Aikido is the Way of Peace, a martial art aimed at harmonizing body and spirit with the natural forces of the universe. Developed in the late 1920s by martial artist and spiritual leader Morihei Ueshiba, Aikido is unique among martial arts for its emphasis on peace and philosophical and spiritual development. Though Aikido is a fighting system, its goal is not destruction and injury, but rather protection and harmony for all parties involved in the struggle. "Those who seek to compete and better one another are making a terrible mistake," says Morihei, "The real Way of a Warrior is to prevent such slaughter - it is the Art of Peace, the power of love."

In The Secrets of Aikido, John Stevens - esteemed Aikido instructor and author of over 30 books on Aikido - delves into the hidden teachings and deep, multi-dimensional spiritual wisdom offered by this unique martial art. Divided into two broad sections on "The Mysterious of Aikido" and "The Practice of Aikido," this book explores

• Practices for the purification of mind and body
• The tantric dimensions of Aikido, unifying masculine and feminine
• The Aikido science of sound and how it parallels the use of mantras and similar practices in other spiritual disciplines
• Breathing techniques for calming the spirit and returning to the source of life
• The six pillars of Aikido: physical techniques based on spiritual principles that link us ot a higher realm of being

For beginners and seasoned practitioners alike, The Secrets of Aikido presents honest and inspirational insight into a harmonious and peaceful way of life.

John Stevens lived in Japan for 35 years, where he was a professor of Buddhist studies at Tohoku Fukushi University in Sendai. A widely respected translator, ordained Buddhist priest, curator of several major exhibitions of Zen art, and an Aikido instructor, he has authored more than thirty books and is one of the foremost Western experts on Aikido, holding a ranking of 7th dan Aikikai.