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Product Description
The history of Japan’s martial tradition is replete with many outstanding individuals, but few have attained the legendary status of Morihei Ueshiba. Throughout his extraordinary life, Ueshiba mastered an array of martial arts and techniques and endlessly devoted himself of the philosophies of Japanese martial schools. He also had a deep knowledge of the practice of Shinto. Refining these traditions into a wholly new system, he founded Aikido – the way of harmony. Through its unique aspect of both preserving the heritage of the classical fighting arts and applying them within the context of contemporary society, Aikido has quickly become one of the most respected martial arts in the world. n this engaging and compelling biography, the Founder’s son, Kisshomaru Ueshiba (the second Aikido Doshu), details the life of this remarkable man, from his early years as a youth in the turbulent Meiji era to his death in 1969.
About the Author
Kisshomaru Ueshiba is a Kodansha International author.
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Amazon.com:
4.9 out of 5 stars (8 customer reviews)
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A definitive biography, Mar 31 2012
By John Litchen - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: A Life in Aikido: The Biography of Founder Morihei Ueshiba (Hardcover)
An inspirational book that has taken too long to be translated from Japanese.Kisshomaru Ueshiba died in 1999 and the Japanese original was published in 1978.
It is a beautifully produced book on quality paper that does justice to the many photographs, quite a few of which are original to this publication. Others we have seen before, but never so well presented.
Kisshomaru, the 2nd Doshu and only surviving son of Morihei Ueshiba, O Sensei, the Founder of Aikido, relates here the life of his father, clearly delineating the influences and discoveries that led to the development of Aikido.
Unlike other biographies of the Founder of Aikido, this one is told from a unique perspective that embodies familial love and respect that no other third hand version of O Sensei's life can capture. Kisshomaru lived Aikido from his earliest moments, and often acted as his father's training partner. His constant work in promoting Aikido in Japan and around the world is hinted at but not gone into in much detail as this book is about his father. And on the passing of his father he naturally became the next leader. This gives the book a viewpoint that is personal and private and reveals much about O Sensei that has not previously been known. Though some parts are overlong in general it covers all anyone would want to know about Moriehei Ueshiba, the person, not the legend others have created around him.
What most impressed me was when Kisshomaru related that almost on his deathbed his father told him "You did well." These were the only words of praise he ever said to his son. And just before he slipped into a coma he told his disciples to keep everyone together and support Kisshomaru. How must Kisshomaru have felt at that moment?
"Carry on, won't you," were his very last words to his son. He died early the next morning.
This is the definitive biography translated by Kai Izawa and Mary Fuller, and I would recommend it highly to any and every serious Aikidoka. They should read this book.
John Litchen,
Author of Aikido- Basic and Intermediate Studies.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Life in Aikido, Jan 30 2011
By Spider Monkey - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: A Life in Aikido: The Biography of Founder Morihei Ueshiba (Hardcover)
`A Life In Aikido' is the biography of Morihei Ueshiba as written by his son Kisshomaru. Originally written in 1978 and translated in 2008 this fine work is finally available for English speaking Aikidoka to enjoy. This follows the life of O Sensei and the development of Aikido in it's various guises. It is clearly written and Kisshomaru is both self deprecating and stringent in upholding the memory of his father. The chapters in the middle explaining O Sensei's time involved with Omoto became a little boring at times, only because it goes into great depth about the philosophy of Omoto and how Omoto developed, which didn't really add to the story of O Sensei's life. This is the only minor gripe. Kisshomaru goes to great length to ensure the many people who helped in the development and growth of Aikido are given credit and there are many names enclosed. The main strength of this book is the stunning photography which illustrate the book throughout. The images of O sensei and the those involved in his life make for wonderful viewing. If you'd like an alternative, slightly more coherent biography of Morihei Ueshiba then track down `Abundant Peace' by John Stevens, but for his sons insight and perception this can't be faulted. This is worth a look if you're a dedicated Aikido practitioner but if you have only a passing interest go for `Abundant Peace'. This also includes a preface by the third and current doshu Moriteru Ueshiba, the founders grandson. This is a classic Aikido text, which is happily translated at last.Feel free to check out my blog which can be found on my profile page.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Aikido845, Mar 14 2012
By Aikido845 - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: A Life in Aikido: The Biography of Founder Morihei Ueshiba (Hardcover)
A Life In Aikido is the biography of O'Sensei. I feel that this is an essential book for any Aikido practitioner because it outlines how Aikido developed and the mind set behind the art as developed by Morihei Ueshiba. I learned a lot reading this book about O'Sensei and the art of Aikido. This truly is a wonderful book and I plan to read it again in the near future. If I had one complaint it would be that the story of O'Sensei life with the study of Omoto slightly dragged on because of the great detail it provided. It was nice that this type of detail was captured but if you have not interest in it, it might be perceived as very boring. If I had a complaint about the book it would be about this only as the other areas of the book were truly enlightening and well read. It was also nice to be able to see names of current Aikido masters captured within the book as well.
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