Aikido and Chinese Martial Arts: Aikido and Weapons Training Vol.2 (Aikido & Weapons Training)

By Tetsutaka Sugawara and Xing Lujian

Introduction
In this volume, we take up the theme, "how to use weapons in Aikido and Chinese martial arts". Through weapons training, you will be able to understand about the following martial arts elements:
(1) The difference between body techniques and weapons training
(2) The difference between the Japanese curved sword, and the Chinese straight sword
(3) How to take a proper distance
(4) How to watch your partner's eyes
(5) How to grab your partner's mind
(6) How to mo e with good timing
(7) Proper traditional foot work
(8) Circular movements with the weapon
(9) A block should include an attack, an attack should include a block
(10) Long weapon's, and short weapon's weak points
(11) The weak points of armor
(12) How ancient people produced good steel about two thousand years ago with little technology.

In our training, we must vow to take responsibility not to use weapons for disreputable reasons. Our purpose of Japanese/Chinese weapons training should be for lifelong study and good health. Also, I challenge the readers to try and smelt their own iron and attempt to produce swords. --Tetsutaka Sugawara, March 15th, 1998

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0870409638
• ISBN13: 9780870409639
• Release Date: October 1998
• Publisher: Japan Publications Trading
• Length: 366 Pages
• Weight: 2.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 7.1" x 10.1"

Customer Reviews

Sword Defense Arts of Japan, China and Much More +++

Defense, in fullest meaning, is to deflect out, away and down -- via any "weapons" -- but especially via swords. So, volumes one and two of this trilogy certainly cover that and much more -- of Japan, China and more sources -- and where they meet. Nearly all of Eurasia is at least touched-upon, including Korea and Tibet. The Scythian folks are especially remarked-upon in detail, as well as other related nomadic folks -- as having encountered, developed and spread Sword Defense Arts thru-out Northern Asia, including China, Korea and Japan. These horse-and-wheel iron-and-steel nomads are of Central Asian Indoeuropean origin and spread in all directions to Europe and Far East Asia. Layers of Asian, Chinese and Japanese history are uncovered in precise detail as background to the main title-theme. This includes the possibility that ancient spoken Chinese language has a Far Western influence [word-order and word-meaning building are much as in English for example] -- and that ancient written Chinese has a Far Eastern Ainu of Japan influence [Ainu symbols seem to match the early Chinese characters well]. China, in any case, is central to East Asian history as shown in "Aikido and Chinese Martial Arts". We are seeing intensely devoted research and practice fully presented in "Aikido and Chinese Martial Arts". Central, primary and further strategy, tactics and methods are all covered in clear and sharp detail concerning Aikido, Kungfu and swords in respectful mutual appreciation. The main co-authors are from Japan and China -- EACH with deep training in BOTH folks Defense Arts -- especially Aikido and Kungfu, including weapons -- especially swords. In addtion, these authors have gathered quality academic research on topics relating to Aikido, Kungfu and swords -- especially near and far origins -- including great detail on cultural origins and transfer of iron and steel swords, methods and unarmed methods. Unarmed defense methods of Aikido and Kungfu are presented, compared and even combined in wonderfully singular ways. I especially appreciate Chapter 6 "How to use each part of your body and mind" -- and most especially the two sections on footwork [6.5 and 6.6] -- confirming and firming-up what I have figured out via long efforts in Western and Eastern Kenpo ["boxing-way"] +++

Advanced Primer and History Book

First I would like to say that this book is not for the beginner. The beginning history would be benneficial for all. History is followed over the 1st 100 pages. But the majority of the book is directed mainly toward the art of Aikido and Chin Na. There are many photographs in the book (some other angles would have been most helpful), but the written explanations are fantastic. An overlooked treasure. A must for all those that study Aikido and Chin Na.

aikido and chinese martial arts Vol 1 and 2

Excellent books but definately for the experienced martial artist and student of comparative martial arts.Drawback is few side by side comparisons of the different traditions. Chin Na and Aikido would be closer categories for vol 1 and techniques especially swordwork differs greatly and is hard to compare between Chinese and Japanese systems for volume 2 .It is nice to see the respect the authors afford each other and this makes it a five star.

Very good if you already know something

This book is a must for any martial arts' student, especially for those who train aikido or kung fu, but it is not a book for novices. It is just not basic. You have to know very well the basics of aikido or kung fu (any style) to understand what to do. The tecniques are very well explained and the pictures are very good too, but if you never trained with a wooden sword or staf before, go back to your dojo and learn the basics first. On the other hand, if you already know aiki-ken or aiki-jo, even if you are not a master, but a serious student, you will love to see how much aikido and chinese martial arts have in common. If that is the case, well, buy the book, because it really worths.