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Best Aikido: The Fundamentals (Illustrated Japanese Classics) by Kisshomaru Ueshiba and Moriteru Ueshiba Hardcover - Jul 24, 2002). 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.
 

The Essence of Aikido: Spiritual Teachings of Morihei Ueshiba by Morihei Ueshiba and John Stevens Paperback - Feb 12, 1999). For the first time in English, The Essence of Aikido presents the profound philosophy of Aikido in Morihei's own words, disclosing many of the arcane secrets of Aikido's aims and methods. Considered by many to be the greatest martial artist and spiritual teacher of the twentieth century,
Morihei provides a wealth of clues to the often puzzling nature of the inseparable link between the physical and spiritual aspects of Aikido, revealing the heart of the peaceful warrior's art.

Elegantly translated and compiled by John Stevens, translator of Morihei's Budo, the first half of The Essence of Aikido presents the most comprehensive collection of the writings of Morihei Ueshiba ever published. Key concepts in Aikido philosophy, such as kototama (language of the spirit) and
misogi (purification of body and mind) are discussed at length, profusely illustrated with Morihei's mystical diagrams, spiritual poems, and fascinating calligraphy.

For Morihei, techniques were the means to express the spiritual principles of Aikido, and in the second half of The Essence of Aikido, John Stevens focuses on Morihei's techniques. Over two hundred hitherto unpublished photos of Morihei in action from his earliest days as a teacher of the martial
arts to his last years as a master of Aikido complete this detailed survey of the true nature of Aikido.

A major contribution to a field that until recently has remained elusive to Western readers, The Essence of Aikido is an inspiring study of the spiritual and physical elements in Aikido, providing an important resource for martial arts practitioners and philosophy students alike.

More Aikido Books

• Total Aikido: The Master Course (five star)
• Aikido
• Aikido (Randall, Pamela. Martial Arts.)
• Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere: An Illustrated Introduction
• Aikido and Chinese Martial Arts: Its Fundamental Relations
• Best Aikido: The Fundamentals (Illustrated Japanese Classics)
• The Aikido Master Course: Best Aikido 2
• The Principles of Aikido

• Aikido Self Defense for the Modern Warrior 3 Vol Set ~ David Dye DVD - 2005)
• Budo: The Art of Killing DVD - 2005)
• King of Aikido Vol. I ~ Morihei Ueshiba DVD - 2002)
• Aikido Master Saito - 3 DVD Set ~ M. SAITO DVD - 2004)
• The Art of Aikido ~ Ah Loi Dr. Lee DVD - 2004)
• Aikido Yoshinkan School by Jacques Muguruza 6.Dan-D ~ Jacques Muguruza DVD - 2005)
• King of Aikido Vol. II ~ Morihei Ueshiba DVD - 2002)
• Aikido Masters Demonstrate ~ Shioda, Tomiki, Tohei, and Ueshiba DVD - 2004)

• Aikido's Ueshiba (2000) Aikido's Ueshiba features Master Moreihei Ueshiba. He can be seen in this video performing Aikido at its very best. Not only will you see the founder but also his son and other great Aikido Masters, like Tohei Saito and Shioda when they were very young. The Video also includes a sequence of night time shots that feature the Master demonstrating very rare sword and jo techniques in the forest. This Video is in extremely good condition and has been created from 8mm film.