The Hidden Power of Aikido: Transcending Conflict and Cultivating Inner Peace

(Paperback)

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Real-life applications of Aikido for self-transformation, conflict resolution, and joy

Explains Aikido solutions for peacefully resolving difficulties that arise with intimidating and unpredictable people, those who are stubborn or dont listen, insincere people who want something from you, and chaotic situations

Presents Aikidos step-by-step protocol for developing the receptiveness of the beginners 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 beginners mind in action, the key to changing even the violent energy of an attack into peaceful interaction.

Presenting Aikidos step-by-step protocol for developing the receptiveness of the beginners 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 founders philosophy of conflict, showing how Aikido can help peacefully resolve difficulties that arise with pushy, intimidating, and unpredictable people, those who are stubborn or dont 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.

Author Bio

Susan Perry, Ph.D., has practiced Aikido for nearly 50 years. She holds a Rokudan (6th-degree blackbelt) in Aikido, a doctorate in philosophy, and a Godan (5th-degree blackbelt) in Japanese calligraphy. Best known for founding and publishing Aikido Today Magazine, she is now president of Aiko Institute. A former assistant professor in the California State University system, she lives in Claremont, California.