The Spirit of Aikido [Paperback]

Kisshomaru Ueshiba (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 15, 1988

Aiki is the power of harmony, of all beings, all things working together.

Aikido-a modern Japanese martial art unique in its synthesis of classic forms with a well-defined spiritual base-offers a key to the art of living naturally and unselfishly in a complicated world. This book explains it in reference to the founder's philosophy of mind-and action. In addition, the history of aikido's prewar development as a non-competitive new martial art is described, with a consideration of its international role.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Japanese (translation) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

KISSHOMARU UESHIBA: the second Aikido Doshu (the person who embodies the spirit of Aikido as inherited from the founder and is the living symbol of Aikido). He was born in 1921, the third son of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. He graduated from Waseda University in 1946, became master of the Aikido World Headquarters in 1948, and in 1967 was named chairman of the Aikikai Foundation, the principal Aikido organization in Japan and overseas. His formal appointment as successor to his father took place in 1969. He died in 1999.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Kodansha USA (March 15, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0870118501
• ISBN-13: 978-0870118500
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 4.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #613,999 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a must read for anyone interested in Aikido., January 26, 1999

By 

Anonymous "San Francisco Reader" (San Francisco) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Spirit of Aikido (Paperback)

i read this book before i knew anything about Aikido. I must say that the ideas That Doshu expresses in this book are incredible. After finishing the book i saw in the back that there was a Dojo in Berkeley right near where i live so i went to watch and have been training since that day everyday for three hours. The expression and clarity in the book are ones that not all martial arts books can do. If you are interested it will be a most enjoyable read, if your not interested you'll still enjoy it.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An indespensible requirement for any Akidoka ., November 6, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Spirit of Aikido (Paperback)

A well written overview of Aikido,its beginnings its philosophy from someone very close to its founder,his son. This book has been with me for 10 years and I read it constantly. It helps me in the Dojo at home and work. Spiritually its uplifting and I am always concious of its content. One has to read it to gain their own reflection. I have a long way to go. An absolute must for any Akidoka or persons wanting a full life.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Thorough Overview of Aikido, November 12, 2003

By 

Patrick Beaudry (Winston-Salem, NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Spirit of Aikido (Paperback)

This book is an excellent resource for anyone who is interested in finding out what makes Aikido different from other martial arts, or one who wants a little history on this relatively young martial art. The goal of this book is to let the reader know what makes Aikido stand out in relation to other martial arts, and to explain the overall goals of Aikidoka, or practitioners of Aikido. It doesn't spend much time discussing movements or katas, but rather tries to impart the very nature of Aikido, which is the harmony of mankind through martial arts. Aikido differs from many martial arts in the non-aggressive nature of its movements, and its non-violent attitude. The idea of Aikido is to disperse an attack without harming the attacker, or allowing one's self to come to harm. Written by the son of the founder of Aikido, its authenticity cannot be challenged by anyone within the martial arts world.

If you are interested in getting to know more about Aikido, this is the book for you. However, if you are looking for a how-to book on Aikido, this one isn't what you're looking for.