Product Description

At last, the complete and authoritative introduction to all the fundamentals of Aikido, coauthored by the two direct successors to the Founder of the martial art, Morihei Ueshiba. Coauthors Kisshomaru Ueshiba and Moriteru Ueshiba, son and grandson of the Founder, seek to carry on his legacy and to share with the millions of men and women around the world practicing Aikido today the most important techniques and principles of the art.

This book is the quintessential training aid for all Aikido practitioners -- whether beginning or advanced -- who wish to further their understanding of the forms and spirit of Aikido.

Underlying the forms, or physical techniques, are the spiritual principles of Aikido, which are based on the notion of ki, or "life force." Ki is the fundamental element to understanding Aikido. But as the authors explain, it cannot be learned merely by watching a demonstration or reading a book. Rather, one must come to experience it through practice, in unifying body and mind.

Best Aikido helps guide the practitioner to this goal. It offers step-by-step instruction that will complement knowledge learned in the dojo. The text is illustrated with a wealth of never-before-seen photographs that feature Aikido master Moriteru Ueshiba demonstrating the fundamental techniques of the art.

Best Aikido is authorized by the Aikikai Foundation, the central organization set up by Morihei Ueshiba.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #176451 in Books
• Published on: 2002-09
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 192 pages

Synopsis
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.

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

Great books for studying technuques.
Both Best Aikido and The Aikido Master Course are good aikido books. The techniques and photos shown are certainly very useful for who is practising aikido and sits the kyu and dan exams within the Aikikai organisation. I used the books for home study to remind me of the techniques before my exams and for going over what I have learnt at the dojo. What is missing for me is a clear explanation on how to properly apply locks and pins which I would certainly have found helpful when I had started my aikido training (Dynamic Aikido and Total Aikido by Shioda are much more helpful).

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.

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!