Selected Books about
Aikido

1. The Aikido Master Course: Best Aikido 2 (December 2003)
2. Enlightenment Through Aikido (February 2004)
3. Total Aikido: The Master Course (1997)
4. Best Aikido: The Fundamentals (2002)
5. Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere: An Illustrated Introduction (1994)
6. Ki in Aikido: A Sampler of Ki Exercises (1998)
7. The Essence of Aikido: Spiritual Teachings of Morihei Ueshiba (1999)
8. Budo: Teachings of the Founder of Aikido (1996)
9. Budo Training in Aikido (2001)
10. The Hidden Roots of Aikido: Aiki Jujutsu Daitoryu (1999)

The Aikido Master Course: Best Aikido 2
by Moriteru Ueshiba

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Reader Review
A Necessary Companion to _Best Aikido_, November 25, 2003
Reviewer: drama21 (see more about me at Amazon.com) from Vancouver, BC Canada
This volume completes the Aikikai Aikido repertoire, as first outlined in _Best Aikido_. As such, this book is an indispensible companion, containing in it a repository of information and demonstration by the third doshu.

Koshi-nage and kaiten-nage receive a more detailed examination here, and more fundamental techniques are examined from a variety of more complicated attacks. Also included are a section on bokken and jo disarming (required for some shodan examinations) and a brief study of multiple attackers (also required for some shodan examinations).

_Best Aikido_ vols. 1 + 2 compile the essential techniques of Aikikai Aikido, using the traditional terminology of this art. While there is a fair amount of variety amongst aikido schools, and even amongst aikido dojo of the same school, in the use of a technical lexicon, I found this book to be entirely consistent with the accepted nomenclature of the Canadian Aikido Federation (Aikikai).

This book provides techniques examined at the upper kyu ranks.

Like the previous book (see my review of _Best Aikido_), there are still some niggling concerns with the distance of the B&W photography. More closer examinations would be of great use. The third Doshu has published in Japan several (colour) manuals on aikido which include extremely helpful detailed pictures of various grips and positions. However, this book is not intended to 'teach' aikido; rather, it is meant to compile and present a series of reference waza, to be consulted by the practitioner after dojo practice.

_Best Aikido_ vols 1 + 2 present the Ueshiba legacy of skill and poise. These books present the two Doshu, after O-Sesei, in a true kokoro of aikido: easeful, stoic practice of gentle, powerful harmony.

This book is an excellent reference to accompany your dojo training.

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Enlightenment Through Aikido
by Kanshu Sunadomari

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Book Description
Prior to World War II, Kanshu Sunadomari was a direct live-in student of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. This book collects short articles drawing on 60 years of study. They feature quotes from the founder along with the author's personal interpretations of how Aikido can promote inner tranquility and help foster world peace.

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Total Aikido: The Master Course
by Gozo Shioda, Yasuhisa Shioda, David Rubens (Translator)

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Reader Review
Great supplement to class, March 11, 2003
Reviewer: Chris De Shane (see more about me at Amazon.com) from Toronto, Canada
This is a great book for helping you understand techniques. I don't think that anyone could ever learn Aikido from a book but this book is a valuable supplement to the time you spend practicing in class. This book helps you understand some of the specific details of a technique that may be easily missed in class. I use this book in addition to the video which my sensei makes to supplement my class time and refine my technique at home.

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Best Aikido: The Fundamentals
by Kisshomaru Ueshiba, Moriteru Ueshiba, John Stevens (Translator)

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Review
Journal of Asian Martial Arts, Summer 2003
"...the most authoritative reference of basic aikido forms and techniques currently available."


Book 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.


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.

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Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere: An Illustrated Introduction
by Adele Westbrook, Oscar Ratti

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Book Description
Aikido neutralizes aggression and renders attackers harmless. By controlling body position and harmonizing their vital physical and mental powers, anyone-regardless of size, strength or weight-can fend off attacks using this sophisticated martial art. This classic text reveals the secrets which enable the stunning control practiced in Aikido.


