By Adele Westbrook and Oscar Ratti

Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere transcends the typical martial arts manual, capturing the essence of aikido as conceived by its founder, Morihei Ueshiba, known as O-sensei. Created in 1920s Japan, aikido isn’t about brute strength but the harmony of mind and body—a skillful deflection of aggression through balance and control. Ratti and Westbrook’s book deftly presents this philosophy, illustrating how anyone, regardless of size or strength, can master the art by aligning intention with technique.

This volume, crafted by the husband-and-wife team, offers more than 1,200 clear illustrations that gracefully demystify complex techniques. Each chapter unfolds like a dojo lesson, covering everything from “What is Aikido?” to “Advanced Practice,” making it accessible yet profound. The illustrations don’t just show moves; they reveal the fluid, almost dance-like quality of aikido that photographs could never capture.

More than a technical guide, Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere offers readers a look into the culture of aikido—the etiquette, dojo structure, and ranking, all with an scholarly eye. It’s as much a guide to the art’s spirit as to its techniques. In a market crowded with clunky manuals, this book stands out for its clarity, depth, and respect for aikido’s values, inviting anyone with a spark of curiosity to experience the balance and power at the heart of the “art of peace.”

“…an outstanding introduction to the art of Aikido. Anyone starting out in aikido would do well to buy this book, read the beginning chapters of it and then review it from time to time. Great book!” –AikidoJournal.com