Aikido (Illustrated Japanese Classics)
I bought this book in 1991, just after I started training in Aikido, mainly because I wanted a reference book to study for the exams. The simple straightforward explanations in this book are an excellent reference. For those wish to read more about the philosophical side of Aikido I recommend [b:The Spirit of Aikido|81972|The Spirit of Aikido|Kisshomaru Ueshiba|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1348864226s/81972.jpg|79146].
 - Kisshomaru Ueshiba, Morihei Ueshiba)