The Language of Aikido

Book Review

The Language of Aikido

A Practitioner's Guide to Japanese Characters and Terminology, by Michael J. Hacker

Michael J. Hacker has recently published a book about the language of aikido, where he explains its terminology and analyzes its kanji characters. It is an interesting read for any aikido student. Not only does it unravel what the words and expressions mean, but just as importantly: what they don’t mean. There are many misconceptions floating around in the aikido community.

Michael is a professional linguist who practiced aikido for many years in Japan. So, his knowledge is right from the source.

It’s a blessing that he brings the kanji into the picture, all through. Without examining them, any understanding of aikido terminology would be superficial and uncertain. They are the keys to the principles and philosophy of aikido. I am convinced that the study of aikido is incomplete without at least getting somewhat acquainted with the language – and kanji – of it. Michael’s book is an excellent guide.

And there is more. The book also contains a selection of Osensei’s doka, songs of the path, and my favorite: an inspiring collection of Japanese proverbs relevant to all budo, explained by Michael with both insight and a poetic flair.

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My other reviews

I've reviewed some other books about aikido and related topics.

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My Own Aikido Books

Aikido Principles

Basic Concepts of the Peaceful Martial Art. The principles, philosophy, and basic ideas of aikido. It's not about the aikido techniques, but the thoughts and ideas behind them. You could call it a book on aikido theory. It was my first book, initially in Swedish. It has also been published in German and Czech. The first edition of the English version had the title Aikido — The Peaceful Martial Art. It's still around, but I recommend this edition called Aikido Principles.

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Attacks in Aikido

How to do kogeki, the attack techniques. All the attack techniques in aikido explained, and how to do them correctly. This is an often neglected field in aikido training. We focus on the aikido defense techniques but forget to learn the attacks properly — but then the development of our aikido skills will suffer. So, I wrote this book. As far as I know, it's the only one on the subject.

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Aikibatto

Sword and staff exercises for aikido students. I developed a comprised system of sword and staff exercises (aikiken and aikijo), initially for my own students to get familiar with these things. Other aikido students seemed to appreciate it, so I made this book. The exercises are explained in detail, with practical and spiritual aspects of the sword arts, how to teach them, equipment for training, and more.

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Qi — Increase Your Life Energy

Ki, the life energy, is a very important aspect of aikido. This is evident already in the name of this martial art. It's the same as the Chinese concept qi (also spelled chi or ch'i). Although essential in many ways, far from all aikido students know how to deal with it and integrate it in their training. Therefore, I wrote this book explaining ki, with several simple basic exercises on how to awaken, increase, and use the life energy.

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My Aikido Books

Click the images to see the books at Amazon (paid link).

Aikido Principles

Basic Concepts of the Peaceful Martial Art. The basic principles, philosophy and traditional budo concepts in aikido.
More about the book here.

Attacks in Aikido

How to do kogeki, the attack techniques. All the attack techniques in aikido explained, and how to do them correctly.
More about the book here.

Aikibatto

Aikiken Sword Exercises for Aikido. The aikibatto exercises, practical and spiritual aspects of the sword arts, advice on equipment for training.
More about the book here.