The Secret Teachings of Aikido (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Moriteru Ueshiba (Author), John Stevens (Translator) "Aikido is the study of the spirit..." (more)
Key Phrases: link yourself, agatsu katsuhayabi, kototama theory, Floating Bridge of Heaven, Takemusu Aiki, Aikido Is the Spirit of Love (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Aikido evolved from the rich martial traditions of Japan, and was developed by Morihei Ueshiba based on their profound philosophies. In this book, the author explains how Aikido is both the spirit of love and the study of that spirit. In unique and incisive language, Ueshiba discusses the arcane aspects of Aikido's aims and techniques, as well as the central importance of breathing, ki (chi), and Aikido's relationship to the spirit and body - these form the very essence of Aikido.
He goes on to consider the virtues of this revered martial art, urging the reader to link to the universe through Aikido, and ultimately to unify the divine and human. He also explains the essence of Takemusu aiki (valorous force of procreation and harmony), and Misogi (the ritual of purifying oneself).
The book includes many rare photos of the author - on both his techniques and his everyday life. Also included are his twenty-five doka (spiritual Japanese-style poems) in Japanese, English, and Romanization. The introduction was written by his grandson, Moriteru Ueshiba, the present Aikido Doshu.

About the Author

MORIHEI UESHIBA was born in Western Japan in 1883. After mastering the classical styles of judo, kendo and jujutsu, he created Aikido, an entirely original martial art, based on the spiritual teachings of the moto-kyo religions. Following the Second World War Ueshiba established the Aikikai Foundation in Tokyo to promote the dissemination of Aikido throughout the world. He died in 1969.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 152 pages
• Publisher: Kodansha International (April 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 4770030304
• ISBN-13: 978-4770030306
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #204,635 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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

  #30 in

  Books > Sports > Individual Sports > Martial Arts > Aikido

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Philosophical and Spiritual Vision of the Art, January 30, 2009

By	Juan Aragon Longo - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The founder Osensei Ueshiba explains in great detail all the profound spiritual and philosophical aspects of the art. All the information in the book is from lectures that master Ueshiba did back in the past when Aikido was born. Great book for understanding the essence of this marvelous path that is Aikido. A must have for the serious practitioner.

1.0 out of 5 stars Great pictures but that's about it., November 7, 2009

By	N. Murphy (Clyde, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

I think the first thing that should be noted is this book came out twenty years after the founder died. Aikido has become an industry. Everybody and their brother is writing books about Aiki. And this work is no different. The overwhelming majority of the so called quotes of the founder are things that are poorly understood so the actual author interjected what he thought was meant. One item that comes to mind in the book it is stated that "Matter descends and sprit ascends." This is western thought of the middle ages. This is the "body is bad sprit is good" ideals that led to self-flagellation. I can see the founder saying the body sinks as the ki flows upward. This is a technique not a philosophical explanation. I suspect that the person that actually wrote this work ( translating is one thing but changing what is said is another) didn't understand what the founder was talking about so they filled in the blanks with their own biases. But this book does have some great pictures.