John Stevens (1) (1947–)

Kodokan Judo, one of the most well-known martial arts in the world today, was originated by Jigoro Kano (1860-1938), a martial artist and career educator who developed the art after studying several types of jujutsu, sumo, and Western wrestling. Openness and refinement were hallmarks of his personal and professional style, and he relentlessly searched for the best way to practice, teach, and perform techniques.

This biography shows how Kano saw judo as a vehicle not just for self-defense, but for physical, spiritual,and moral development as well. His teachings clearly emphasize his ideal of judo as a way of self-cultivation that leads to physical health,ethical behavior, and, ultimately, a better society. Kano was a tireless activist who promoted the practical application of judo's principles in all realms of life-in one's personal behavior, for education, in work, for economic benefit, and in both the local and international political arenas.

Kano's students were a colorful, sometimes notorious bunch,and his book reveals how several went on to become famous-or infamous-in their own right. They include a prime minister of Japan, the leader of the Communist party in China, a famous novelist, a spy, high-level military leaders, and a media mogul, among many others.

John Steven's lived n Japan for thirty-five years. He was professor of Buddhist studies and Aikido instructor at Tohoku Fukushi University in Sendai. Previously, he has written on the life and teachings of the Zen swordsman Tesshu Yamaoka; the founder of aikido, Morihei Ueshiba; the hero of Zen and the Art of Archery, Kenzo Awa; and the Buddhist nun-martial artist Rengetsu Otagaki.

Contents

Preface
1 The public career of Jigoro Kano
2 Kano, the man himself
3 The challenge of creating Kodokan Judo
4 Kano and his students
5 The teachings of Jigoro Kano
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from dust jacket

In budo-which can be translated as 'the way of brave and enlightened activity'-martial arts and spirituality merge at the highest level of skill. Budo Secrets contains the essential teachings of budo's greatest masters of Kendo, Karate, Judo, Aikido, and other disciplines. Timely and instructive, these writings are not just for martial artists-they're for anyone who wants to live life more courageously, with a greater sense of personal confidence and self-control, and with a deeper understanding of other's.

John Stevens has gathered an eclectic and historically rich collection of teachings, including principles and practice guidelines from training manuals, excerpts of texts on budo philosophy, and instructional tales gathered from a number of sources. Since many of the martial arts masters were also fine painters and calligraphers who used brush and ink as a teaching medium, Stevens has included their artwork throughout with explanation and commentary.

This book includes the training secrets of such masters as:

the legendary swordsmen Miyamoto Musashi, Yagyu Renya, and Yamaoka Tesshu
Gichin Funakoshi, the father of modern Karate
Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido
Kyuzo Mifune, the greatest Judo master of the common era

John Stevens is Professor of Buddhist Studies and an Aikido instructor at Tohoku Fukushi University in Sendai, Japan. He is author or translator of over thirty books on Buddhism, Zen, Aikido, and Asian culture, including The Secrets of Aikido, The art of Peace, Aikido: The Way of Harmony, and The Sword of No-Sword.

Contents

Preface
Translator's note
Part One--the principles of budo
Ki-ichi-Hogen's Secrets of Technique
Miyamoto Musashi's Self-Precepts and Nine Articles
Seven Hardships for Martial Training
Yagyu Renya's Seven Principles
Three Rules of the Tanseki School of Swordsmanship
The Eight Essentials for Novice Swordsmen
Gichin Funakoshi's Twenty Principles of Karate
Kyuzo Mifune's Principles of Judo
Twenty Rules for Lifelong Training
The Ten Virtues for a Ninja
Ninja Food for Traininig
The Ten Evils for a Budo Practitioner
The Book of the Heart
The Nine Views
Part Two--the philosophy of budo
The Marvelous Techniques of the Old Cat (Neko no Myojutsu)
The Secrets of Samurai Swimming
Tesshu Yamaoka's Secret Art of the Carpenter's Plane
The Teachings of Tempu Nakamura
Teachings of Morihei Ueshiba
Part Three--tales of the masters of budo
Teachings Tales
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from dust jacket

At last, a clear and insightful look at the system of beliefs that is the basis for the practice of Aikido. The Philosophy of Aikido is an invaluable guide for practitioners-whether beginning or advanced-wishing to know more about the context in which Aikido was developed and Aikido's implications for the world today.

Intended as a companion volume to Kisshomaru Ueshiba's classic The Spirit of Aikido, the book is authored by John Stevens, the foremost non-Japanese expert in the field. It is written from an international perspective that considers how Aikido is related to the emerging global culture.

Some of the ideas discussed are:

-the relation of Aikido to such Asian traditions as Shinto, Shingon Buddhism, Omoto-kyo esotericism, Taoist mysticism and Tantra

-points of correspondence between Aikido and western philosophical and religious systems-Greek philosophy, Christianity, Kabbalah, alchemy and modern scientific theories

-links between Aikido and art

-ways that Aikido thinking can be used to advance the caues of such urgent issues as health and healing, conflict resolution and environmental responsibility

The Philosophy of Aikido will be of vital interest to all those who are drawn to a dynavic philosophy centered on harmony, peace and spiritual strength. The book includes 70 black-and-white illustrations of woodblock prints, calligraphy and photographs from the author's extensive collection.

John Stevens is the foremost western expert on Aikido. A professor of Buddhist studies and Aikido instructor at Tohoku Fukushi University in Sendai, Japan, he is the author of more than thirty books on Aikido, Buddhism, Zen and Asian culture. Previous works on Aikido include The Essence of Aikido, The Secrets of Aikido and Aikido: The Way of Harmony.

Contents

Foreword by Moriteru Ueshiba
Preface
Part I Theory
1 Essential Principles
2 Aikido, Nature, and Health
3 Aikido as Tantra
4 Aikido and Art
5 Aikido and Global Society
Part II Practice
Suggested Reading
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