What do you think?
Rate this book
A Life in Aikido: The Biography of Founder Morihei Ueshiba
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historical documents, the author weaves a fascinating narrative of the Founder's life, and with great fondness tells of his own memories of the man who would come to be known as O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.
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.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published August 15, 2008
8 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 15, 2020
This book is more reminiscence among friends than biography for an unaware reader.
There are cool stories, but overall, too much unknown concepts, name dropping, mystic, and other otherly worldly explications.
Expected more to be perfectly honest.
There are cool stories, but overall, too much unknown concepts, name dropping, mystic, and other otherly worldly explications.
Expected more to be perfectly honest.
July 6, 2011
Not really what I was looking for, it had some interesting parts but never really caught my interest. Maybe it was the translation.
July 18, 2012
If you can get past a lot of the thanking people (which goes beyond simply giving credit), it's actually quite a good read. There are several nuggets of wisdom embedded into O Sensei's words, and his life definitely serves as an inspiration to his students. Some of his feats do seem unbelievable, but it doesn't change the fact that he contributed so much not just to Japanese culture, but to world culture as well.
"I strive to make my Aikido selfless, and to expect nothing in return." --Morihei Ueshiba
"I strive to make my Aikido selfless, and to expect nothing in return." --Morihei Ueshiba
March 25, 2012
I thought that was an excellent book. It was adept at relaying not only the history of the noble Morihei Ueshiba, it also did a great job describing the character of the man. It relates how he traveled miles on foot each night to train with two martial arts masters, because of the laws against practicing martial art when he was still young.
December 24, 2014
Fairly frank autobiography by O Sensei's son, which gives interesting background on the man who created Aikido, and for that reason of interest to its practitioners, but leaves the reader wanting to know more on the development of this martial art's techniques - a lot of "when", "who", "why", and could have benefitted from more "how".
May 7, 2011
It was an interesting read, this man lead an intriguing life. However the book fails to convince me of Ueshiba being a "mystic". He was apparently a short tempered prejudiced little man throwing foolish martial artists on their heads.
August 12, 2016
A a practitioner and admirer of Aikido, I found true meaning in this martial art through the biography of its founder Sinsei Morihei Ueshiba. This is a must read for all practitioners of this art, and of anyone interested in martial arts in general, and/or Japanese culture.
January 9, 2018
Surprisingly an honest and frank account of how life was for a son brought up in a world where his father was a visionary.
February 20, 2023
Factual and insightful.
October 9, 2023
The inspiring life of O'Sensei
October 28, 2011
Great book.
January 13, 2016
Great for studying aikido philosophies through the biography of aikido founder
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews