The Art of Aikido: Principles and Essential Techniques

by Kisshomaru Ueshiba

Deep insight into both the spiritual and technical demensions of Aikido

Aikido is a modern Budo founded by Morihei Ueshiba after he had mastered many traditional Japanese martial arts and engaged in profound spiritual training. Morihei maintained, "In true Budo, there is no enemy. True Budo is the function of love. A martial art solely concerned with winning and losing
is not true Budo. Victory is to thoroughly rid the mind of contention and conflict within ourselves."

This book was composed by Kisshomaru Ueshiba, Morihei's son and successor as the Second Aikido Doshu (the person who embodies the spirit of Aikido as inherited from the founder and is its living symbol ). Morihei himself taught Aikido in archaic, esoteric language, and limited his instruction to a
select few. In order to introduce Aikido to the rest of the world, his son simplified its philosophy and arranged the techniques so that it would be possible for any serious trainee to practice this martial art. Aikido is now practiced in eighty-five foreign countries-a testament to Kisshomaru's
achievement. The Aikido ideal of "refining one's mind and body to foster a spirit of harmony" has obviously struck a common chord among the peoples of the world.

This book is a compilation of Kisshomaru's writings on Aikido. It will provide the reader with deep insight into both the spiritual and technical dimensions of Aikido, and explain its central features-ki energy, breathing methods, posture, among others. The book is detailed with many dynamic photos,
depicting the author, and his son Moriteru ( present Doshu, and the author of The Aikido master Course ), carrying out the techniques. It is a work that all Aikido practitioners, from beginner to master, will want to acquire.

Genres: Martial Arts

174 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

植芝吉祥丸

Reviews

[Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that the first 80 or so pages were the best. Those pages covered the mental aspects and philosophy of Aikido. The latter half of the book is more on the physical aspects but I found that wanting. Maybe because I'm no longer a consistent practitioner.

[Rahmat Romadon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Baca buku ini bisa kembali me-review prinsip-prinsip dan falsafah dari teknik-teknik dasar Aikido. Ilustrasinya juga lumayan oke.

[Bernie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful book, especially the photography. However, it is definitely more a philosophical treatise than a how to, so be sure that's what you want from the book.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very beautiful illustration but not very informative about the execution of all techniques.

[Andrew Magee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice and poetic.