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I have introduced myself to you by noting my various martial arts ranks—gifts from my generous teachers to this frail, awkward college professor—and though we cannot bow to each other in polite recognition, we have probably met and shared a moment of peace and harmony—sparring, perhaps. Maybe we were at the same seminar practicing basics under the critical eye of some noted sensei until we were ready to drop, dripping sweat, lungs heaving. Maybe we bumped elbows at the martial arts store looking over the latest books. Maybe we critically eyed each other in the kata competition at one of the local tournaments. I salute you and I envy you. You are on your way to Japan!

Acknowledgments

I wish to thank my wife, Jane M. Jones, for editorial assistance and support during the writing of this book; and Professor Thomas Cauley, United States Director of Sakugawa Koshiki Shorinji Ryu Karatedo, for his “Preface” and timely comments on the manuscript; and Dennis Hooker, Junko and Forrest Gillespie, Steve Fasen, and Wayne Van Horne for reading early drafts and offering their expert and timely comments. Finally, I wish to express deep gratitude to Mitsugi Saotome Shihan, Headmaster of the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba for consenting to be interviewed for this book. In the end, of course, final responsibility for the content of this work must, for better or for worse, rest with me.