Journey to the Heart of Aikido: The Teachings of Motomichi Anno Sensei [Paperback]

Journey to the Heart of Aikidopresents the teachings of Motomichi Anno Sensei, one of the few remaining direct students of Morihei Ueshiba, the legendary founder of Aikido. After a lifetime of practice and teaching in Japan, the United States, and Europe, Anno Sensei conveys through his teachings Aikido's essential spirit of love, harmony, gratitude, and purification with simple authenticity and eloquence. Author and translator Linda Holiday--herself a senior instructor of Aikido--brings to life the intimacy of this communication through translated discourses on the deep practice of Aikido and candid dialogues between Anno sensei and Western students.

Journey to the Heart of Aikido includes Linda Holiday's vivid account of her adventure as a young woman studying Aikido in the mystical region of Kumano, Japan, in the 1970s, and a poignant telling of Anno sensei's life and his first-hand experience of training with Aikido's founder. An essential resource for the global Aikido community,Journey to the Heart of Aikido also offers spiritual teachings relevant to all contemporary seekers, touching a wide range of themes such as the meaning of martial arts, the integration of body and spirit, the truth of interconnectedness, and the practice of peace, offering all readers insight into the profound spiritual questions at the heart of life.“This book is a treasure of wisdom from the heart of a true peacemaker, offering a tangible experience of interbeing as well as practices we can use every day to cultivate well-being and compassion.”—THICH NHAT HANH,Zen master and author ofPeace Is Every Step
 
 “The sublime life and teachings of Morihei Ueshiba are authentically presented inJourney to the Heart of Aikidothrough the lifelong training of Motomichi Anno as well as Linda Holiday’s amazing dedication and research. As one who studied with the Master in his tiny nl#,