Aikido (Illustrated Japanese Classics) (Paperback)

by Kisshomaru Ueshiba (Author) "All the natural, flexible movements of Aikido originate from correct postures..." (more)
Key Phrases: oblique stance, body leftward, body rightward, Aikikai Foundation (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
authoritative, profusely illustrated introduction to a martial defense system, written by the son of its founder.
The principles of Aikido state that force and technique, alone, are inadequate. The practitioner must enter into the domain of the spirit to develop himself and his thought. This book gives the basic knowledge needed to master the art of Aikido. It shows basic preparatory exercises that can be done alone or in pairs. There are chapters on techniques, a history of the system, and a memoir by the Founder.
Kisshomaru Ueshiba is permanent president of the International Aikido Federation.

About the Author

KISSHOUMARU UESHIBA was born in 1921 in Ayabe, Kyoto, and registered in his father's home town of Tanabe in Wakayama. The third son of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido, he has studied under his father from boyhood. After graduating from the Political Science Department of Waseda University in 1946, he became General Director of the Aikikai Foundation Hombu Dojo, the World Headquarters of Aikido, in 1948. Since that time he has been constantly active in the management of the Foundation as well as giving instruction in the art at the Headquarters and in many places around the world. In 1955, Mr. Ueshiba was made Managing Director, and in 1967 he became Executive Director.
After the death of his father in 1969, the author succeeded to the position of Aikido Doshu, a hereditary title of honor that means "Master of the Way".
Mr. Ueshiba was appointed President of the International Aikido Federation in 1975. His importance in the forefront of the Aikido movement has brought him posts in other civic and martial arts organizations such as the Nippon Budokan Foundation and the Japan Diplomatic Association.

Product Details

• Paperback: 190 pages
• Publisher: Japan Publications Trading (April 15, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0870406299
• ISBN-13: 978-0870406294
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #713,224 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #67 in

  Books > Sports > Individual Sports > Martial Arts > Aikido

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to understand, philosophy and technique of Aikido!, September 19, 1999

By A Customer

Quite simply one of the finest Aikido texts available. From basic principles, to specific techniques, to philosophy and history, this book has it all. Nothing can replace study in a dojo, but this book makes the difference detween doing and understanding what you are doing. Also see "Principles of Aikido" by Saotome Sensei.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good for Aikidokas who have begun training, July 5, 1999

By A Customer

This is my very first book in Aikido (or any martial art for that matter). I wasn't a practitioner then and I didn't have a clue what was transpiring in between the pages. However, the book is a great reference for me when I started training because it helped me identify and remember the movements I had picked up during class. That came in really handy during grading. I like the footwork and handwork illustrations, although the translation and explanations lack detail. But a great book to have nonetheless.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars good book with not-so-good pictures, April 11, 2003

By A Customer

I found this book an excellent source and a good introduction for Akikdo. There are several techniques in the book, accompanied by very clear and concise verbal explanation. The only thing I don't like is the quality of the pictures. Most of them are too dark and too small. It is difficult to see the exact hands position in the picture. If you are an experience Aikido practitioner, you probably can guess what they are doing and how to place your hands in certain technique. If not, it's hard to see the subtle point of the technique.

Of course, even the best book is not a substitution of a real practice with a good teacher, but good books can help you a lot. I think this book is a good reference for a seasoned Aikidoka, but for a beginner or a general audience (like me) who needs more accurate description and illustration of teachniques, two books by Mr. Gozo Shioda are much easier to follow.