There are numerous aikido books describing the basic techniques that are practiced in aikido classes. There are two basic types of aikido practice. One is the katas described in these books. The other type of aikido practice is freestyle. Freestyle in aikido is where the student is attacked by numerous people at once using any attack they desire and frequently using training weapons. Freestyle is the part of aikido that directly trains the student to deal with real life and death situations.

Strangely enough few of the katas regularly practiced in aikido are suitable for frestyle. Freestyle does not involve using technique. It is the true aikido liberated from most form. The clubs where I learned rarely practiced freestyle. Our club focuses training on freestyle and this book covers the basics of how aikido is applied to real survival situations.

Contents

Dedication
Disclaimer
1 Acknowledgments
2 Introduction
Testimonials
What is aikido
Strikes
Aiki jujitsu
Pure aiki
Hick's law
Ethics
Overview
3 Entry
Jump Pendulum step
Lunge
Parry repost
Attack into preparation
Basic close with partner
Advanced close with partner
4 Kuta basics
Startle reflex
Racing drill
Whipping drill
Knee pop stomp
Kuta hand
Kuta punch
Punch defensive
Double punch
Butt strike
5 Aiki basics
a. Legs
Unbendable arm
Off balance
Irimi off balance
Tenkan off balance
Turn and return off balance
Back off balance
Tenshim off balance
Generate power
b. Arms Basic considerations
Entry arm
Tenchi nage
Aiki strikes
6 Attacks
a. Strikes
Yokomen uchi
Push
Tsuki
Shomen uchi
Backhand
Grab and stab
Shoulder grab and stab
b. Grabs
Lapel grab
Rear wrist grab
Rear shoulder grab
Rear bear hug
Rear choke
c. Other
Leg dive
Kicks
Throws
Aiki jujitsu
7 Tools
Jo
Ken
Rifle
8 Free style (randori)
a. Aiki
Entry position
Back defense
Always advance
Aiki free style
b. Kuta (a boxing style)
Near and far
Back and front
9 Glossary
10 Bibliography
11 About the author