Rare!! Highly sought after!! Bilingual Edition! Takemusu Aikido: Kokyu-nage (Breath Throw) - Basic and Applied Techniques Author: Morihiro Saito, 9th Dan Aikido First Edition: November 7, 1997 Price: ¥2719 (excluding tax) This is a bilingual book, with text in both Japanese and English. ❣️ I believe this is a highly valuable Aikido book. As the book is 28 years old, there is some age-related wear and tear, but there are no writings, noticeable scratches, or tears, and it is in relatively good condition. I appreciate your understanding. This book meticulously explains 78 techniques from "Kokyu-nage," one of the most important techniques in Aikido. I believe it is no exaggeration to say that "Kokyu-nage" is the most important technique in Aikido. The teachings of the founder, Morihei Ueshiba, are characterized by a large number of techniques, but in his later years, his explanations mainly focused on "Kokyu-nage" and "Irimi-nage." That is how important "Kokyu-nage" is. This book is dedicated to "Kokyu-nage." Each technique in this book is introduced with a series of demonstration photos and explanations, highlighting the excellent points of the techniques in greater detail. I believe this is a valuable Aikido book specializing in "Kokyu-nage." The theme of this book, "Takemusu Aikido," is the state of Aikido that the founder, Morihei Ueshiba, reached during his time in Iwama, Ibaraki Prefecture. A state where Aikido techniques are born infinitely using the most suitable method for a given situation... This state is expressed as "Takemusu Aikido." 〈A state that is beyond the comprehension of ordinary people.〉 Morihiro Saito, Shihan (Master Instructor) Born in Ibaraki Prefecture in March 1928. In July 1946, he became a student of Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba at the Aikido training dojo in Iwama, Ibaraki Prefecture, and trained under the founder for 23 years. In January 1959, he became a Shihan of the Aikikai. After the founder's passing in April 1969, he continued to protect the Ibaraki Dojo and the Aikido Shrine. In January 1983, he received an award for his contributions to martial arts from the Japan Budo Council. He passed away on May 13, 2002, at the age of 74. I believe he was internationally recognized as one of the most famous Aikido instructors. ❣️ I believe Morihiro Saito Shihan was the successor whom Morihei Ueshiba, the founder, trusted and cherished the most. ❣️ In my opinion, Morihiro Saito Shihan, Gozo Shioda Kancho, Koichi Tohei Shihan, and Kisshomaru Ueshiba Shihan can be considered the Four Heavenly Kings among Morihei Ueshiba's students. ❣️ I love the smile of Morihiro Saito Shihan on the back cover of this book. This is a highly sought-after Aikido book.