A Life in Aikido: The Biography of Founder Morihei Ueshiba

by Kisshomaru Ueshiba, Moriteru Ueshiba (Preface by)

Overview

The history of Japan's martial traditions 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, including jujutsu and kendo, and endlessly devoted himself to the philosophies of Japan's 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. Aikido goes far beyond simple methods of attack or self-defense, seeking to dispel aggression by creating a sense of oneness, thus ultimately promoting peace. 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.
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 Incorporating many first-hand accounts and anecdotes as well as historical documents, the author weaves a fascinating narrative of the Founder's life, and with great fondness tells of his own memories of the man who would come to be known as O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.
Ueshiba reveals much about the character and temperament of his father, painting a picture of a man of formidable commitment and spirituality, in both his practice of Aikido and his message of peace. Indeed, his dedication to his art was so strong that through his techniques he was able to attain kami-waza; an ability that transcends the human and reaches the divine. This book will appeal to any reader with an interest in the life of Morihei Ueshiba and a desire to discover the real person behind the legend.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781568365732
Publisher:	Kodansha USA
Publication date:	12/04/2015
Pages:	320
Sales rank:	1,044,019
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.40(d)

About the Author

Kisshomaru Ueshiba became the second Aikido Doshu (leader) after the Founder and his father, Morihei Ueshiba. He was the author of the popular The Spirit of Aikido and co-author of Best Akido.

Moriteru Ueshiba, the third and present Aikido Doshu, wrote the preface to this book. He is the son of Kisshomaru Ueshiba, and the author of Progressive Aikido, Best Aikido, and The Aikido Master Course.

Table of Contents

Preface Moriteru Ueshiba 13

Chapter 1 Attaining Heavenly Skills

Kami-waza: The Divine Skill of an Enlightened Man 19

Dav-in and Day-out Ascetic Training 26

No Fixation on Material Things 33

Dotofuhen: The Way is One and Unchanging 38

Chapter 2 Hard and Solitary Training: O Sensei's Youth

Southern Kishu and Tanabe City Matters 49

From Weakness to Strength 54

Aspiring Towards Independence 60

The Star of the Army 65

Opening a Dojo 71

Chapter 3 New Frontiers in the North

Creating Something from Nothing 81

King of Shirataki 87

The Encounter with Master Sokaku Takeda 93

A Great Fire and the Loss of a Father 100

Chapter 4 Enlightenment

"There is nothing to worry about with your father" 111

Relocation to Ayabe 116

Master Ormaburo Deguchi 119

The Establishment of "Ueshiba-Juku" 128

From Kotodama to Takemusu Aiki 137

The First Suppression of Omoto 149

The Dangerous Journey to Greater Mongolia 157

Attaining Enlightenment in the Face of Death 163

Divine Transformation 174

Chapter 5 The Path of Bu, the Path of Human Beings

Banyu Aigo and Ki-no-Myoyo 183

Beginnings in the Eastern Capital 191

Days in Sarumachi and Tsunamachi 198

Jigoro Kano Sensei 203

Kobukan: the Era of the Hell Dojo 214

Budo Senyo-kai and the Takeda Dojo 223

Unforgettable Generosity 232

Chapter 6 Determination to Pursue the Path

The Birth of the Kobu-kai Foundation 241

Deeper into War 247

Manchuria and Tenryu, the Master Sumo Wrestler 255

Farming the Land, Pursuing the Path in Iwama 263

Chapter 7 Harmony among Heaven, Earth and Human Beings

The Birth of the Aikikai Foundation 277

For this Old Man, the Training Continues Forever… 287

The Truth about Yamato Dai-ai 293

Nyushin-the Translation of Spirit 301