The Art of Aikido: Principles and Essential Techniques (Hardcover)

by Kisshomaru Ueshiba (Author)
Key Phrases: seated techniques, marvelous functioning, pinning techniques (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A core, seminal reference and a 'must have' for any student or practitioner of Aikido." -Midwest Book Review
"The Art of Aikido is a compilation of Kisshomaru's writings that provides the reader with a deeper insight into both the spiritual and technical dimensions of Aikido. Kisshomaru's clear explanation of the philosophy and techniques, and the hundreds of dynamic photographs taken from above showing the EN movement (the concept of circular integration), and depicting the author and his son Moriteru carrying out the techniques, making it possible for all practitioners, from beginner to master, to fully understand the practice of Aikido." -Aikido Journal
"...The black-and-white photographs are dynamic, many of them showing a sequence of movements from above..." -Choice


Product Description
Aikido is a modern Budo founded by Morihei Ueshiba after he had mastered many traditional Japanese martial arts and engaged in profound spiritual training. Morihei maintained, "In true Budo, there is no enemy. True Budo is the function of love. A martial art solely concerned with winning and losing is not true Budo. Victory is to thoroughly rid the mind of contention and conflict within ourselves."

This book was composed by Kisshomaru Ueshiba, Morihei’s son and successor as the Second Aikido Doshu (the person who embodies the spirit of Aikido as inherited from the founder and is its living symbol). Morihei himself taught Aikido in archaic, esoteric language, and limited his instruction to a select few. In order to introduce Aikido to the rest of the world, his son simplified its philosophy and arranged the techniques so that it would be possible for any serious trainee to practice this martial art. Aikido is now practiced in eighty-five foreign countries—a testament to Kisshomaru's achievement. The Aikido ideal of "refining one’s mind and body to foster a spirit of harmony" has obviously struck a common chord among the peoples of the world.

This book is a compilation of Kisshomaru’s writings on Aikido. It will provide the reader with deep insight into both the spiritual and technical dimensions of Aikido, and explain its central features—ki energy, breathing methods, posture, among others. The book is detailed with many dynamic photos, depicting the author, and his son Moriteru (present Doshu, and the author of The Aikido Master Course), carrying out the techniques. It is a work that all Aikido practitioners, from beginner to master, will want to acquire.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Kodansha International (August 13, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 4770029454
• ISBN-13: 978-4770029454
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #414,108 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential beginner's guide to the Art of Aikido, April 6, 2005

By	Zack Davisson "All Good Things" (Seattle, WA, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Aikido is not a usual martial art. Created during one of the darkest times in Japan's history, in the aftermath following defeat in WWII, Aikido was presented to the shattered nation by its founder Morihei Ueshiba as a method to gain self-reliance and confidence. Rather than combat, Aikido is an art of training the spirit, the ki.

Morihei's son, Kisshomaru Ueshiba, inherited the school of Aikido and decided to enlarge his father's vision to bring Aikido to everyone. With this in mind, he wrote "The Art of Aikido: Principles and Essential Techniques," a manual to the spiritual discipline and philosophy of Aikido, including an introduction to the core techniques.

The book is in three section, Aikido Philosophy, The Essence of Aikido and Aikido Techniques. Philosophy covers the founder's ideas, the necessity of Ki and Tagatane ("Hand Sword"). In the next section, Aikido is compared to Judo, and described as a swordsman's art, rather than a system of grappling. Finally, the actual stances and moves are outlined, with beautiful and useful pictures detailing the actions.

Anyone considering Aikido would find this book a treasure, as they would be able to approach their new art with a core understanding of its philosophy and intentions. Continuing Akidokas would be interested to read the thoughts and ideals of the founder, as passed down through his son.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "must-have" for any student or practitioner of Aikido, September 18, 2004

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Written by the late Aikido Doshu master Kisshmaru Ueshiba, The Art Of Aikido: Principles And Essential Techniques is an ideal introduction and a superbly presented instruction guide to the martial art of Aikido. Written by the son of Aikido's founder, who translated the concepts of Aikido that his father presented in an esoteric language and simplified the philosophy and practices so that any trainee could engage in this martial art, The Art Of Aikido combines solid instructional text with black-and-white photographs illustrating movements and combinations step by step. A core, seminal reference and a "must-have" for any student or practitioner of Aikido.

4.0 out of 5 stars Well-fashioned book, December 5, 2005

By	Aikido Book Guy - See all my reviews

This is a very good product, especially for the Aikikai stylist. More than just a collection of technical information, the book delves into the history and philosophy of Aikido, from one of the most credible standpoints in print.