Aikido

authoritative, profusely illustrated introduction to a martial defense system, written by the son of its founder.
The principles of Aikido state that force and technique, alone, are inadequate. The practitioner must enter into the domain of the spirit to develop himself and his thought. This book gives the basic knowledge needed to master the art of Aikido. It shows basic preparatory exercises that can be done alone or in pairs. There are chapters on techniques, a history of the system, and a memoir by the Founder.
Kisshomaru Ueshiba is permanent president of the International Aikido Federation.

KISSHOUMARU UESHIBA was born in 1921 in Ayabe, Kyoto, and registered in his father's home town of Tanabe in Wakayama. The third son of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido, he has studied under his father from boyhood. After graduating from the Political Science Department of Waseda University in 1946, he became General Director of the Aikikai Foundation Hombu Dojo, the World Headquarters of Aikido, in 1948. Since that time he has been constantly active in the management of the Foundation as well as giving instruction in the art at the Headquarters and in many places around the world. In 1955, Mr. Ueshiba was made Managing Director, and in 1967 he became Executive Director.
After the death of his father in 1969, the author succeeded to the position of Aikido Doshu, a hereditary title of honor that means "Master of the Way".

Mr. Ueshiba was appointed President of the International Aikido Federation in 1975. His importance in the forefront of the Aikido movement has brought him posts in other civic and martial arts organizations such as the Nippon Budokan Foundation and the Japan Diplomatic Association.