Product Description

This text presents the fundamentals of aikido in the spirit of Master Ueshiba, the founder of modern aikido and Japan's greatest martial artist. Two hundred photographs show Moriteru demonstrating the classic techniques that made his grandfather's art the world's most popular martial art.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #210156 in Books
• Published on: 2002-09
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 192 pages

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.

Moriteru Ueshiba: Aikido Doshu. He was born in 1951, the son of the late Kisshomaru Ueshiba. He graduated from Meiji Gakuin University in 1976, became master of the Aikido World Headquarters in 1986, and in 1996 was named chairman of the Aikikai Foundation. In 1999 he became Aikido Doshu after his father's death. He also became perpetual chairman of the International Aikido Federation in the same year. He holds several important posts related to the martial arts and is a trustee of the Nippon Budokan, the "hall of martial arts" located in central Tokyo.

Customer Reviews

Best Aikido = Best Aikido
This book is actually co-authored by the direct successors of the founder of Aikido; therefore this instantly gives the book merit. It is an excellent book for those interested in, or those practising in Aikido. I have been told many times everyone needs to go back to the basics (even the dan grades).

This is a very well laid out book ideal for the beginner (of which I currently am). I have found this book invaluable in helping with the understanding of the basics. Each Aikido move within this book is accompanied with detailed photos walking you through the complete CORRECT movement!

There is an explanation at the very beginning which covers what Aikido is – the essence of the art. There is also a questions and answers section (6 pages) within this book which clarified things I did not totally understand. There is so much more within this book than I believe you will find anywhere else. The only thing this book does lack is it does not include any of the training with the Bokken or Jo staff, Aiki-ken suburi and awase movements.

Overall I could not recommend a better book!

A good intro
This is a good book for the beginner. It answers most questions and demonstrates the fundamental techniques. It is one to refer back to after/or just before a class. I recommend the second part to this book, as well as the third installment from Moriteru Ueshiba, they are both as good as this and combined make and excellent aikido reference.

A good introduction but lacks something
This book is short on words, but full of well shot images allowing the basic movement of each technique to be described.

It is a handy resource for anyone that practices the art as it attempts to codify the basic movements. Written by both the current Doshu and his father, it must be assumed this is the official version of the basics.

The faq in the front of the book gives a nice official response to the questions of most beginners.

As with all Aikido books of this type it lacks the something from it's static nature and over reliance on posed images; as the first section of the book maintains Aikido is something to be practiced daily under qualified instruction.

I was expecting slightly more than I got from this book.