Invincible Warrior: A Pictorial Biography of Morihei Ueshiba, Founder of Aikido

by John Stevens

Book Overview

Invincible Warrior tells the fascinating story of the life of Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), whose quest for the true meaning of warriorship lead to the creation of the martial art called Aikido, "The Art of Peace." Ueshiba--whose name means "abundant peace"--is considered by many to be one of the greatest martial artists who ever lived. His documented ability to disarm any attacker, throw a dozen men simultaneously, and down and pin opponents...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1570623945
• ISBN13: 9781570623943
• Release Date: February 1999
• Publisher: Shambhala
• Length: 268 Pages
• Weight: 0.94 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Invincible Warrior

Esse livro mostra mais ainda que O Sensei era e ainda é um verdadeiro Mestre. Se você acompanha a obra dele, ou faz Aikidô, ou pretende fazer, essa é uma leitura obrigatória! Os textos, as fotos, tudo dentro desse livro é belo e detalhista. Essse livro é de extrema importância na vida de todos que gostam ou fazem Aikidô e tem O Sensei como Mestre.

Excellent overview biography, a lively read!

I bought this book as I was looking for a reasonably complete (though not necessarily exhaustive) biography of the founder of Aikido, preferably with a good number of photographs as well as text. This book fulfilled those requirements, and exceeded my expectations. The story is fascinating and compelling, and it is told in a very enjoyable and readable way. The author is an American who has lived and taught in Japan for many years. He has developed a deep understanding of Japanese culture which allows him to present this material well to an English-speaking reader. As to charges that this book promotes mythology about Morihei Ueshiba: I'm really not in a position to say for myself, not having had a chance to compare this book with other authors' work on the topic. Until I do, I will reserve judgment. In any case, I found Stevens' book to be a very worthwhile read.

My Favorite Aikido Book by Far!

John Stevens, who I must admit has written many great Aikido books, outdoes himself with this book. With a feeling of actual fondness, Stevens seems to capture Founder Morihei's human side without in any way diminishing his almost supernatural presence. This is a must read for any follower of the art.

The life and teachings of an enlightened being.

Morihei Ueshiba's teachings about The Art of Peace bring to balance and equilibrium two extreme entities in oriental martial arts philosophy, being in the other end Sun Tzu's masterpiece The Art of War. This book reflects the different fascinating paths taken by Moriehi towards an encounter with himself, the martial arts that he developed, and his unique understanding of the universe.

One of the best books on Aikido.

I have spent a great deal of time reading books and articals on Aikido. None have given me the insight that this book has.. If you injoy this art and are looking for a deeper under standing of Aikido, you will find it here.