Aikido evolved from the rich martial traditions of japan and was developed by morihei ueshiba based on their profound philosophies in this book the author explains how aikido is both the spirit of love and the study of that spirit in unique and incisive language ueshiba discusses the arcane aspects of aikidos aims and techniques as well as the central importance of breathing ki chi and aikidos relationship to the spirit and body these form the very essence of aikido he goes on to