You have trained in aikido for at least several months and wonder what's beyond the mechanics of basic technique. You ponder why we do what we do, and what principles underlie the techniques. You are looking for an edge to accelerate your learning and deepen your understanding. This book's 'Especially for Students' section is for you.The 'Especially for Teachers' section offers tips for aikido instructors. It helps you articulate to your students some of aikido's more difficult ideas.The third section's longer chapters treat philosophical and strategic questions that are central to aikido practice.Learning and Teaching Aikido shows beginning-to-intermediate aikido students how to approach their practice, explaining why we do what we do in aikido. This literate presentation for the thoughtful practitioner also advises aikido teachers on how to present difficult concepts to their classes. Drawings and photos make the explanations clear. Learning and Teaching Aikido is a needed supplement to the many books that explain aikido history and how to execute aikido techniques.

Contents:

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  Preface: Why This Book?

  
  


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  Introduction: May We Disagree?

  
  


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  Especially for Students:

  
  
  
  
  • Q&A: Aikido and Martial Art Practice
  
  
  • Enter the Dojo
  
  
  • Big Mind and the Insanity of Attack
  
  
  • Escape or Lead?
  
  
  • Three Purposes of Tai Sabaki
  
  
  • Tai Sabaki Is More Important Than Technique
  
  
  • Posture is More Important Than Tai Sabaki
  
  
  • Breath and Ukemi
  
  
  • Warm-Ups
  
  
  • Don't Hurry
  
  
  • Relax
  
  
  • Changing Your Mind
  
  
  • There is No Tree
  
  
  • Regain the Center
  
  
  • Range of Effectiveness
  
  
  • Stare at Your Hand, or Stare at the Floor?
  
  
  • Around, Not Against
  
  
  • Push, Don't Pull
  
  
  • Get Close
  
  
  • Attack Sincerely
  
  
  • Atemi
  
  
  • Nerve Techniques and Self-Defense
  
  
  • Kumitachi Make No Sense. Practice Them Anyway
  
  
  • You Will Do Aikido with Your Mind
  
  
  • I Say Same, You Listen Different!
  
  
  • Your Teacher and Your Aikido Organization
  
  
  • Should I Ask for a Test? Should I Take a Test If Asked?
  
  
  • Postscript
  
  
  • Out of the Dojo
  
  
  • Play Your Own Game
  
  
  • Practice!
  
  
  
  


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  Especially for Teachers:

  
  
  
  
  • Motivating Beginners
  
  
  • Fear of Falling
  
  
  • Zen Conversations
  
  
  • Atemi 2: The Force Continuum
  
  
  • Eye Contact in Aikido
  
  
  • Unifying and Separating
  
  
  • Clapping and Bowing
  
  
  • Slow Time
  
  
  • Empathy and Martial Art
  
  
  • Learning Styles
  
  
  • What's Your Metaphor?
  
  
  • Sword and Staff
  
  
  • Teaching Aiki Sword
  
  
  
  


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  Why Do We Do This? Reflections on Training for Both Teachers and Students:

  
  
  
  
  • Intention
  
  
  • Duality: The Power of Two
  
  
  • When Times Get Tough, the Tough Stay Centered: The Way of Peace
  
  
  • Victims at Work
  
  
  • Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?
  
  
  • Aikido and Beyond
  
  
  • Women in Aikido
  
  
  • More Q&A: War and Peace
  
  
  
  


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  Conclusion: Looking for Aikido

  
  


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  Glossary

  
  


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  About the Author

  
  

Readership: Thoughtful aikido students, prospective students, and non-students interested in aikido.

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