Aikido Preparatory Exercises: Healthy Body, Healthy Mind Book by Morito Suganuma

Aikido Preparatory Exercises is a rare, self-published book by Morito Suganuma, an 8th dan Aikikai aikido master. This concise guide focuses on essential preparatory exercises for aikido practice, emphasizing foundational movements, breathing techniques, and physical conditioning to enhance technique and spiritual focus. Drawing from Suganuma’s extensive training under Morihei Ueshiba and his integration of Zen meditation, yoga, and shodo, the book offers practical insights for practitioners to develop flexibility, balance, and mindfulness.

Chapters:

1: Aikido Preparatory Exercises

2: Hints Towards a Healthy Life

About the Author:

Morito Suganuma, born July 27, 1942, in Fukushima, Japan, is a renowned Japanese aikido teacher holding the rank of 8th dan in the Aikikai. He began practicing aikido in 1963 at Asia University in Tokyo under Nobuyoshi Tamura, who introduced him to the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in 1964. There, he trained under Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of aikido, and other prominent instructors. In 1967, after graduating from university, he became an uchideshi (live-in student) at Hombu Dojo. In 1970, following Morihei Ueshiba’s death, Suganuma was sent to Fukuoka as the Aikikai’s representative for the Kyushu region. He founded the Aikido Shoheijuku Dojo, which now oversees about 70 dojos and 4,000 students. Based primarily in Fukuoka, he teaches globally, incorporating Zen meditation, yoga, and shodo (Japanese calligraphy) into his practice.

Language: English

Length: 83 pages

Publication date: 2012