Aikido: My Spiritual Journey (Kodansha America, Inc)

In his comprehensive autobiography, legendary Aikido grandmaster Gozo Shioda tells of his exciting life. Born in Tokyo in 1915, Shioda excelled as a student of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of modern Aikido. In 1954, Shioda entered the All Japan Martial Arts Exhibition, and won first prize. Holder of the ninth-rank black belt, he founded Yoshinkan Aikido. In 1988, he was awarded the title of Aikido Meijin (Grand Master) aby the International Martial Arts Federation. He was also chief instructor for the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, the Air Self-de-fence Force, the Japanese National Railways, and Sophia, Meiji Gakuin, and Takushoku Universities. In "Aikido: My Spiritual Journey", Shioda relates moving, personal anecdotes about Ueshiba and imparts what he learned from his mentor. He also offers a concise overview of the key elements of Aikido, including breath power, focused power, and the power of the centre line. About 20 rare photos of the author, chronicling his life in Aikido, are also included. Gozo Shioda died in 1994.