Bibliography Index

• A Life in Aikido: The Biography of Founder Morihei Ueshiba

  Kisshomaru Ueshiba / Kodansha (2008)

  Aikido / Biographical / Historical

  Summary: In this engaging and compelling biography, the Founder's son Kissomaru 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. Incorporating many first-hand accounts and anecdotes as well as historical documents, the author weaves a fascinating narrative of the Founder's life, and with great fondness tells of his own memories of the man who would come to be known as O Sensei--great master.

• Aikido

  Kisshomaru Ueshiba / Hozansha Publishing (1963)

  Aikido / Technical

  Summary: One of the earliest and most recognized English-language Aikido works, this volume is a compilation of the earlier Japanese-language works entitled "Aikido" and "Aikido Giho" (or Gihou). Authored by the Nidai Doshu while O'Sensei was still alive, the book is primarily a collection of waza instruction, with photos and footwork diagrams. Edited and reprinted many times, and originally published in hardback with cardboard slipcover. The first softcover edition appeared in 1985.

• Art of Aikido, The

  Kisshomaru Ueshiba / Kodansha International (2004)

  Aikido / Historical / Technical

  Summary: This book is a compilation of Kisshomaru’s writings on Aikido. It will provide the reader with deep insight into both the spiritual and technical dimensions of Aikido, and explain its central features—ki energy, breathing methods, posture, among others. The book is detailed with many dynamic photos, depicting the author, and his son Moriteru (present Doshu, and the author of The Aikido Master Course), carrying out the techniques.

• Founder of Aikido

  Kisshomaru Ueshiba / 1983

  Aikido / Biographical / Historical

  Summary: This book is a pictorial essay produced by the Aikikai Foundation to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of O'Sensei. The main book is limited to Japanese text only (back-to-front read), but the book was published with a separate English-language supplement which provides complete translation of the limited narrative text, as well as all photo captions. The book is a photo depiction of O'Sensei's life, and contains an assortment of photos well-known to Aikidoka, as well as many that are not often found in other works. A cardboard slipcover was also provided.

• Spirit of Aikido, The

  Kisshomaru Ueshiba / Kodansha International (1984)

  Aikido / Biographical / Historical / Philosophical

  Summary: A book written by Kisshomaru Ueshiba, son of Morihei Ueshiba. The author covers subjects ranging from "The Ki of the Universe and Individual Ki" to "Inheriting the Founder's Aspirations" and many more. Contains many photos of O-Sensei and of Kisshomaru. Softcover pocket-size edition (ISBN 0870118501) first published in 1987.

• The Secret Teachings of Aikido

  Kisshomaru Ueshiba & Morihei Ueshiba / Kodansha (2007)

  Aikido / Philosophical / Proverbial / Spiritual

  Summary: (Scheduled for retail release in 1st quarter 2008) Translation by John Stevens. "The Secret Teachings of Aikido" is a collection of the spiritual teachings of the Founder. In this book, Morihei Ueshiba explains how Aikido is both the spirit of love and the study of that spirit. The author reflects on the rich and varied landscape of Aikido philosophy, discussing how Aiki is the marvelous functioning of breath, and how, through diligent use of Aikido's breathing techniques, the practitioner can achieve true harmony.