A Life in Aikido: Book Now in English

Translated from the original Japanese by Kei Izawa Sensei.

For the first time, A Life in Aikido: The Biography of Founder Morihei Ueshiba has been published in English. This excellent book was first published in Japanese in 1978 under the title: Kaiso Morihei Ueshiba Den by Kodansha International.

The book was written by Osensei's son, Kisshomaru Ueshiba and the new version contains a preface by the grandson of the Founder and current "Doshu" or leader of the Aikido world, Moriteru Ueshiba.

The 300 page hardcover is filled with dozens of high quality and rare pictures of Osensei. As would be expected, the book greatly details the life of Morihei Ueshiba and the development of the art of Aikido. However, the book is also filled with thought-provoking philosophy and introspection as perceived and interpreted by the founder's son.

A must read for any and every Aikido student. This book is an essential for anyone's biography or Aikido book collection. You can purchase it for under listing price by calling (720) 221-3665 or e-mail us at: CRaikido@comcast.net or it can be purchased at our normally scheduled Aikido classes at Castle Rock AIKIDO.

Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba

Morihei Ueshiba was one of history's greatest martial artists. Even at age eighty, he could disarm any foe, down any number of attackers, and even pin an opponent with a single finger. Although virtually invincible as a warrior, he was, above all, a man of peace who detested fighting, war and any kind of violence. His way was that of Aikido, "the art of peace." He is referred to as O Sensei, "the great teacher."

Morihei Ueshiba spent his youth and early adulthood training under a variety of sword and Jujutsu masters. As he grew older he experienced increasing disquiet stemming, in part, from his rather violent youth, feeling that training for the sake of winning was not enough. One day, after a long, arduous period of training and meditation, he came to recognize an innate understanding that the true purpose of the martial arts was to be the promotion of universal peace and love. He saw that the ideal victory was a conflict resolved without winner or loser. He began to change his martial techniques and practices he had learned throughout his life to align his art with his new understanding. This led to the formal development of Aikido.

"In Aikido, we never attack. An attack is proof that one is out of control. Never run away from any kind of challenge, but do not try to suppress or control an opponent unnaturally. Let attackers come any way they like and then blend with them. Never chase after opponents. Redirect each attack and get firmly behind it."
– Morihei Ueshiba

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Castle Rock Aikido is a traditional, Japanese Aikido martial arts school in Castle Rock, Colorado located just 20 minutes south of Denver Metro and only 30 minutes north of Colorado Springs.
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