Kodo: Ancient WaysFuruya, Kensho. Ohara Publications 1996 223pp.

Furuya Sensei is a rokudan in both aikido and iaido and a Zen priest. He teaches in Los Angeles. "Kodo" is a compilation of articles written between 1988 and 1995 for a martial arts magazine. Each article is a short "lesson" on an aspect of martial arts particularly aikido drawn from his own training, historical examples and zen thought. Gradually the volume builds into an impressive body of thought that will challenge serious aikido students to rethink, change and/or reconfirm many of their own values. He covers topics such as "to be discouraged is part of training", "cultivating inner strength", "what makes a true master?"

"Kodo" is a great book. Furuya Sensei dispels many myths and has a clear uncompromising approach to training. You may not agree with many of his thoughts but you cannot lightly dismiss them. Many books on the sprirtual side of martial arts tend towards the incomprehensible. This is simple and direct and well worth your time whether you are a beginner or a more advanced student.