Aikido – Its History and Practice

By Moriteru Ueshiba
Translated by Yoshifumi Saito

This definitive volume presents a comprehensive exploration of Aikido, tracing its development from the life and spiritual quest of its founder, Morihei Ueshiba, through the efforts of the second Dōshu, Kisshomaru Ueshiba, who guided its spread and public recognition, to the initiatives of the current Dōshu (Moriteru Ueshiba) that have supported its continued global growth. Beginning with the founder’s formative experiences and key encounters with figures such as Sokaku Takeda and Onisaburo Deguchi, the book follows the establishment of Aikido in Tokyo, its postwar expansion, and its emergence as an international martial art. Alongside this historical narrative, it explains the philosophy that has shaped Aikido, the training methods that embody its ideals, and the essential principles underlying its techniques—from basic body movement and kokyū power to the wide range of technical variations. Both historical record and practical guide, this authoritative work offers readers a thorough understanding of Aikido’s origins, development, and enduring principles.

About the Author
Moriteru Ueshiba was born on April 2, 1951, in Tokyo. He is the Dōshu (hereditary headmaster) of Aikido, having succeeded to the position in 1999. His father was the second Dōshu, Kisshomaru Ueshiba, and his grandfather was the founder, Morihei Ueshiba.

After graduating from the Faculty of Economics at Meiji Gakuin University, he joined the Aikikai Foundation. He served as Executive Director of the Aikikai and Chief Instructor of the Aikikai Hombu Dojo.

He currently holds several key positions, including Chairman of the Aikikai Foundation, President of the International Aikido Federation, Director of the Nippon Budokan Foundation, and Councillor of International Budo University. In 2013, he received the Medal with Blue Ribbon. He was conferred an Ansheta Medal from Brazil, a Friendship Medal from the Russian President, and was also awarded the Gold Medal of the University of Valencia.

His main publications include Aikidō: Keiko to Kokoro (Training and the Spirit of Aikido) (Naigai Publishers) and Kaitei Shinpan Kihan Aikidō Kihon-hen (Revised New Edition Standard Aikido: Basic Volume) (Shuppan Geijutsusha), among others.

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Contents

Preface . . . . . i
The Birth of the Founder of Aikido . . . . . 3
The Founder’s Painful Quest in His Younger Days for a True Vocation . . . . . 13
Two Turning Points: Getting Acquainted with Mr. Sokaku Takeda and Mr. Onisaburo Deguchi . . . . . 26
Enlightenment in an Extreme Situation . . . . . 40
Establishing a Foundation for Aikido in Tokyo: the Kobukan Dojo and the Kobukai Foundation . . . . . 55
Defend the Dojo to the Death . . . . . 70
Making Aikido Accessible to the General Public . . . . . 84
Devotion to the Publicization and Promotion of Aikido . . . . . 97
Globalization of Aikido and a Big Turning Point . . . . . 112
Taking Over the Tradition of Aikido and Seeking its Further Prosperity . . . . . 127
Internationally Growing Reputation of Aikido and the Demise of Kisshomaru the Second Doshu . . . . . 141
Welcoming the New Century . . . . . 155
Starting Anew . . . . . 172
Overcoming the Covid-19 Crisis and Going Forward . . . . . 182
Training Methods and Ideals . . . . . 195
The Basic Framework of Aikido Techniques: Basic Body Movements and Kokyu-ryoku . . . . . 209
Variations and Names of Techniques . . . . . 220
Varieties of Aikido Techniques (Nage-waza, Nage-katame-waza, Katame-waza, Buki-dori, Taninzu-dori) . . . . . 231
Dan-Kyu Grading Policy . . . . . 317
Epilogue : What We Need to Maintain in the Face of New Developments and Changes . . . . . 323
Chronology . . . . . 327
Name Index . . . . . 335
Subject Index . . . . . 338
About the Author . . . . . 341