For the first time in English, The Essence of Aikido presents the profound philosophy of Aikido in Morihei's own words, disclosing many of the arcane secrets of Aikido's aims and methods. Considered by many to be the greatest martial artist and spiritual teacher of the twentieth century, Morihei provides a wealth of clues to the often puzzling nature of the inseparable link between the physical and spiritual aspects of Aikido, revealing the heart of the peaceful warrior's art. Elegantly translated and compiled by John Stevens, translator of Morihei's
| Foreword |
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7 | (2) |
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| Preface |
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9 | (2) |
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11 | (26) |
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37 | (40) |
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3 Morihei's Calligraphic Legacy |
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77 | (18) |
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4 Misogi: Purification of Body and Mind |
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95 | (16) |
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111 | (88) |
| Index |
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199 | |
MORIHEI UESHIBA, born in Western Japan in 1883, is the founder of the popular martial art of Aikido. After mastering classical styles of judo, kendo, and jujutsu, he created Aikido, based on the spiritual teachings of the Omoto-kyo religion. After the Second World War, Morihei established the Aikikai Foundation to promote Aikido throughout the world. Morihei died in 1969.
The translator and compiler, JOHN STEVENS, is a professor of Buddhist studies and Aikido instructor at Tohoku Fukushi Daigaku in Sendai, Japan. He is the translator of Morihei Ueshiba's seminal work, Budo, and the author of several books on Aikido and Buddhism.
