Aikido Osai Waza: Pinning Techniques In Traditional Aikido

In this review of Aikido Osai Waza: Pinning Techniques In Traditional Aikido, the bottom line is simple: this volume is for practitioners and instructors who want a dense, visual reference of takemusu aiki pinning techniques. The reviewer found the book particularly valuable for its photographic detail and its focus on tai jutsu pins drawn from the Iwama tradition established by O-Sensei Moreihei Ueshiba. If you want a practical, image-driven manual rather than a general history, this book delivers a clear, methodical reference.

Key Features

• Traditional focus: Emphasizes the Iwama lineage and methods founded by O-Sensei Moreihei Ueshiba, helping readers study authentic technique context.
• Pinning techniques: Concentrates on osai waza in tai jutsu so students can deepen their understanding of control and immobilization.
• Extensive photographic content: Contains more than 1300 pictures that show step-by-step body positions and grips for visual learners and instructors.
• First in a series: Being the first volume of three makes it a focused part of a larger, structured curriculum for serious study.
• Practical reference: The photo-led layout makes it easy to flip to specific pins during practice or lesson planning without long textual explanations.

Who It's For

This book is best for aikido students, assistant instructors, and dedicated practitioners who train in or study the Iwama/Takemusu Aiki tradition and prefer learning from images. It works well as a dojo reference for teaching pinning sequences, and as a study aid for those preparing for rank exams where clear visual repetition helps retention.

It is less suited to readers looking for a broad modern aikido survey, deep historical analysis, or a weapons-focused manual, since this volume zeroes in on tai jutsu pinning techniques and is one part of a three-volume set.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extensive photographic coverage makes technique steps easy to follow for visual learners.
• Clear emphasis on the Iwama tradition gives authentic context to the material.
• Compact single-subject focus helps instructors locate pinning material quickly during lessons.

Cons

• Very image-heavy approach means readers seeking long textual explanation or theory may find it light on narrative detail.

Specifications

Title	Aikido Osai Waza: Pinning Techniques In Traditional Aikido
Author/Brand	Mats Alexandersson
Focus	Pinning techniques in tai jutsu (osai waza)
Tradition	Iwama / Takemusu Aiki founded by O-Sensei Moreihei Ueshiba
Volume	Volume 1 of 3
Illustrations	More than 1300 pictures

Our Verdict

For committed aikido students and instructors who value photographic, technique-focused references, Aikido Osai Waza is a strong, practical choice that offers exceptional visual documentation of pinning methods within the Iwama tradition. It represents good value as the first concentrated volume in a broader series for those building a structured study library.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book part of a series?
Yes. This is the first volume of three, focusing specifically on pinning techniques in tai jutsu.

Who authored the book?
The book is by Mats Alexandersson and presents material from the Iwama Takemusu Aiki tradition.

How are techniques presented?
Techniques are shown primarily through more than 1300 photographs that illustrate step-by-step positions and grips.