A guide to the practice, history, and etiquette of budo, the study of Japanese martial arts for self-cultivation—written by an American martial arts master The study of budo, or the Japanese martial arts for self-cultivation, is a lifelong path toward perfection of character. Here, Dave Lowry, a sword master who has practiced and taught budo for over forty years, addresses the myriad issues, vagaries, and inconsistencies that arise for students of karate-do, judo, kendo, kenjutsu, aikido, and iaido as their training develops. He examines such questions as: • What is the relationship between the student and teacher, and what should one expect from the other? • What does rank really mean? • How do you correctly and sensitively practice with someone less experienced than you? • What does practice look like as one ages? • Why do budo arts put such an emphasis on etiquette? • And many others Lowry also gives practical advice for beginning and advanced students on improving structural integrity in posture and movement, focusing under stress, stances and preparatory actions before engaging with an opponent, and recognizing a good teacher from a bad one.

Morihei Ueshiba founded the martial art Aikido, believing that the combination of mental and physical training would allow Aikido practitioners to make a difference in their lives. With time, that difference, born out of activity and stillness, would ripple outwards to bring about a more peaceful world. O Sensei left us with many lectures, poems, and calligraphy guiding not only the physical practice but the mental practice of Aikido in the pursuit of unifying body and mind. Despite this, many Aikido instructors and students focus solely on the physical training aspect. This book is not only an introduction to O Sensei’s words and wisdom but to Don Dickie’s interpretation of those guiding principles as an accomplished practitioner and teacher of Aikido. This manual is an essential resource—borne of lived experience and years of observation—that will help Aikido practitioners of all ages and levels deepen and evolve their practice. Divided into three parts, it explores the physical, mental, and practical dimensions of Aikido: part one looks at common pitfalls and misconceptions in the physical training; part two provides instruction in meditation and how to integrate it into the physical technique practice; and part three examines how to experience mind-body unity and bring the benefits of that practice into the practitioners’ daily lives.

• Explains Aikido solutions for peacefully resolving difficulties that arise with intimidating and unpredictable people, those who are stubborn or don’t listen, insincere people who want something from you, and chaotic situations • Presents Aikido’s step-by-step protocol for developing the receptiveness of the beginner’s mind and deescalating potentially violent or dangerous situations • Shares stories of how Aikido helped the author transform interpersonal difficulties into peaceful interactions In addition to the physical practice, the modern martial art of Aikido also offers profound principles for transforming interpersonal conflict into peaceful interaction. Illuminating the inner philosophical and practical aspects of Aikido, forty-seven-year Aikido practitioner and 6th-degree blackbelt Susan Perry, Ph.D., uses personal stories of joy, achievement, and hardship to demonstrate real-life applications of the transformational principles of Aikido. She introduces what Aikido is and where it comes from, providing a brief biography of its founder, Morihei Ueshiba. She explains in detail how Aikido helped her resolve difficulties at work, as a student, and as a teacher/sensei. Through each story shared, the author offers a glimpse of the beginner’s mind in action, the key to changing even the violent energy of an attack into peaceful interaction. Presenting Aikido’s step-by-step protocol for developing the receptiveness of the beginner’s mind, a state essential to personal transformation, Perry explains how distraction and timing can be used to deescalate potentially violent or dangerous situations. She discusses the founder’s philosophy of conflict, showing how Aikido can help peacefully resolve difficulties that arise with pushy, intimidating, and unpredictable people, those who are stubborn or don’t listen, insincere people who want something from you, and chaotic situations. She explains how a deepening practice of the martial art leads to an aiki state of inner peace, fusion, and boundless joy. Revealing how Aikido can help you face your fears and develop your heart and soul, this book shows how this martial art helps you embrace change, cultivate a strong center, and ultimately live a joyful life of engagement with the world.

Glenn Morris examines the fabulous Togakure Ryu in ninth century Japan and moves to present day applications of the ancient skills the stealthy ninja must apply to living in the modern world. Mr. Morris' fans will not be disappointed with the riches offered here: secrets of balance and alignment; seeing with the minds and eyes of gods and spirits; energy applications of qi for healing, warfare and sexual fulfillment; the care and feeding of Bujin, protective spirits; and cross-cultural comparisons of shamans, saints and masters of Budo and Bugei.

