Table of Contents
Contents
Preface ... ix
Part One
Study of the Way
The Mysteries of Aikido
Aikido: The Way of Harmony ... 3
Kototama: The Language of the Gods ... 15
Kami: The Divine Alchemy of Fire and Water ... 27
Ki: Universal Energy ... 36
Kokyu: The Breath of Life ... 44
Chinkon-Kishin: Calming the Spirit, Returning to the Source ... 53
Misogi: Purification of Body and mind ... 62
Rei: Gratitude and Respect ... 70
Sangen: Triangle, Circle, Square ... 77
Ma-Ai: The Right Place ... 81
Tengu: The Master Teachers ... 87
Ryu-o: The Dragon King ... 95
Masakatsu Agatsu Katsuhayabi: True Victory ... 104
Part Two
Walking the Path
The Practice of Aikido
Shugyo: Constant Training ... 111
The Six Pillars ... 119
Shiho-Nage: Gratitude ... 120
Irimi: Entering ... 122
Kaiten: Open and Turn ... 125
Kokyu: Breath Power ... 129
Osae-Waza: Firm Control ... 133
Ushiro-Waza: Sixth Sense ... 137
Riai: The Integrated System ... 139
Appendixes
Kototama
The Secret Sounds of Aikido ... 145
Suggested Reading ... 149
Credits ... 150