Aikido to Zen
The Story of Martial Arts
Jules StewartA fresh look at our perennial interest in martial arts.
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 that 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.
A fresh look at our perennial interest in martial arts.
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 that 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.
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Jules Stewart brilliantly brings together myriad stories about martial arts, ranging from personal accounts brimming with emotion and meaning to the movements that have shaped their evolution into a global cultural phenomenon. A highly recommended read for anyone wishing to delve into the fascinating world of martial arts.
'Carlos Gutiérrez-García, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physical and Sport Education, University of León, Spain
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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
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
Select Bibliography
Acknowledgements
Photo Acknowledgements
Index
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.