Reader Review
Wow..!, May 23, 2001
Reviewer: Avi Dardik (see more about me at Amazon.com) from Kfar-Saba Israel
As an Aikido "newbie", who joined and left various Aikido Dojos for a few good years now ... I found this book to be an EXCELLENT source about Aikido. It covers EVERYTHING new students would want to know, plus ALMOST everything a veteran would like to know (Aikido, after all, has a LOT of variations and moves..). It covers the philosophy of Aikido, the History of Aikido, the etiquette of Aikido, and of course, the Art itself. The whole book is full with -lovely- illustrations that are great to look at, especially at all the techniques covered in this book.

Anyhow, I've done some research before purchasing this book, and I firmly believe this is one of the greatest, if not the best, books you can read about Aikido.


Aikido is much more than a physical art --amazing, August 4, 1996
Reviewer: A reader
The world of martial arts can often be confusing. There is a spiritual aspect that is often hinted at, but when the practice invloves techniques for bone-breaking and face smashing....well.... Then there's Aikido. And the quality of this book in explaining the concepts of attack, the sphere of defense and the philosophical standpoint of Aikido is impressive. It goes beyond just Aikido and provides a deep understanding of what a martial art can be (not just crunchy-bones!). However, Aikido is obviously what it addresses and it does so amazingly well. It's worth the price for Part V alone! To boot...it has excellent inllustrations, and is printed on high-quality paper that smells good! ooooo----you should buy this book.

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Ki in Aikido: A Sampler of Ki Exercises
by C. M. Shifflett

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Reader Review
Marvelous, beautiful primer., October 24, 1999
Reviewer: A reader from variously, Cambridge, MA, Los Angeles, CA, and D.C.
Most books on aikido suffer from some common flaws. They usually have a whole lot of small blurry photographs of techniques and a set of platitudes, with no way to relate them to either aikido practice or real life. This book has neither of those flaws.

As a beginner in ki-aikido, now forced to be in a town without a ki society dojo, I use Ki in Aikido as a regular reference to when I want to practice the ki exercises, which are clearly and comprehensively explained.

More importantly, she discusses the positive outlook necessary for success in aikido and in life. In a sense, it's both a primer on ki exercises and a self-help book for maintaining a "plus" attitude in life.

Also extremely witty and enjoyable to read. If nothing else, get it for the beautiful drawings of real live aikido practitioners.

The only danger with this book is that you may love it and become an evangelist and enthusiastically loan it to a friend, who will love it and never give it back. That would be bad.


Direct information for beginner and advanced students, April 15, 1999
Reviewer: Thomas H. Burdine from 919 N. 12th St. Lafayette, Ind. 47904
I have been in the martial arts for over 43 years, and own and operate the Hombu martial arts Education Center in Lafayette, Indiana.I instruct the art of Aikido,and find this book of value for intructional information, assisting all instructors a guide, and a path to keep on track. It gives all readers an overall picture of how KI training is taught, and what is involved. The drawings are very good, and I feel a dedicatied student can get much value from such text. It is good of her to share her knowledge and experience. Keep up the good work.

Respectfully,

Dr. Thomas H.Burdine, PhD, M.A. Head of family Kokon Ryu Aikido, Bujutsu, Renmei

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The Essence of Aikido: Spiritual Teachings of Morihei Ueshiba
by Morihei Ueshiba, John Stevens (Compiler)

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Book Description
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.


Review
Aiki News
"... indispensable book for the serious aikidoka ... the best technical photos of the founder that I have ever seen...."


About the Author
Morihei Ueshiba, born an Western Japan in 1883, is the founder of the popular martial art of Aikido. After mastering classical styles of Judo, kendo, and jujutsu, he created Aikido, based on the spiritual teachings of the Omoto-kyo religion. After the Second World War, Morihei established the Aikikai Foundation to promote Aikido throughout the world. He died in 1969.

The translator and compiler, John Stevens, is a professor of Buddhist studies and Aikido Instructor at Tohoku Fukushi Daigaku in Sendai, Japan. He Is the translator of Morihei Ueshiba's seminal work, Budo, and the author of a number of books on Aikido and Buddhism.

