Aikido and the Harmony of Nature (Paperback)

by Mitsugi Saotome (Author) "Saotome, that stone step must be moved a little closer to the house; it's difficult to step inside..." (more)
Key Phrases: shihan dai, kihon waza, irimi movement, Morihei Ueshiba, Kevin Choate, Takemusu Aiki (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Anyone with an interest in Asian culture and philosophy will also find it interesting and entertaining. Over the years I have heard many people ask, 'What is Aikido?' Mitsugi Saotome has provided us with a well-written and thorough answer."— Pacific World



"Aikido and the Harmony of Nature reveals the profound philosophical and ethical principles embodied in the art of Aikido and relates those principles to the laws of nature. It is among the clearest, deepest, and most inspiring books ever written on Aikido or, for that matter, on any martial art."—Susan Perry, Editor-in-Chief, Aikido Today magazine

 

Product Description
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.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 251 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala; 1 edition (October 19, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877738556
• ISBN-13: 978-0877738558
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #174,712 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A one of a kind book !, September 2, 1998

By	Ubaldo (Brazil) - See all my reviews

Saotome Shihan(one that is worthy to be followed) has written a very distintive and uncommon book. There is nothing about technique or fighting ways. The book is concerned with the spiritual side of Aikido and the importance of becoming a better person through its practice. That does not mean that Saotome Shihan is one of those dreamy-eyed, "new-age" people...He talks straight and proposes many ideas full of common sense. The book also is full of his fond memories of Ueshiba Sensei(founder of Aikido)and gives sound advice on how to improve our lives. All in all, a one of a kind book. You must have it in your martial arts library !

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The spiritual world of Aikido made accessible to Westerners, January 23, 1998

By	[e-mail] (Bellevue, WA) - See all my reviews

Taking the esoteric Shinto based beliefs of the Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, Saotome Sensei translates these ideas into Western terms using examples from natural science, physics, psychology, and mathematics. Not a technique book! This is the premier explanation of Aikido philosophy in terms comprehensible to the average Westerner.There are very few teachers who had more exposure to the Founder on a daily basis, training with O-Sensei for over fifteen years! If you only have one Aikido book, this should be it!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Harmony of Nature, January 2, 2007

By	Olivier Jansen "Sc0rp10n" (Oud-Turnhout, BELGIUM) - See all my reviews

Simpler said then done. Now, this book is my main aikido book. Upon reading you will expand you're mind and take a total different and right look upon martial arts. The ego is discussed here, war, terms are difficult but very good described.

in short, you must have this book. It stands above it all.