Amazon.com Product Description (ISBN 0870406299, Paperback)

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.