Bokken. Sword in Aikido. Kihon Aikiken: Volume I

Giving this book to the readers I deeply believe that I will contribute to the greater popularisation of aikido in the world. I have divided the book “Bokken. Sword in Aikido. Kihon Aikiken. Volume I” into two thematic blocks. The first of them has a historical background. In it I refer to the history of Japan and, above all, to the most important social and military conditions that shaped for centuries the art of sword. In this part I describe the Japanese warrior and the katana sword. I also present here important facts from the life of master Morihei Ueshiba and the profiles of his students. That’s how I wanted to refresh the increasingly weakening memory of the people who participated in the creation the aikido art. I have devoted a few dozen pages to this because I think it is an extremely important element of the tradition of the art, giving meaning to the identity of people practising aikido. I have devoted the second thematic block to the technical grounds of aikiken. From this part, the reader will learn what is necessary for mastering the skills of wielding a bokken. It is obvious that the book in no way will replace the practice and knowledge derived from the teacher. However, I hope that not the book alone, but my experiences – collected for over twenty years – described in it will systematise the knowledge about aikiken and encourage you to start training with a sword. See you on the mat… Author of the book, Bartosz Ciechanowicz