter 6: Aiki Jujutsu
- What is Aiki Jujutsu?
- Transmitting force while gripping
- Controlling joints while applying Aiki
- Controlling joints while maintaining the grip
- Applying jujutsu after establishing Aiki
Chapter 7: Aiki no Jutsu
- What is Aiki no Jutsu?
- Controlling the opponent with Aiki
- Restraining the opponent with Aiki
- Immobilizing the opponent with Aiki
Chapter 8: Secret Teachings of Aiki — Contact Points and Awareness
- Applying Aiki at the instant of contact
- Secrets of hand usage
- “Touch Aiki”
- Aiki techniques vs. Kiai techniques
- Rokuro-den (six-direction transmission)
- Aiki as directly taught by Sokaku Takeda
Chapter 9: Origins and Evolution of Daito-ryu
- The mystery of Daito-ryu’s origins as palace techniques
- Who taught Sokaku the palace techniques?
- The jujutsu foundations of Daito-ryu
- Relationship to Horikawa-line “palace techniques”
- Who taught Aiki?
- Tracing Sokaku’s teacher Shibuya Toma through new historical materials
Chapter 10: The History of Aiki Master Yukido Horikawa
- Horikawa and his son studying under Sokaku Takeda
- Connection with fellow native Yukiyoshi Sagawa
- Eternal master rank: Kodo Horikawa
- Connection between Horikawa and Gozo Shioda
- Testimonies and interpretations of the “missing years”
Author Profile
Tadashi Nomoto
Head of Daito-ryu Aiki Jujutsu Koshin-kai, licensed master inheritor. Entered Daito-ryu Aiki Jujutsu Kodo-kai in 1988. Served as Tokyo Branch Chief in 2004 and Tokyo General Branch Chief in 2012. In 2018, received menkyo kaiden (full transmission) and scrolls including Secret Essentials of Daito-ryu Aiki Jujutsu and Esoteric Teachings of Daito-ryu Aiki Jujutsu, directly from master Takeo Shinbo.
In 2021, founded the Daito-ryu Aiki Jujutsu Koshin-kai, where he continues to teach.
Also featured in DVDs:
Length: 316 pages
Language: Japanese
mbnmt1
Couldn't load pickup availability

