Bennett, Gary

Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Publishing, Inc., 183 pages (1998)
ISBN: 0-88011-598-X
PO Box 5076

Recommended

Gary Bennett’s work covers Tejitsu Aikido, the school of aikido he founded in the eastern United States in 1989. Experienced also in Yoseikan Aikido, the author wrote the book in a manner meant to appeal to a western audience while still retaining aikido’s meaning: way of spiritual harmony. The text begins with Bennett discussing the history of aikido’s predecessor aiki-bujutsu, and the subsequent spiritual awakening by the founder of aikido, O-Sensei. The author briefly discusses schools of thought which have since derived from O-Sensei’s original teachings, with varying degrees of emphasis on the spiritual nature of the art.

Bennett then offers advice concerning the choice of a particular martial art and school. Not surprisingly, he promotes “softer” arts (e.g., judo, kung-fu, and his own aikido) as opposed to “harder” arts (e.g., karate, tangsoodo, and taekwondo).

However, Bennett retains an objective stance when discussing the time and monetary commitment required to train in aikido. He also reveals the typical belt-rankings among the kyu (lower) ranks. He then explains briefly the dan (higher) ranks.

In a fascinating approach to the topic, the author emphasizes chivalry in his comparison of Eastern and Western martial arts. He traces both through the feudal ages, and includes an overview of the original Code of Bushido (which placed emphasis on integrity, valor, compassion, manners, honesty, honor, and loyalty). In addition, Bennett includes a paragraph explaining the significance of the sword in kenjutsu, and discusses the importance of the martial art to disarmed Samurai. During this portion of the text, Bennett likens the martial arts developed in the East to those developed in the West, citing English boxing, French savate, and Russian sambo for their comparable qualities. He further cites the Christian Bible’s Genesis 14:14 where Abram gathered his trained servants, and provides historical information concerning the original spread of martial arts from the Middle East to the Far East—not vice versa.

Bennett then provides information concerning the retention of the original language on which aikido was founded: Japanese. As a resource to any individual training in the art without experience in the Japanese language, the text provides proper pronunciations and definitions for a catalog of words. The section closes with page-long descriptions of the basic principles of aikido: Yield (Yotto), No Mind (Mushin), Weakness (Yowasa), Power (Ki), Circle (En), Line (Sen), and Breaking the Balance (Kuzushi).

A section on workout preparation follows, and includes recommended stretching and warm-up routines.

The remainder of the text provides well over 100 pages of textual and pictorial descriptions of various techniques ideal for street fighting. The author implies that these techniques should be utilized only where no other option exists. Included in the section is a discussion of techniques, beginning with proper falls, a must for any martial artist to prevent injury upon impact. The author provides information on other technique basics, such as parries, blocks, counter strikes, and breakouts.

Thereafter, the author discusses various joint-lock techniques for the wrist and arm, as well as throwing techniques from varying positions of the body. Then follows what any student progressing in the arts seeks: combination defenses. The author takes the time to revisit previously discussed techniques and turn those skills into something that can be combined in dynamic combat situations.

The final section on street defense carries a serious tone in its exploration of weapon defenses. The author discusses basic information on legal rights of a martial artist, emphasizing the limit of using equal force against an attacker and the necessity of halting a counterattack where an opponent ceases attack. As a result, this section requires that a martial artist achieve a high degree of maturity before proceeding further. The section begins by discussing the disarming of an individual with a handgun, explaining how to tell whether an individual is left or right handed when behind you, how to judge distance, and the importance of cooperation over risk to one’s self or loved ones. The author also provides information concerning defense against knife attacks, discerning between an expert knife wielder and a novice. In all cases, the author emphasizes an expectation to be cut regardless of an opponent’s skill with a blade.

The author ends the book on a much lighter note, dealing with training for the art of aikido. He emphasizes cardiovascular workouts and moderate weight lifting techniques. In the end, the author reiterates the importance of flexibility. As a result, Gary Bennett makes a valuable case for “softer” arts, namely his own art of aikido. His work, Aikido: Techniques & Tactics, does an excellent job promoting Tejitsu Aikido.
Updated: April 2008

Annotated by: Pietro deVolpi (April 2002)

Martial Arts: Aikido |

Topics: forms | history | instruction | legal issues | self-defense | training/exercise science | weapons |