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Aikido and the Harmony of Nature
Here is a unique approach to the teachings of the Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, as interpreted by his direct student of fifteen years. Mitsugi Saotome examines the spiritual philosophy of the Founder, the warrior ideals of feudal Japan as the basis of his martial arts philosophy, and the scientific principles underlying the philosophy of Aikido technique.
The author shows that the physical movement of Aikido is the embodiment of principles of the spirit. Negative force is not countered with aggression but is controlled and redirected through the power and balance of spiral movement. This is the shape of Aikido and the dynamic shape at the foundation of all energies of existence. Aikido movement can only be understood from its roots in universal law and the processes of nature. The sincere practice and study of Aikido deepens our appreciation for the perfection of nature's balance and brings us back into harmony with our environment, other people, and ourselves.
Abundantly illustrated with the author's drawings, diagrams, and calligraphies, as well as photographs demonstrating Aikido techniques, the book also offers a history of Aikido, personal anecdotes about the Founder, and translations of several of his lectures.
The author shows that the physical movement of Aikido is the embodiment of principles of the spirit. Negative force is not countered with aggression but is controlled and redirected through the power and balance of spiral movement. This is the shape of Aikido and the dynamic shape at the foundation of all energies of existence. Aikido movement can only be understood from its roots in universal law and the processes of nature. The sincere practice and study of Aikido deepens our appreciation for the perfection of nature's balance and brings us back into harmony with our environment, other people, and ourselves.
Abundantly illustrated with the author's drawings, diagrams, and calligraphies, as well as photographs demonstrating Aikido techniques, the book also offers a history of Aikido, personal anecdotes about the Founder, and translations of several of his lectures.
251 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 27, 2012
When I first started investigating Aikido, I really had no idea what to expect. I knew it was intended to use an attacker's energy as a defense, but that was about it. After reading this book, I knew Aikido was philosophically and physically in-tune with what I was looking for.
In Aikido and the Harmony of Nature, Saotome Sensei presents Aikido teachings as they were presented to him by O Sensei, Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. There is a lot of spiritual talk and illustration showing the non-physical basis for Aikido, as well as a good amount of discussion of where the inspiration for the movements in Aikido originate and why they're so important to proper execution.
The illustrations are very interesting -- hand drawn for the most part, along with some stills taken from motion reels. Even the illustrations do not stop at the physical execution of Aikido, but they attempt to provide conceptual depth to the teachings.
This was quite literally a life changing book for me. My life is richer due to reading this book since it led me to study Aikido for more than a year and to change because of that experience. I recommend this book to anyone, regardless of your current motivations.
In Aikido and the Harmony of Nature, Saotome Sensei presents Aikido teachings as they were presented to him by O Sensei, Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. There is a lot of spiritual talk and illustration showing the non-physical basis for Aikido, as well as a good amount of discussion of where the inspiration for the movements in Aikido originate and why they're so important to proper execution.
The illustrations are very interesting -- hand drawn for the most part, along with some stills taken from motion reels. Even the illustrations do not stop at the physical execution of Aikido, but they attempt to provide conceptual depth to the teachings.
This was quite literally a life changing book for me. My life is richer due to reading this book since it led me to study Aikido for more than a year and to change because of that experience. I recommend this book to anyone, regardless of your current motivations.
July 7, 2019
A fairly good introduction to the philosophical and metaphysical underbelly to one of the newer* martial arts systems: Aikido.
As a westerner I advocate suspending judgment while reading it and simply just reading critically.
As a practitioner, or aspiring practitioner youll end the reading of this book with more questions than answers and as such you wont gain a lot.
Overall, this was an interesting book that I advocate for the shelf of anyone interested in the eastern combat systems
*(as in within the last 200 years). This as contrasted to some of the older systems like the animal forms of kung foo, "old style" jiu jitsu ect
As a westerner I advocate suspending judgment while reading it and simply just reading critically.
As a practitioner, or aspiring practitioner youll end the reading of this book with more questions than answers and as such you wont gain a lot.
Overall, this was an interesting book that I advocate for the shelf of anyone interested in the eastern combat systems
*(as in within the last 200 years). This as contrasted to some of the older systems like the animal forms of kung foo, "old style" jiu jitsu ect
Currently reading
December 4, 2011I recently saw a comment in an interview with another student of O Sensei: (paraphrased) "In later years, O sensei would just give these long lectures that no one understood..." Well, Saotome Sensei certainly applied himself to understanding
something
; and here he tries to pass on what he learned. I'm grateful that he's done so. Since I live too far from a dojo right now to train as much as I would like, this book has been a wonderful way to connect with the essence of the practice.
May 18, 2011
Its teachings were more on the aspects, the connections with nature, less in the technical applications but all in all, great book!
January 28, 2020
I loved Mitsugi Schools and Dojos I had trained at over the years.
August 5, 2020
Read as a part of a book group, which helped me to understand and digest more.
December 26, 2016
This is a good book about some of the basic beliefs and values often associated with the martial arts style of aikido. The author provides some interesting perspectives and ideas that extend past the study of aikido. Note that this book is not an instructional manual about the practice of aikido nor is this a book about fighting.
May 25, 2009
My Teacher's Teacher
May 21, 2016
"You are the wind, the sun, a mountain, and, exactly, you are art." - "If you are weak, you have no choice." - Worth a (re)read if you practice Aikido.
November 6, 2016
Super engaging as a thoughtful look at life and also for those training in the art. Thoroughly worthwhile to have a copy of your own
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews