"Total Aikido" is a VERY fine manual on Yoshinkan Aikido -- as founded by Gozo Shioda -- who trained deeply with Morihei Ueshiba starting before World War II. So a very self-defense oriented Aikido is presented -- almost like a renewal of Aiki Jutsu Daitoryu -- even with nearly indentical technical terms. Yet its Aiki as good as any -- in all methods presented -- as would be expected coming from Gozo Shioda -- who was barely over a hundred pounds but had a mountain of intense Aiki to extend GREAT skill. This Aiki Art is PROVEN via its many Japanese Self-Defense Force, Police and other students -- as well as those of us across the seas who have encountered Yoshinkan Aikido directly via friendly hospitality of its intense followers -- welcoming visitors to their Dojo mat one way or another. "Total Aikido" itself is presented via perfectionist illustration and explanation of the few well-chosen core methods and many well-ordered adaptations to attack-situations. Indeed Gozo Shioda and Yasuhisa Shioda -- via Yoshinkan Aikido and this fine manual -- DO show just how "gentleness can overcome the strong" +++