Here is a unique approach to the teachings of the Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, as interpreted by his direct student of fifteen years. Mitsugi Saotome examines the spiritual philosophy of the Founder, the warrior ideals of feudal Japan as the basis of his martial arts philosophy, and the scientific principles underlying the philosophy of Aikido technique. The author shows that the physical movement of Aikido is the embodiment of principles of the spirit. Negative force is not countered with aggression but is controlled and redirected through the power and balance of spiral movement. This is the shape of Aikido and the dynamic shape at the foundation of all energies of existence. Aikido movement can only be understood from its roots in universal law and the processes of nature. The sincere practice and study of Aikido deepens our appreciation for the perfection of nature's balance and brings us back into harmony with our environment, other people, and ourselves. Abundantly illustrated with the author's drawings, diagrams, and calligraphies, as well as photographs demonstrating Aikido techniques, the book also offers a history of Aikido, personal anecdotes about the Founder, and translations of several of his lectures.
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: Harmony of Nature Comment: Simpler said then done. Now, this book is my main aikido book. Upon reading you will expand you're mind and take a total different and right look upon martial arts. The ego is discussed here, war, terms are difficult but very good described.
in short, you must have this book. It stands above it all. Customer Rating: Summary: For balance in your reading... Comment: This book addresses the spirit and the connection to all things natural that exists in Aikido. It is a dimension sadly lacking in many Aikido texts. Any student of Aikido should have a copy, and hang on to it... Highly Recommended. Customer Rating: Summary: Some ppl will be disappointed Comment: This is a book for discussion of science, nature and aikido.
The transmission of O'Sensei philosophi its the true meaning of this book.
The negative point for me is the quality of the papper, not very good quality. Customer Rating: Summary: Outstanding Comment: This was one of the first books I purchased when I began my journey of study into this art. I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend it. Saotome is one of the few individuals who actually studied with O-Sensei. He details several accounts of working with the founder both in and out of the dojo. He also gives a unique spiritual interpretation of many of the major techniques used in the art and references forces in nature and the universe for comparison. Well written and well founded. A must-read for any serious aikidoka. Customer Rating: Summary: Don't waste your money Comment: Do you like full page drawings that look like they were done by a child and have no significance? This book has plenty of them. How about pages of photographs that are not only uninteresting but don't appear to be demonstrating anything at all? Got ya covered. How about endless boring drivel? Cover to cover. Atoms spin around, planets spin around, your technique spins around, therefore aikido is in harmony with nature, zzzzzzzz. Get 'Ki in Daily Life' instead.
