Progressive Aikido: The Essential Elements

Tokyo New York London: Kodansha International, Ltd, 2005. First Edition First Printing Stated . Hard Back. As New/Very Good. 7 3/4" x 10 1/2. Akashi, Kyuzo - Photographs. 195 Pages. Orange boards with black lettering to the spine and the front board. Brand new condition. Gift quality. Interior text and illustration pages are bright, tight, and white. After many years of dedicated training in the classical fighting arts, Morihei Ueshiba developed Aikido, drawing on the rich history of the martial traditions of Japan, and refining them into a wholly new system. In its relatively short history, Aikido has become one of the most renowned martial arts in the world, teaching its devotees the way of harmony as a spiritual path. Moriteru Ueshiba, the grandson of Morihei, presents in this book, a systematic approach to mastering the basics of Aikido. He begins by outlining its most basic element, proper movement, and explains that with this as your base will you be able to approach the techniques in the correct order. He then goes on to emphasize a logical, step-by-step approach to mastering the techniques, so the student can progress toward Aikido's ultimate goals, forging of the individual spirit, and fostering harmony between oneself and nature, and the body and mind. With Progressive Aikido, Ueshiba offers a highly accessible, informative guide to the principles of Aikido, through meticulously detailed explanations and illustrative photos. It will be a valuable resource for the novice and advanced student alike. Though this book is aimed primarily at beginners, it is the author's wish that while it should help motivate beginners to absorb as much as possible from their masters, it will also inspire more advanced practitioners to maintain the desire to improve, as espoused in the words of founder Morihei himself: "Never cease forging your mind and body to refine your character through training. This is the first principle.