Aikido To Zen (the Story Of Martial Arts)

By (author) Stewart Jules
Short description/annotation:
A fresh look at our perennial interest in martial arts.
Description:
Martial arts, both traditional and modern styles, enjoy widespread popularity, and many people practise them non-competitively whether for self-defence or physical development. Stars like Bruce Lee and films such as The Karate Kid have further contributed hugely to the perception of martial arts in Western popular culture. Aikido to Zen explores the development of martial arts across the world, from the Shaolin Monastery in China to the present day, and considers how they deploy intuition, rapid physical reaction and mental awareness. It also shines a light on the variety of communities who practise, including women, the young and people with disabilities. With viewpoints from practitioners across the world, this book offers a fresh look at martial arts’ significance culturally, physically and psychologically.
Review quote:
"Aikido to Zen blends personal journey and global history to demonstrate how martial arts transform mindset, spirit and skill together. As a fellow martial artist, I recognize its truth: across cultures and styles, training builds resilience, perseverance, community, and enduring self-respect." - Melanie D. Gibson, author of Kicking and Screaming: a Memoir of Madness and Martial Arts

Biographical note:
Jules Stewart is a London-based author and taekwon-do black belt. His many books include Strike Up the Band: New York City in the Roaring Twenties (2024) and Policing the Big Apple: The Story of the NYPD (2021), both published by Reaktion Books.
Excerpt:
Foreword by Master Shi Yan Gui Introduction 1: What are Martial Arts? 2: Whence to Where 3: Hands Off! 4: Lights, Camera, Action! 5: Awakening the Spirit 6: Forward Moves References Bibliography Acknowledgements Photo Acknowledgements Index
Errata:
Covers the range of martial arts worldwide.
Errata:
A special focus on women in martial arts.
Errata:
Author is a black belt in Taekwon-Do.