The ultimate guide to the Japanese martial arts by the world's foremost expert! Author Alexander Bennett is the ultimate insider, having lived in Japan for decades. He holds multiple black belts in Kendo and Naginata, as well as PhDs in Japanese literature and history. An Insider's Guide to the Japanese Martial Arts is Bennett's personal guide for fellow martial artists and seekers who wish to undertake their own personal quest to study or practice a martial art in Japan. In this book, Bennett outlines the history of the Japanese warrior from early times until the present. Then, as only someone steeped in this world can, he surveys the contemporary martial arts scene and provides essential tips on how to find a teacher and a dojo and how to navigate and survive the difficult martial arts world in Japan today. The chapters in this book cover many different topics, including: The Real Samurai How the Japanese Martial Arts developed Martial Arts Masters You Should Know About Budo in Japan Today Key Martial Arts Concepts Life in a Japanese Dojo A Japan Survival Guide Written in an informal, easy-to-read style, this book will captivate anyone with an interest in Japan and Japanese culture, especially martial artists around the world.

Part of the "Sport, Culture and Society" series, this book aims to illuminate the contribution of philosophy of sport to the understanding of contemporary sport. It addresses some of the different fields of philosophy and their application in philosophy of sport including: aesthetics, ethics, philosophy of education, and more.

Karate-Do evolved as a martial art in Okinawa, where it was nurtured by centuries of Okinawan culture and innovation. What inspired the ancient masters to develop these martial techniques and practices was the human instinct for self-preservation, not a desire for entertainment or sporting competition. Traditional karate-do should be practiced with this in mind. Here you will find a complete personal training handbook to supplement training in any karate-do system or other martial art style. The authors have systematically organized their experiences and research into easily digestible segments and have included numerous photographs throughout the text. This book will inspire you to train even more diligently, and the experiences and research shared here will be useful on the journey of any traditional martial artist.

Morihei Ueshiba, who founded Aikido early in this century, intended that his martial art would give form to profound spiritual truth, and lead to a unification of the world's peoples. He saw Aikido not as a fighting method or as a competitive sport but rather as a means of becoming one with the laws of universal order--ki, or life energy. Unfortunately, the subtleties of Ueshiba's teachings, veiled in the esoteric terminology of Shinto, can be puzzling for even the most advanced practitioners. They are not passed down today, and have never been introduced to the West. Gleason, a fifth-degree (Godan) black belt in Aikido, recognizing the importance of the spiritual aspects of the discipline, researched its roots in Shinto, and in this book is able to offer a clear explanation of Ueshiba's teachings. • Unlike the common "how-to" manuals on basic technique, this is the first book to introduce the underlying spiritual principles of Aikido--the elusive concept of kototama (word souls), expressed as one spirit, four souls, three origins, and eight powers--and how they relate to the forms. • Teaches the student how to use Aikido to accomplish spiritual goals. • Reveals little-known teachings of Shinto and Aikido, relating them to Buddhism, Christianity, and other spiritual teachings.

This book is a must for everyone who is interested in martial arts. It handles a great variety of techniques besides history and philosophy. The technical versatility of Ju-jutsu can be clearly seen in the contents of this book(see preview).With 428 pages and over 1500 photo's it can be classified as a complete all-round book. Edgar Kruyning is a leading authority on what remains of Minoru Mochizuki's teachings today.

The Okinawa Diet Cookbook: Recipes For Optimal Health, Vitality and Longevity This book has been designed for people who are looking to start cooking Okinawan food (especially known for longevity and optimal health), offering easy-to-follow recipes and essential tips to make each dish a success. Let's take a closer look at what this book has to offer: 100+ Okinawan Recipes: The book comes with well over 100 Okinawan recipes that are beginner-friendly. You will find recipes for Breakfast, Appetizers, Snacks, Soups & Stews, Main Dishes, Rice and Noodle Dishes, Side Dishes, Fermented Foods, Desserts, and Beverages. Separated Sections for Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Recipes: The book also offers easy and time-saving navigation as it comes with separate sections for vegetarian and non-vegetarian recipes for each category. The Top 5 Recipes: The book offers three unique sections where it covers the Top 5 Okinawan recipes. This includes Recipes for Festivals, 5-Ingredient Recipes, and Pack & Take With You Recipes. Accurate Nutritional Information: Each recipe comes with accurate Nutritional Information Tables to help people know what nutrition they are getting and in what quantities. This book is perfect for anyone interested in Okinawan cuisine, known for its great health benefits, wellness, and simply delicious, wholesome food. "The Okinawa Diet Cookbook" is more than just a cookbook—it's a way to change your life, one meal at a time.