The Way of Aikido

Author: George Leonard
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 9780452279728
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 232

Book Description
“This book is a warmhearted handshake, a graceful and practical invitation to enter and blend with the ahhh of the world. It is as natural and wise an introduction to the spirit of the martial arts as you can find on paper.”—Jack Kornfield, bestselling author of A Path with Heart In his bestselling Mastery, renowned spiritual and martial arts teacher George Leonard taught hundreds of thousands of people how to use Zen philosophy to reach mastery in any field. Now, he brings together his extraordinary knowledge and experience into a book that translates the principles of aikido directly into our everyday lives. Aikido is more philosophy and meditation than a technique or a series of purely physical maneuvers. Leonard shares the secrets of this remarkable Eastern philosophy, which is the basis for the most radical and demanding of all martial arts. Through mind-body exercises inspired by aikido yet designed for non-practitioners, he demonstrates the fundamental understanding behind aikido and shows how it can be applied to help set us on the path to composure, self-sufficiency, and spiritual centeredness. Combining illuminating personal anecdotes with practical advice, this award-winning author describes the ways in which aikido can help turn life’s unanticipated blows into gifts and transform discord into harmony, anxiety and pain into vital energy. Exhilarating, enlightening, and filled with unique wisdom, The Way of Aikido is an inspiring lesson in balance, confidence, and power. “The Way of Aikido does no less than open the door to the universe and invite you through to become one with it, to become balanced, powerful, energetic, alert, and present.”—Susan Trott, author of The Holy Man and Crane Spreads Wings

Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere

Author: Adele Westbrook
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
ISBN: 1462907547
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 402

Book Description
Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere: An Illustrated Introduction provides a complete foundation in the practice of one of the most distinctive and effective Japanese martial arts. Aikido was created in Japan in the 1920's by Morihei Ueshiba, also known as Osensei. To possess the skills, techniques and attitude of the true practitioner of aikido, one must achieve a very high level of integration of the powers of mind and body, the harmonious combination of physical means and ethical motives. By controlling body position and learning how to harmonize vital physical and mental powers, anyone (regardless of size, strength or weight) can fend off attacks using this sophisticated martial art. Written and illustrated by husband/wife team, Oscar Ratti and Adele Westbrook, Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere, with over 1,200 illustrations, includes many Aikido techniques in chapters such as: What is Aikido? The Foundations of Aikido The Practice of Aikido The Basic Techniques of Neutralization Advanced Practice And more!

Complete Aikido

Author: Roy Suenaka
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
ISBN: 1462916570
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 307

Book Description
Master the techniques of aikido with this illustrated martial arts guide. Complete Aikido is the authoritative text on this enlightening martial art and self-defense system. This definitive aikido guide is packed with history and philosophy and offers precise descriptions with over 400 photographs illustrating the correct--and incorrect--way to execute aikido techniques. In the almost thirty years since the death of aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba O'Sensei, his many students have spread his philosophy and vision across the world, including author Roy Suenaka. Complete Aikido provides insights into the three leading styles of this Japanese martial art: the original art developed by founder Morihei Ueshiba O'Sensei, the Shin-Shin Toitsu aikido of Koichi Tohei Sensei, and the Suenaka-ha Tetsugaku-ho aikido of Roy Suenaka Sensei. Both a fascinating martial biography and a comprehensive instructional manual, this aikido book is a must for all practitioners seeking the way of harmony.

Aikido

Author: John Stevens
Publisher: Echo Point Books & Media
ISBN: 9781635618082
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 210

Book Description
This definitive, richly illustrated manual covers essential elements of the philosophy and practice of Aikido, the Japanese martial art. John Stevens details the precise execution of the wide range of techniques, and recounts interesting and lively anecdotes about the history of Aikido and its founder, Ueshiba Morihe.

Journey to the Heart of Aikido

Author: Linda Holiday
Publisher: North Atlantic Books
ISBN: 1583946608
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 377

Book Description
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.

Aikido and the Harmony of Nature

Author: Mitsugi Saotome
Publisher: Shambhala Publications
ISBN: 0834825848
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 487

Book Description
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 Spirit of Aikido

Author: Kisshomaru Ueshiba
Publisher: National Geographic Books
ISBN: 1568364830
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
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.

The Spiritual Foundations of Aikido

Author: William Gleason
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1620551225
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 210

Book Description
Morihei Ueshiba, who founded Aikido early in this century, intended that his martial art would give form to profound spiritual truth, and lead to a unification of the world's peoples. He saw Aikido not as a fighting method or as a competitive sport but rather as a means of becoming one with the laws of universal order--ki, or life energy. Unfortunately, the subtleties of Ueshiba's teachings, veiled in the esoteric terminology of Shinto, can be puzzling for even the most advanced practitioners. They are not passed down today, and have never been introduced to the West. Gleason, a fifth-degree (Godan) black belt in Aikido, recognizing the importance of the spiritual aspects of the discipline, researched its roots in Shinto, and in this book is able to offer a clear explanation of Ueshiba's teachings. • Unlike the common "how-to" manuals on basic technique, this is the first book to introduce the underlying spiritual principles of Aikido--the elusive concept of kototama (word souls), expressed as one spirit, four souls, three origins, and eight powers--and how they relate to the forms. • Teaches the student how to use Aikido to accomplish spiritual goals. • Reveals little-known teachings of Shinto and Aikido, relating them to Buddhism, Christianity, and other spiritual teachings.

Aikido Exercises for Teaching and Training

Author: C. M. Shifflett
Publisher: North Atlantic Books
ISBN: 9781556433146
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 326

Book Description
A training guide for Aikido practitioners. Author C. M. Shifflett explains the rationale behind each of the exercises, and addresses questions and concerns of Aikido students and teachers.

The Practice of Freedom

Author: Wendy Palmer
Publisher: Shambhala Publications
ISBN: 1645470849
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 241

Book Description
Drawing on the poetic wisdom of the Tao Te Ching, American sensei Wendy Palmer translates the powerful teachings of aikido for use in everyday life. With poignant reflections on her own life, including teaching inmates in a woman's federal prison, she describes how we can regain our sense of freedom, vitality, and integrity when under the duress of life's "attacks" by transforming our negativity into budo, or unconditional love. The Practice of Freedom is invaluable not only for students of aikido and other movement and martial arts, but also for those who seek to live with confidence and self-reliance, to establish clear and compassionate boundaries, and to deepen their capacities for relationships.