The Structure of Aikido by Gaku Homma

The Structure of Aikido: Volume 1: Kenjutsu and Taijutsu Sword and Open-Hand Movement Relationships is a far more detailed book about Aikido than Aikido: The Way of Harmony .

"Aikido: The Way of Harmony" is more of an overview or introduction to Aikido.  Useful for people wanting to get some basic understanding of Aikido.

While this book, the first in a three book series, is for people that want to start the long path of learning Aikido.  It clearly illustrates beginning foot and hand movements.  And shows the connection Aikido has with the Way of the Sword.

Though the photography is black and white, there are lots of photos for each sequence, almost like the individual frames from a movie camera.  Also, there is clear illustration of foot placement to help convey proper movement.  These foot illustrations show just the feet from above, like a dance book might, so all you see is feet in the proper relation ship to each other and your opponent.

I found the illustrations of the feet useful for understanding what one is actually supposed to do for body movement.  That alone was worth the price of the book for me. 

The Martial Arts have never come naturally to me, I think I am far more of a word person than a physically coordinated person.  The illustrations of the feet was more useful for me than live instruction.  Let me understand enough so I could learn from hands on instruction.

So for anyone looking to start Aikido, or someone who is struggling to grasp some of the body mechanics, take a look at this book.  I think you will find a permanent place for it in your martial arts library.

7th Sigma by Steven Gould

If I remember correctly, Wildside was the first book of Gould's that I read, and I have been a fan ever since.

His latest book 7th Sigma is another truly enjoyable read, I would consider it a Young Adult or coming of age book, it is more of collection of short stories about Kim and his adventures than a true novel.

I really liked it, and I am long past young adult, I think readers from middle school age on up will like this book.  Assuming they like this general type of science fiction.

I stayed up all night to finish reading it the day I discovered it online.  Thank you Kindle!  I just love how when I discover a great book I can buy it and start reading instantly. 

I think this book is somewhat similar to the Serenity/Firefly series, in the sense that they are both really westerns with a science fiction setting.

In 7th Sigma the bugs prevent any metal from being used in their territory, so people are forced to use more primitive weapons made from wood and bone.  Or really sophisticated guns made from advanced ceramics, but only the government tends to have the advanced ceramic guns.

Everyone has to travel by foot or horseback in the bug infested region, even though the book is set in the near future United States.

If you like Serenity/Firefly there is a good chance you will like this book.

You can read a free sample at Tor titled "Bugs in the Arroyo".


Some trivia, Gould is a high level practitioner of Akido, and he portrays his art very accurately in his novels.

Though he has a rather fanciful perspective about unarmed martial artist vs armed opponents.  [I mention this because I review non fiction martial arts books on this blog.  You can learn a lot about Akido from Gould's books, but don't believe that even a skilled martial artist has much of a chance vs even a moderately trained armed opponent.]

If you would like even more good fiction with a lot of real Aikido, try Gould's novel Helm.

Check the right side of my Blog for link to Gould's blog.

Aikido: The Way of Harmony by John Stevens

Aikido: The Way of Harmony

Is a very good book, 4 out of 5 stars, I wish they had color photographs though that would raise the price of the book significantly.  That is the only reason I am giving it 4 stars.

Aikido is a gentle art, it is what I normally recommend to people asking about a martial art for self defense.  Though I really don't like the term "martial art" specially as applied to Aikido, the name can actually be translate "the Way of harmonious spirit."

This book provides clear explanation of many of the techniques of Aikido.  Provides a clear view of what the art encompasses to anyone interested.

Highly recommend to anyone curious about Aikido, or anyone trying to decide on which martial art to study.