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The agent and publishers we first contacted agreed, but material was still fairly rough. More photos were shot and extensive digital work was done on them to clarify technique. Additional sections were added to describe combat strategy and philosophy behind "Positive Aikido". Sections on ethics and morals within arts were developed along with material dealing with selection of a martial art for beginners, and of course, history section was strengthened and sharpened.
Lastly, a complete re-organisation of material was accomplished with an addition of a section on pins and control and weapons (jo and sword). The finished work is comprised of more than 1000 photos, 600 hand-drawings and complex explanations and tips to make techniques of Aikido work properly. It includes detailed writing on "Positive" mindset as well as complete sections geared to beginners, intermediate students and advanced practitioners.
Although several traditional publishers expressed interest in printing book, and initial negotiations were entered into with one California-based company, advent of "print-on-demand" technology and resulting new publishing market, made for a better alternative.
Of this book as it stands now, authors say this - "There are a lot of books on Martial Arts out there, and this one fits into crowd well - but it also stands alone in sheer comprehensiveness of work. It is a nearly complete representation of a single school's technique - it is a historical marker - a book of strategy - an ethical guide - a technical manual - and it is a chart, graph and manifest of all things which make martial artists as a whole stand together as sisters and brothers with same warrior spirit."
This letter of recommendation is from William (Bill) Woods Sensei. Sensei Woods was in 1950's and 60's Aide and personal secretary to Kenshiro Abbe Sensei. At that time Sensei Woods was considered most influential and powerful figure in British Martial Arts. In 1955 he was British Judo Champion. He was first person to be graded by Abbe Sensei to 1st dan in Kendo, holding certificate No 1, he was a key figure in creation of British Judo Council ( BJC ) and International Budo Council ( IBC ). There are too many credits to name of Sensei Woods to be listed here. I am very proud to have known Sensei Woods for almost 50 years. signed: Henry Ellis.
The new book is published by Trafford Publishing and avaIlable from all good book shops and online with Amazon, priced around $18.95 or £10.00. 156 pages : ISBN number 1-4120-4668-8.
The Positive Aikido book can be ordered in UK through Trafford Publishing www.Trafford.com. Phone your order to Trafford UK Tel: 01270 251396, or from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. By: Henry Ellis http://www.EllisAikido.org http://www.geocities.com/britishaikido
Henry Ellis a direct student of the legendary master Kenshiro Abbe Sensei from 1957. Ellis was one of the first of eight black belts for Aikido in Britain in the 1950's.