The Heart Of Aikido

With its message of universal harmony, the martial art of Aikido is attracting an ever-expanding number of followers all around the world. There are now 1,600,000 Aikido practitioners in 90 different countries. The Heart of Aikido: The Philosophy of Takemasu Aiki focuses on the human values and promotion of peace that legendary founder Morihei Ueshiba believed were at Aikido’s core. Takemasu Aiki means, "the life-generating force capable of unlimited transformations," an idea that serves as the spiritual foundation on which Aikido rests. The book, translated into English for the first time, draws on the essence of the founder’s philosophy and spirituality, which was based on the Shinto religion. It presents such tenets as: the importance of harmony in the martial arts, the ultimate promotion of peace by dispelling any aggression through such harmony, and the divinity of the true self and the universe. The Japanese version of the book holds a special place in the hearts of Aikido practitioners; the English-language edition has been eagerly awaited and is sure to be greeted with great excitement.

With its message of universal harmony, the martial art of Aikido is attracting an ever-expanding number of followers all around the world. There are now 1,600,000 Aikido practitioners in 90 different countries. The Heart of Aikido: The Philosophy of Takemasu Aiki focuses on the human values and promotion of peace that legendary founder Morihei Ueshiba believed were at Aikido’s core. Takemasu Aiki means, "the life-generating force capable of unlimited transformations," an idea that serves as the spiritual foundation on which Aikido rests. The book, translated into English for the first time, draws on the essence of the founder’s philosophy and spirituality, which was based on the Shinto religion. It presents such tenets as: the importance of harmony in the martial arts, the ultimate promotion of peace by dispelling any aggression through such harmony, and the divinity of the true self and the universe. The Japanese version of the book holds a special place in the hearts of Aikido practitioners; the English-language edition has been eagerly awaited and is sure to be greeted with great excitement.

Journey to the Heart of Aikido presents the teachings of Motomichi Anno Sensei, one of the few remaining direct students of Morihei Ueshiba, the legendary founder of Aikido. After a lifetime of practice and teaching in Japan, the United States, and Europe, Anno Sensei conveys through his teachings Aikido's essential spirit of love, harmony, gratitude, and purification with simple authenticity and eloquence. Author and translator Linda Holiday--herself a senior instructor of Aikido--brings to life the intimacy of this communication through translated discourses on the deep practice of Aikido and candid dialogues between Anno sensei and Western students. Journey to the Heart of Aikido includes Linda Holiday's vivid account of her adventure as a young woman studying Aikido in the mystical region of Kumano, Japan, in the 1970s, and a poignant telling of Anno sensei's life and his first-hand experience of training with Aikido's founder. An essential resource for the global Aikido community, Journey to the Heart of Aikido also offers spiritual teachings relevant to all contemporary seekers, touching a wide range of themes such as the meaning of martial arts, the integration of body and spirit, the truth of interconnectedness, and the practice of peace, offering all readers insight into the profound spiritual questions at the heart of life.

A study of the ethical and philosophical principles of Aikido, as envisioned by its founder Morihei Ueshiba, and how this unique martial art can deepen our connection to nature 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.

The inspirational teachings in this collection show that the real way of the warrior is based on compassion, wisdom, fearlessness, and love of nature. The teachings are drawn from the talks and writings of Morihei Ueshiba, founder of the popular Japanese martial art of Aikido, a mind-body discipline he called the "Art of Peace," which offers a nonviolent way to victory in the face of conflict. Ueshiba believed that Aikido principles could be applied to all the challenges we face in life—in personal and business relationships, and in our interactions with society. This is an expanded version of the original miniature edition that appeared in the Shambhala Pocket Classics series. It features a new introduction by John Stevens, recently translated doka, didactic "poems of the Way," and Ueshiba's own calligraphy.

For the first time in English, the secrets of the sacred sounds that unlock the principles and spiritual strength of aikido • Explains the nature of the five vowels that govern the physical manifestations of universal consciousness • Uses more than 300 photographs to demonstrate a unique approach to aikido techniques that supports advanced spiritual practice • Author is a 6th dan aikido instructor Aikido founder Ueshiba Morihei described the discipline as one spirit, four souls, three origins, and eight powers. One spirit and four souls are the five vowel dimensions of infinite space, the source of the sacred sounds of Kototama. Now, for the first time in English, William Gleason explains how to use the sounds of Kototama in the practice of aikido. Aikido is often approached as a purely physical discipline, but it is a truly profound spiritual vehicle for those who approach it with sincerity of purpose. The five vowels represent various dimensions and stages of awareness, whose different powers are revealed through aikido practice. Using more than 300 photographs, Gleason sensei presents physical routines that provide an introduction into the Kanagi, Sugaso, and Futonorito levels of spiritual development. Understanding the sacred sounds related to each of these dimensions, the adept gains not only the ability to realize the stages inherent in spiritual mastery but also the ability to maintain health and balance in his or her own life. “When fish move through water, there is no end to the water; when birds fly, there is no end to the sky.” Similarly, humans swim and fly in an ocean of sounds. Understanding Kototama allows human beings to view the world without distortion and allows the creative powers of the mind to flourish.

Third book in the lineage which began with the introductory Best Aikido, followed by the more advanced Aikido Master Course, this lavishly illustrated key text pulls together the essential elements of both its predecessors, and develops and expands them. Progressive Aikido is thus a distillation of the soul of that which gives Aikido form and life, and is written by the grandson of the founder of the martial art, Morihei Ueshiba.

He also explains the essence of Takemusu aiki (valorous force of procreation and harmony), and Misogi (the ritual of purifying oneself), as well as discussing Aikido's relationship to the spirit and body-these form the very essence of Aikido."--Jacket.

Aiki is the power of harmony, of all beings, all things working together. Aikido—a modern Japanese martial art unique in its synthesis of classic forms with a well-defined spiritual base—offers a key to the art of living naturally and unselfishly in a complicated world. This book explains it in reference to the founder's philosophy of mind—and action. In addition, the history of aikido's prewar development as a non-competitive new martial art is described, with a consideration of its international role.