Aikido students and enthusiasts the world over will be delighted with this English translation of Gozo Shioda’s « hidden principles » finally made available by the Yoshinkian school of Aikido. An outstanding student of Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba, Shioda, who taught thousands of people in his lifetime, left a profound legacy, successfully teaching the spiritual and practical applications of a martial art that could all too easily become mired in one or the other.

In this sequel to Dynamic Aikido, the pre-eminent master continues his explanation of the essential principles but in finer detail. Comprehensive and fully illustrated, Total Aikido covers the basic postures and movements with special emphasis on certain key points for perfecting one’s technique to achieve maximum effect with the minimum of effort. Demonstrations are provided in a dojo setting, with helpful pointers for avoiding common mistakes. To enable students to develop greater strength and control, they are shown how to increase their speed, shift their centre of gravity, and synchronize movements with those of their opponents.

This is an essential work for students of all levels, a treasury of expert information.