Buy used:
$15.49
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime
FREE delivery Saturday, May 18 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35. Order within 17 hrs 40 mins
Condition: Used: Very Good
Comment: Softcover with tight binding bright clean unmarked text and covers.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Ki in Aikido, Second Edition: A Sampler of Ki Exercises Paperback – September 28, 2010

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 36 ratings

Ki represents the life force behind the Japanese martial art of aikido. To aikidoists ki is the universal spirit present in all things, and it can also be compared to the Hebrew Ruach and the Greek Pneuma, meaning "smoke," "wind," or "spirit."

The book includes extensively illustrated step-by-step instructions of
ki exercises and test techniques that will show readers:
• The internal secrets of aikido and other martial arts
• The relationship between mind, body, and spirit
• A testable rationale for positive, creative living

This new edition expands the original chapters on breathing and meditation with additional information on modern biofeedback and the science of breath.

The Foreword is by the late George Simcox, Chief Instructor, Virginia Ki Society.
Read more Read less

The Amazon Book Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A test's great value is that it lets you know what you do not know, and saves the embarrassment and danger of learning it later in life. Tests in this handy little book go even farther. It is the greatest advance in testing since the first Unbendable Arm."
—Jay Gluck, Author,
Zen Combat

"I am thrilled with it. I will make extensive use of it, especially teaching in the dojo. This is certainly the best book I have read on the subject --so much good sense, so many helpful exercises. Great drawings!"
—Rev. Bill Bickford, Kingston Ki Aikido

About the Author

C.M. Shifflett is the author of Ki in Aikido: A Sampler of Ki Exercises and other works on Aikido and martial arts. A student of the late George Simcox and other teachers of the Virginia Ki Society, she has studied Aikido for over 20 years. She lives in Pennsylvania.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Blue Snake Books; 2nd edition (September 28, 2010)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0977870219
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0977870219
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.7 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.97 x 0.57 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 36 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
C. M. Shifflett
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

I am a science / technology geek and regenerated geologist who has taught, written and published on topics ranging from earth sciences and computer technology to martial arts, biology, and health. I take special glee in translating severely technical concepts into plain English that can be read and understood by Normal Humans.

My first 2 books were in Martial Arts. "Ki in Aikido" (1996 / 2010) and "Aikido Exercises for Teaching and Training" (1999 / 2009). Both began with the belief that too many instructors have forgotten what it's like to be a beginner.

"Migraine Brains and Bodies" (2011) began with the discovery that little had changed in migraine books since 1974 other than recommendations for MRIs (1980s) and triptans (1990s). A wealth of newer (and actually useful!) research is largely locked away in journals, $100+ medical textbooks and rarely mentioned in the popular press. I am currently working on an expanded 2nd edition and workbook.

"Conquering Concussion" (2014) was written with clinician extraordinaire Mary Lee Esty, Ph.D., who specializes in research and treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Her work with wounded veterans has clarified the symptoms of concussion and new hope for healing.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
36 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2022
If you're trained in Aikido long has I have your need this book!
Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2016
This is a basic book for understanding what Aikido is all about. This is not a "How To" book, it is a "Why" Book.
One person found this helpful
Report
Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2000
I earned my shodan during three years training in Japan (my instructors were wonderful people), and have taught for three years also (receiving permission from World Aikido headquarters).

This is an excellent little book. It is pleasant both to look at and read, and covers a lot of information in a well-paced and thoughtful manner. The elegant presentation reminds me of books on Japanese flower arrranging.

It is also concise, delivering not only what I understand to be a near-complete rendition of the various ki techniques and their applications in a straightforward manner, but also including brief notes on the various influences of aikido on cinema (The Seven Samurai, Star Wars), apocryphal tales about the founder Ueshiba Morihei, etc.

I enjoyed reading this book and consider it, unlike several other books on the subject, both well worth the expense and a useful addition to one's aikido library.
41 people found this helpful
Report
Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2016
Well written. I learned a lot from it.
Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2014
Good read. Best to understand through practice.
Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2015
An interesting reference to Ki in Aikido but, of course, of little use unless actively participating in Aikido and of a style that incorporates these exercises. If you've been contemplating involvement in Aikido then the best route is to find a couple dojos in your area, visit to observe and get a vibe, and then just start practicing.
2 people found this helpful
Report
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2009
The author, C. M. Shifflett, is able to explain Aikido exercises in a way that makes them easier to grasp, less mysterious and therefore less intimidating. I personally have a tendancy to make anything more work than it needs to be. If you find that you have the same sort of obsessive quirk, this book makes the "work" in Aikido exercises much more like a game, an experiment, a puzzle for body and mind.

Anyone familiar with any kind of martial arts knows that attitude and
intent affect the outcome of your practice. The author expands previous discussions of proper form and skill in Aikido exercises, with emphasis on personal attitude, perception and responsibility. What I believe, where my thoughts take me, and more importantly, what my intentions are - often determine my level of success. Okay, so we know this, right? Yet so often in this book, I found myself thinking, "Aha! So THAT's how that works." The author's style is refreshing, always inviting the reader to take an extra step in perceiving the meaning behind the choices we make, on and off the mat.

Included is a thorough treatise on Breathing and Meditation. This has
proven an excellent resource that I use in my own practice of meditation.
I am frequently asked for recommendations from friends and students
looking for guidance on meditation. In every instance, this, a book
about Aikido, is the first book I recommend.
5 people found this helpful
Report
Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2009
This book was a most enjoyable experience from beginning to end. The layout was crisp, clear and inviting, with tons of pictures! As a movement educator and dancer, I discovered a plentitude of useful analogies, and explainations of movement principles. I can't wait to try the chi exercises for myself, with my students and partners, and to use language and stories from this Aikido perspective, to diversify learning, teaching and movement experiences.
One person found this helpful
Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
PGMNV
5.0 out of 5 stars Tout c'est bien passer.
Reviewed in France on March 24, 2021
Le livre est bien arriver.
Konstantinos
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 30, 2013
Ki is a difficult to use term that this book explains with simpe words and success.

Very nice book and i reccomend it
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars :-)
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 29, 2018
Martijn Hordijk
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 3, 2015
good reference for ki related excersizes.
Diva-kitty
5.0 out of 5 stars Great for progression
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 2, 2011
Bought this as a pressent for my husband. He says this is very good, and helps you to better perform all your techniques.
One person found this helpful
Report