Best Aikido: The Fundamentals (Illustrated Japanese Classics) (Hardcover)

by Kisshomaru Ueshiba (Author), Moriteru Ueshiba (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The book is a concise, illustrated guide for how to do the basic aikido techniques, with information of value to practitioners of all levels....As a technical reference for the performance of basic aikido techniques, this book is exemplary and sets the standard." - Journal of Asian Martial Arts
"An excellent introduction to the basics of aikido." -The Hawai'i Herald
"The major part of the book contains excellent photos of fundamental Aikido techniques demonstrated by Moriteru Ueshiba himself, an invaluable reference work which I recommend to all my students and to the general readership who require an authoritative, clearly presented, and extremely well-written introduction to the art of Aikido." -Cultural News


Product Description
At last, the complete and authoritative introduction to all the fundamentals of Aikido, coauthored by the two direct successors to the Founder of the martial art, Morihei Ueshiba. Coauthors Kisshomaru Ueshiba and Moriteru Ueshiba, son and grandson of the Founder, seek to carry on his legacy and to share with the millions of men and women around the world practicing Aikido today the most important techniques and principles of the art.

This book is the quintessential training aid for all Aikido practitioners -- whether beginning or advanced -- who wish to further their understanding of the forms and spirit of Aikido.

Underlying the forms, or physical techniques, are the spiritual principles of Aikido, which are based on the notion of ki, or "life force." Ki is the fundamental element to understanding Aikido. But as the authors explain, it cannot be learned merely by watching a demonstration or reading a book. Rather, one must come to experience it through practice, in unifying body and mind.

Best Aikido helps guide the practitioner to this goal. It offers step-by-step instruction that will complement knowledge learned in the dojo. The text is illustrated with a wealth of never-before-seen photographs that feature Aikido master Moriteru Ueshiba demonstrating the fundamental techniques of the art.

Best Aikido is authorized by the Aikikai Foundation, the central organization set up by Morihei Ueshiba.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Kodansha International (July 26, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 4770027621
• ISBN-13: 978-4770027627
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #367,903 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Book on the Basics of Aikido, April 6, 2004

By	Sun Tzu (Hong Kong) - See all my reviews

I have 4 other titles on Aikido and have browsed through quite a few others. I must say this is by far the best on the basics of Aikido. The pictures are reasonably clear and the descriptions are reasonably detailed. However, I would have liked all the techniques executed (and pictures taken) without the hakama on so that the readers can have a good look at the footwork as well.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars best so far, November 29, 2007

By	Tyler Forge "realist" (Sunnydale, CA) - See all my reviews

I'm a beginner (aren't we all) and have about 5 aikido books in the library so far. I am currently preparing for a kyu test and this book is the most helpful. Period. Not as good as time in the dojo, but very good.

The pictures are clear and they confirm the stuff we all should already know. More importantly for me is that this book has the most understandable presentation of the names and words for the various stances, holds, throws, etc.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to understand, May 23, 2005

By	James A. Kubic - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have read several aikido books that demonstrate visually, proper aikido techniques. This is the first book I have read that was easy to follow, easy to understand and easy to remember. Although it was easy in all these areas, it wasn't at all lacking. The information in this book is "must have" for any beginning aikido practitioner.