Principles of Aikido

by Mitsugi Saotome

Mitsugi Saotome—a principal student of Morihei Ueshiba, the Founder of Aikido—explains the philosophy and practice of the popular martial art, which emphasizes harmony and peaceful resolution of conflict. Over one thousand photographs illustrate the basic principles and techniques, including the use if the wooden sword, the wooden staff, and "empty hand" techniques. The reader is given guidance in the proper physical, mental, and spiritual attitudes with which to approach this practice and in ways to apply the wisdom of Aikido to everyday life. Also included are lectures by the founder himself.

Genres: Martial Arts

223 pages, Paperback

First published July 22, 1989

Reviews

[Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Saotome is an amazing teacher, although I only know him through his students. The real treasure of this book is found in its essays.

[X · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a beginner aikido student, I found the essays enlightening. My teacher talks about how all the techniques are connected to these principles but this book kind of helped me picture it a lot better.

About half the book is detailed explanations on how to do the techniques, complete with photographs. Maybe it's just not my learning style but I didn't get a lot out of this, especially without a partner to practice with. It might be more helpful as a reference for you to go back and read the tips after you learn the techniques in class, but I'm only borrowing the book so I can't use it for that.

Overall it's a good book, helped me understand more about the history and philosophy of aikido.

[Ron Oltmanns · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a great book and a good place to deepen your cognitive understanding of aikido (of course practicing on the mat is the best place to learn aikido). The essays are the highlight. The illustrations are helpful too. His other book (Aikido and the Harmony of Nature) is even better for the philosophy of the art and connections to fundamental principles.