Books
The
Structure of Aikido Part 1: Kenjutsu and Taijutsu (Sword and
Open-hand
Movement Relationships) Published by
North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, California; Domo Productions,
Denver, Colorado; 1997 Paperback;
186 pages; $22.95 The Structure of Aikido Volume I: Kenjutsu
and Taijutsu (Sword and Open-hand Movement Relationships) is a remarkable
interpretation of the foundation of Aikido technique. Gaku Homma's
in-depth study of the relationship between Japanese swordsmanship
and open-hand movement unites tradition with the contemporary development
of the art of Aikido. Although the study of Kenjutsu and Aikido
have long been associated, this is the first book in which actual
Aikido techniques are related to technique sequences used with
the
sword. 1,600 frame-by-frame photos mirror the movement shared by
both arts.
Aikido
for Life Published by North Atlantic
Publishing, Berkeley, California; 1989 Paperback; 112 pages;
$12.95 Aikido for Life offers
a simple explanation of Aikido and how it can be used to train
mind, breath and body. The book is similar in structure to
the beginners
class at Nippon Kan. Not only does it offer simple explanations
and illustrations of basic Aikido movements and techniques,
it also
offers a look at the philosophy behind Aikido. Aikido for Life does not try to be simply an instructional manual. Rather,
it explains
how Aikido can help develop not only healthy bodies but a positive
approach to life as well. Aikido for Life presents a teacher's
view
of Aikido and was written for beginning and experienced students
alike.
Children
and the Martial Arts: An Aikido Point of View Published
by North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, California; Domo Productions,
Denver,
Colorado; 1993 Paperback; 250 pages; $20.00 “I believe that
martial arts training can be very good for children,” writes
Gaku Homma Sensei in the Introduction of Children and the Martial
Arts: An Aikido Point of View. “It teaches skills that
help children deal with everyday situations. But not all forms,
teachers, and
martial arts dojos are the same. How can parents make an intelligent
decision? Get as much information as you can.” In addition
to providing valuable information for parents who are considering
martial arts
training for their children, Children and the Martial Arts:
An Aikido Point of View explains how Aikido training for children
differs from the kind of training offered by other, non-Aikido
styles
of martial arts schools.
Aikido
Sketch Diary: Dojo 365 Days Published by Frog Limited, Berkeley,
California; 1994 Paperback; 190 pages; $12.95 In Aikido Sketch
Diary: Dojo 365 Days, Gaku Homma Sensei introduces readers to
the annual round of events at Nippon Kan, where members can practice
Aikido not only on the mat but also by participating in the many
activities and volunteer programs in which the dojo is involved.
“Aikido Sketch Diary is a documentary of a full year of practice
at Nippon Kan. Each of the five sections outlines an aspect of life
at this tradtionally-styled dojo,”writes Homma Sensei. Nippon Kan
students learn that the ultimate goal of Aikido practice is not
to develop the ability to vanquish opponents, but to learn to work
in harmony with other human beings.
The
Folk Art of Japanese Country Cooking: A Traditional Diet for
Today’s
World Published by North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, California;
and Domo Productions, Denver, Colorado; 1991 Paperback; 276 pages;
$22.95 The Folk Art of Japanese Country Cooking offers a
unique look at not only Japanese cooking, but Japanese history
and
culture as well. Anyone interested in understanding more about
Japan will find it an invaluable source of information. And for
those
who enjoy Japanse cooking, well, they’re in for a treat—or
more accurately, hundreds of treats. The recipes are clear and
easy
to follow and include helpful illustrations.