Aikido: The Peaceful Martial Art

Aikido is a martial art unlike any other. It contains no attacks, only defense, and this defense should be so gentle that even the attacker is delighted by it. There is no competition, since each participant should be a winner. It is an art that takes a lifetime to learn. This book presents the principles and basic concepts of aikido - deeply rooted in Eastern philosophy and the refined ideals of the samurai. It is not a technical manual, but an exploration of the thoughts and theories at work in aikido practice. Stefan Stenudd is a 6 dan Aikikai Swedish aikido instructor, member of the Swedish Aikikai Grading Committee, the Swedish Budo Federation Board, and the International Aikido Federation Directing Committee. He has practiced aikido since 1972. He is also a writer of both fiction and non-fiction.