Jan J Sunderlin

Understanding Aikido: Essential Information and Perceptions Jan J Sunderlin

Publisher Marketing: In the physical disciplines that appear useful as a skillful means to ward off aggression (e.g., martial arts), and where any of these may attempt to instill in their practitioners a humanitarian-like behavioral ethos, such as that often present in Aikid training, there exists the unfortunate possibility that the necessary mental toughness as well as the essential technique and skill required for successful self-defense can be destructively subverted by that very ethos. In the end, the desired outcome or goal of a particular style or program of Aikid training affects whether a spiritual or self-defense focus will predominate as its primary identifying attribute. A significant part of this written effort discusses how to resolve the distressing philosophical problems of Aikido that affect its technical viability while providing clarity as well as controversy for the reason of reestablishing its efficacy. A book concerning the Japanese 'martial art' of Aikido. This book presents an historical, cultural, and philosophical look at the development of the Japanese martial art of Aikido. Sunderlin focuses on the influences brought to bear on Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido, and the subsequent cultivation of the latter's martial art as a vessel of Budo. The author also provides a look at the different directions Aikido has taken since its inception and tackles some of the criticism leveled by practitioners of other martial arts, then offers ideas for strengthening Aikido as a viable method of self-defense while calling for increased cooperation between its numerous styles. The book is NOT an Aikido "How to," though its technical characteristics are discussed. The topics are in-depth and complex. Includes 17 chapters with endnotes, tables, figures, pictures, a glossary, a bibliography, and an index; 530 pages. The author is the acting head of Zantoppa Kai Aikido, which is a derivation of Tomiki Ryu Aikido. Beginning his study of Aikido in 1980, he studied under Carl Geis, Shihan; Tsunako Miyake, Shihan; and Takeshi Inoue, Shihan. He has also trained in Western Wrestling and Boxing; Japanese Judo, Tenjin Shin'yo-ryu, Jodo, and Shiatsu; and Chinese Hung Ga Kung Fu. He is known for his outspoken viewpoints regarding Aikido's problematic metaphysical ideas and interorganizational strife.