WOMEN IN AIKIDO

P O W E R

This book articulates the insights, perceptions and life stories of twelve highly spirited black-belted women who are dedicated to the practice of aikido and its application to all facets of their lives. These women delve into issues of power, sexuality, survival, mothering, livelihood, and artistic expression, and tell us how they use aikido as a creative source to help them cultivate the art of living ... You don't have to practice aikido to get a lot out of this book.

- Ruth Cashman, WHOLE EARTH REVIEW

h e a r t

[WOMEN IN AIKIDO] is about learning life's lessons, finding one's way in the world, coming into one's own. That these women did this through aikido only makes their stories more interesting. The format of the book is quite simple - conversations between writer and interviewee - but manages to contain some complex ideas.

- Mary Ellen Sullivan, BOOKLIST

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What does it mean when an art of war becomes a spiritual practice? What are the relationships among power, heart, and common sense? What happens when a woman knows in a fundamental way that she can protect herself physically as well as, or better than, any man?
What is this phenomenon of "giving one's power away" and how can one get one's power back?

The people I interviewed answered the question "What do I want?" in inventive and responsible ways. I think integrity is the most valuable thing to practice, and it has a distinct smell to it. My hope is that you'll read this book and become more familiar with that scent and with the pitfalls of the pursuit, and from that awareness be able to better recognize your own authentic passions and drives when they are calling, and follow them creatively and happily in your life.

- Andrea Siegel, from the introduction to WOMEN IN AIKIDO

WOMEN IN AIKIDO is available by special order from your local bookstore
or write PO Box 770103, Woodside, NY 11377 for more information.