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Budo: Teachings of the Founder of Aikido
by Morihei Ueshiba, Kisshomaru Ueshiba (Introduction)

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Reader Review
I originally bought this for my best friend..., March 17, 2003
Reviewer: Scott (see more about me at Amazon.com) from Texas
I originally bought this for my best friend, a random gift. He use to practice Aikido when he was younger and I was hoping to get him interested in it. However the book never left my house because I read the book and decided to keep it for myself. Greedy? Sure. The book is very nice because of the way it is written. It shows poetry written by O'Sensei as well as a brief story of his life. The most interesting part however is the fact that the person who created Aikido appears in the techniques. He is, by the looks of it, in his 30s and 40s, so he does not resemble the famous old man that people reconize. The photos, for there age, are quite detailed. I recommend this for any martial artist.

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Budo Training in Aikido
by Morihei Ueshiba

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Reader Review
Valuable Pre-WWII View of Ueshiba Morihei's Aikido!, February 9, 2003
Reviewer: C.J. Hardman (see more about me at Amazon.com) from San Diego, CA USA
This is the English translation of the volume by Aikido Founder Ueshiba Morihei called "Budo Renshu" ("Budo Training"). Ueshiba Sensei's first book, this volume was originally published in 1933. Techniques are illustrated with drawings and accompanied by brief narrative instructions. The techniques are MUCH closer (in fact, nearly identical) to Daito Ryu Jujutsu than the flowing post-World War II Aikido, as Ueshiba Sensei was still associated with his D.R.J. teacher, Takeda Sogaku. You will also get a taste of the original philosophy of Ueshiba's martial art, as a section called "Secret Teachings of Bu-do", composed of 38 poems he wrote, even includes one poem which alludes to the martial strength of Imperial Japan;

" 'Bu' received from the Gods at the beginning of the world,
Is ours for protecting the nation:
The Emperor's exhalted voice!" [....]

As most works on Aikido present the philosophy of Aikido developed by Ueshiba Morihei in the aftermath of WWII, this book offers a unique look at the art BEFORE it had reached its final stage of development. It was written during a period of time when combat was still necessary to survival, and a practical art was more likely to have a "-jutsu" attatched to the end of its name than a "-do". This was Aikido in the days before deep philosophical theories and teachings based on love and flow. Ueshiba sensei was 50 years old at the time this volume was published. It is a lot of fun to go through this book and compare the techniques with those used in modern forms of Aikido, as well as related schools like Hapkido. If you're interested in the development of grappling arts or in considering the development of Aikido as an art, this book will be useful for you.

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The Hidden Roots of Aikido: Aiki Jujutsu Daitoryu
by Shiro Omiya

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Reader Review
One of the best books in years!!, February 23, 2001
Reviewer: Jeff Green (see more about me at Amazon.com) from Athens, AL United States
This is one of the best books I've ever read in the martial arts field. It has helped me a great deal in my own development in the arts. I teach a self defense class in Florence, AL which is geared for practical defense on the street. I especially enjoyed the section on pins and their variations. In today's dojos I see so many instructors focusing on the sport aspects of the arts which don't always work on the street. I loved the fact that they showed the pins that you could do without using your hands and that they never assume that there is only one attacker on the street and that every move addresses these situations. I feel like this book will benefit people of all arts not just Aikido. Many modern style Jujitsu practitioners really need to see this book because I feel like they would learn alot. The only drawback I see is that if you don't already know how to do certain wrist locks you may be lost in some places. For those people I would recommend they read Dynamic Aikido by Gozo Shioda first before buying this book,but I would definately buy this book if I wanted to be a better martial artist.

An excellent work for Aikiju-jutsu beginners, January 13, 2000
Reviewer: Edmundo Paredes from Peru
I am an instructor of Goshin Ryu Aikijiu-jutsu and I really enjoyed this book. It is well organized and readable. The action sequence shown in the photographs is very clear. If you are familiar with the principles common to all styles of this art you will be fond of this work, particullarly with the references to counter-techniques, rarely seen. An excellent book.

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