Third book in the lineage which began with the introductory Best Aikido, followed by the more advanced Aikido Master Course, this lavishly illustrated key text pulls together the essential elements of both its predecessors, and develops and expands them. Progressive Aikido is thus a distillation of the soul of that which gives Aikido form and life, and is written by the grandson of the founder of the martial art, Morihei Ueshiba.

A practical guide—written by the grandson of the founder of Aikido—for those seeking greater understanding of both the basic forms and advanced techniques. Aikido was developed by Morihei Ueshiba, who drew on Japan’s rich history of martial arts to develop an entirely new system that preserves the classical tradition within a contemporary context. In Progressive Aikido, Moriteru Ueshiba, the grandson of the founder and the third Doshu (living symbol and embodiment of the spirit of Aikido), focuses on the most fundamental principle of Aikido: proper movement. Using hundreds of photographs and readily accessible explanations, Ueshiba shows how this crucial technique is the basis for all training, whether as a beginner or as a senior instructor. The book is based on a systematic, step-by-step approach that emphasizes proper movement to train in a range of Aikido techniques, from basic to advanced.

Presents an introduction to the fundamentals of aikido, covering training, techniques, and principles of the martial art.

Aikido, the Japanese martial art designed to accomplish the maximum result with the minimum of effort, is an ingenious method based on the laws of physics and anatomy. This is the most comprehensive volume on this unique system to date and will be of infinite value to everyone, from beginner to advanced practitioner.

He also explains the essence of Takemusu aiki (valorous force of procreation and harmony), and Misogi (the ritual of purifying oneself), as well as discussing Aikido's relationship to the spirit and body-these form the very essence of Aikido."--Jacket.

Throughout his extraordinary life, Morihei 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. This biography details the life of this remarkable man, from his early years as a youth in the turbulent Meiji era to his death in 1969. The history of Japan's martial traditions is replete with many outstanding individuals, but few ever attained the legendary status of Morihei Ueshiba. Throughout his extraordinary life, he mastered an array of martial arts and techniques, including

Illustrations and step-by-step instructions are combined in a comprehensive guide to the nature and basic movements of aikido and aikido etiquette, hand positions, and attack techniques

Following the same pictorial format as its sister book, 'Essential Aikido', 'Progressive Aikido' presents a wide range of techniques and training methods to extend the Aikido practitioner's repertoire. The techniques are shown as sequences of photographs of key positions, where necessary each one annotated to improve the reader's understanding of tori's actions. The book is in eight parts covering Tachi Waza, Hanmi handachi Waza, Suwari Waza, Kaeshi Waza, Kanren Waza, Renzoku Waza, Ninin dori and Jiyu Waza.

Following the same pictorial format as its sister publication, 'Essential Aikido', 'Aikido Advanced Practice' presents a wide range of techniques and training methods to extend the Aikido practitioner's repertoire. They are termed 'advanced' because in the main they are practised only after an Aikido student has gained a good level of proficiency in basics (as described in 'Essential Aikido'). The techniques are shown as detailed sequences of photographs of key movements, each one annotated to improve the reader's understanding of tori's actions.The book is in seven parts:Part 1, extends the Aikido repertoire by describing tachi waza (techniques with both training partners standing) appropriate to most of the attack forms commonly practised in Aikido dojos. Part 2 covers a range of hanmi handachi waza (tori kneeling and uke standing) and Part 3 covers suwari waza (both partners kneeling).In Part 4, Kaeshi waza, or counter techniques, is presented in three forms, namely single counter techniques, multiple technique katas, and freeform, continuous counter techniques. They move progressively from relatively simple forms to advanced practice forms.Kanren waza, described in Part 5, addresses possible ways to adapt technique in response to uke's actions, typically when uke attempts to prevent a technique from completing.In Part 6, Renzoku waza, combinations of techniques appropriate to certain training situations are examined.Finally, in Part 7 a number of Ni Nin Dori techniques (in which two attackers hold tori) are illustrated and described.