The Spirit of Aikido

Currently available in a mass market paperback edition, and a perennial strong seller, The Spirit of Aikidois considered one of the key works in the field. Now, this mainstay of Kodansha's martial arts list will be published in a hardcover edition to match the other important Kodansha titles in the category. The mass market edition will remain in print and continue to be available. New photos have been added to the hardcover, as well as a new Preface written by Moriteru Ueshiba, the third and present Aikido Doshu and son of Kisshomaru Ueshiba. The Spirit of Aikidois known as Kisshomaru Ueshiba's masterpiece. It is also regarded as a seminal work on aikido and on martial arts in general. In this book, Ueshiba concisely and systematically explains the essence of the techniques of aikido.

Kisshomaru Ueshiba (1921-1999) 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. He was formally appointed his father's successor in 1969. He was the author of The Art of Aikido and A Life in Aikido; and was the co-author of Best Aikido. He also wrote the introduction to Budo by his father, Morihei Ueshiba.

Preface to the new Edition by Moriteru Ueshiba
Foreword by Taitetsu Unno 7
Preface by Kisshomaru Ueshiba 11

The Ki of the Universe and Individual Ki 13
Entering and Spherical Rotation 33
Daily Practice, the Way to Perfection 51
Mastering Mind, Cultivating Technique 71
Strength in Living with Nature 83
Inheriting the Founder's Aspirations 95
Aikido Takes Roots in the World 115
Appendix: World Aikido Directory 123
Glossary 125