Aikido in America

Aikido in America is made up of first person narratives from a number of senior American Aikido practitioners. These are in-depth interviews which the subjects have participated in rewriting, and they give the broad scope of aikido. These interviews with two generations of American martial artists describe how aikido translated from Japan into an American art--integrating some Amercan values, yet remaining an essentially Japanese cultural tradition.

The book is as much a history of Aikido in the United States as it is a philosophical treatise that is tongue-in-cheek at appropriate junctures. It is a nice contrast to the technical manuals out there, and it should appeal to the seasoned practitioner and beginner alike.

These interviews with two generations of American martial artists describe how aikido translated from Japan into an American art - integrating some American values, yet remaining an essentially Japanese cultural tradition.
In addition, they reveal how aikido dramatically changed the lives of these thirteen women and men who rank among the most prominent aikidoists in the United States. "Disciples" features four individuals who trained in Japan with Founder Morihei Ueshiba, gaining insight into aikido's moral and spiritual foundations. "Teachers" focuses on three senior instructors who have disseminated different styles of aikido. "Innovators" includes martial artists whose practice and teaching integrate aikido with meditation, bodywork, conflict resolution, counseling, and philosophy - bringing centeredness and nonviolence "off the mat."