Phong Thong Dang

Although aikido is often thought of as a nonviolent, noncompetitive martial art, the use of weapons was introduced by its founder, O'Sensei Morihei Ueshiba.

In fact, aikido techniques that use wooden weapons can enrich all aspects of your practice, helping you to understand both basic and advanced aikido technical tactics as well as conceptual strategies and skills.

Building on the authors' belief that no empty-hand system is complete without weapons training, Aikido Weapons Techniques demonstrates weapon use both as a training tool to better illsutrate aikido principles, and as a self-defense against weapon attacks.

Aikido Weapons Techniques focuses on the three primary weapons used in aikido:

Ken (wooden sword)
Jo (wooden staff)
Tanto (wooden knife)

A complete discussion of each weapon is included, with descriptions of the stances, grips, techniques, defenses, forms, and training appropriate for each.

With over 200 step-by-step photographs and detailed instructions, this book provides an in-depth exploration of weapons use in aikido-from its spiritual implications to technical theory and practical use.

Phong Thong Dang holds a sixth degree black belt in aikido, a sixth degree black belt in tai kwon do, a fifth degree black belt in judo, and an eighth degree black belt in Vietnamese Shaolin kung fu. The World Martial arts Hall of Fame inducted Phong twice: once for his expertise in aikido and again for his lifelong dedication to the martial arts. He has been featured in Karate Illustrated, Aikido Journal, Aikido Today magazine, Martial Arts and Combat Sports, and Black Belt. He has practiced martial arts for over fifty years and currently teaches in southern California.

Lynn Seiser is an internationally respected psychotherapist, consultant, and trainer. Seiser has over three decades of martial arts training and experience. He currently holds the rank of Sandan (third degree black belt) in Tenshinkai aikido under sensei Phong Thong Dang.

Phong and Seiser are also the authors of Aikido Basics and Advanced Aikido, both available from Tuttle Publishing.

Contents

Acknowledgments and appreciation
Introduction
Kihon: Basics and fundamenals
Boken: Wooden sword
Jo: Wooden staff
Tanto: Wooden knife
Zanshin: A lingering connection
Glossary
References, resources, and recommendations (bibliography)
About the author… (més)

Aikido, while uniquely beautiful among the martial arts, is also deceptively powerful, effecive, and efficient. Dedicated practitioners know that advanced training means not only striving to master techniques, but also developing a deeper understanding of the history, philosophy, and concepts at the core of this martial art.

In Advacned Aikido, Phong Thong Dang and Lynn Seiser present an in-depth look at the complete art of Aikido-from the underlying theories that drive the techniques and strategies to advice on mastering the throws and locks fundamental to the art. Chapters include:

An in-depth look at the origins and philosophies of aikido

Discussion on utilizing ki to improve effectiveness

Examination of fundamental theories and concepts essental to understanding aikido

Advanced techniques including throws and locks, counters and reversals, and combinations

Effective strategies and skills for self-defense

With over 400 illustrations and detailed instructions from one of the leading teachers in the field, even the most experienced practitioners can benefit from the lessons in this book.

Phong Thong Dang holds a sixth degree black belt in Aikido, a sixth degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, a fifth degree black belt in Judo, and an eighth degree black belt in Vietnamese Shaolin Kung Fu. The World Martial Arts Hall of Fame inducted Phong twice: once for his expertise in Aikido and again for his lifelong dedication to the martial arts. He has been featured in Karate Illustrated, Aikido Journal, Aikido Today, Martial Arts and Combat Sports, and Black Belt. He has practiced the martial arts for over fifty years and currently teachers in southern California.

Lynn Seiser is an internationally respected psychotherapist, consultant, and trainer. Seiser has over three decades of martial arts training and experience. He currently holds the rank of Sandan (third degree black belt) in Tenshinkai Aikido under Sensei Dang Thong Phong.

Contents

Acknowledgments and appreciations
Preface
Introduction
Part One: The inner development of the advanced practitioner
Chapter 1: Omoto philosophy for today's practitioner
Chapter 2: Training philosophy
Chapter 3: Training the mind
Chapter 4: Understanding and using ki
Part Two: Theories and concepts for the advanced pactitioner
Chapter 5: The art of body mechanics
Chapter 6: The art of movement
Chapter 7: The art of engagement
Part Three: Advanced techniques-Refining the fundamentals
Chapter 8: Throws and locks
Chapter 9: Application techniques
Chapter 10: Combination techniques
Chapter 11: Counters and reversals
Chapter 12: Strikes
Part Four: Advanced applications-Taking your practice to the next level
Chapter 13: Self-defense techniques
Chapter 14: Demonstrations, competition, and seminars
Chapter 15: Teaching aikido
Appendix A: Interviews with sensei Phong Thong Dang
Appendix B: Questions and answers from aikido instructors
Appendix C: Technique chart
Appendix D: Concept chart
Glossary
References (bibliography) and resources
Index
About the authors… (més)

from cover

Are you ready to learn aikido, but don't know where to begin? Are you intimadated by the unfamiliar terms or the powerful techniques? With Aikido Basics you'll become an expert in this martial art in no time! You'll learn about:

The origins of aikido-philosophy, history, and different styles
What really happens in an aikido class-invaluable tips on choosing the right school, getting ready for your first class, and basic training methods
The essential elements-stances, strikes, grabs, throws, and pins
How to complement your aikido training with ki exercises, multiple-person training, and freestyle exercises
Effective ways to succeed in aikido-create a training program, test for belt promotion, and participate in competitions and tournaments
Resources that can help you further develop your aikido training

Whether you're considering taking up this martial art, or you've already started, Aikido Basics offers an easy, yet comprehensive introduction to everything you need to know to feel confident and be successful.

Phong Thong Dang holds a sixth degree black belt in aikido, a sixth degree black belt in tae kwon do, a fifth degree black belt in judo, and in an eighth degree black belt in Vietnamese Shaolin kung fu. The World Martial Arts Hall of Fame inducted Dang twice: once for his expertise in aikido and again for his lifelong dedication to the martial arts. He has been in the martial arts for over fifty years and currently teaches in southern California.

Lynn Seiser is an internationally respected psychotherapist, consultant, and trainer. Seiser has over three decades of martial arts training and experience. He currently holds the rank of Nidan (second degree black belt) in Tenshinkai aikido under Sensei Phong Thong Dang.

Contents

Part 1: Introduction
Chapter 1: The history of Aikido
Chapter 2: The philosophy of Aikido
Chapter 3: The different branches of Aikido
Part 2: Getting started
Chapter 4: Choosing the right school
Chapter 5: Clothing and equipment
Chapter 6: Your first class
Chapter 7: Safety
Part 3: Learning the basics
Chapter 8: Basic principles
Chapter 9: Stances and footwork
Chapter 10: Strikes
Chapter 11: Grabs
Chapter 12: Throwing techniques
Chapter 13: Locking and pinning techniques
Part 4: Applying the basics
Chapter 14: Ki development
Chapter 15: Randori and jiyu-waza
Part 5: The training session
Chapter 16: Warming up
Chapter 17: How to participate in a workout
Chapter 18: Mental training
Chapter 19: Self-defense
Part 6: Making progress
Chapter 20: Setting a goal and setting up a training program
Chapter 21: Testing for belt promotion
Chapter 22: Demonstrations
Glossary
Resources bibliography… (més)