The Mysterious Power of Ki: The Force Within Book by Kouzo Kaku (Hardcover)

An Illustrated Account of The History and Practice of Ki in Japanese Culture.

The concept of ki, or inner energy, has been a propelling force in Japanese culture, religion and the martial arts for centuries; the 1980s and early 1990s, in particular, were notable for a burgeoning interest in the role of ki in self-fulfilment. Discovering, the true nature of ki has been Kouzo Kaku's personal quest. This book is the result of fifteen years of research.

In this absorbing account, the author who is the current Master of the Tõgun-ryū school of fencing (Kenjutsu), looks at the history of ki and its connections within Japanese culture in general, but particularly its role in Zen, Shinto and the martial arts. Additional chapters cover the scientific research into the healing power of ki and the exploration of the philosophy of ki.

The author also offers a detailed account of the life and experience of Ueshiba Morihei, founder of Aikido, who himself was a remarkable exponent of the power of ki, and was the inspiration behind Kaku's quest.

The book is fully illustrated, and includes some remarkable pictures of ki's healing powers, as well as ki in action in Aikido.

Contents:

About the Author
List of Illustrations
Preface
1. Ki in Our Time
2. Beginnings of the Ki Boom
3. Ki, Zen and Martial Arts
4. Healing Philosophy and Martial Arts
5. Introduction of Keiraku and Atemi into Japan
6. Ueshiba Morihei, the Embodiment of Ki
7. Ki in Shinto and Aikido
8. Scientific Research into Ki
9. The World of Ki and the Mind
10. The Ultimate Meaning of Ki
Conclusion: The Extraordinary Power of Ki
Index

About the Author:

Among the ancestors of Kouzo Kaku who were high-ranking samurai, was the head of the famous Togun-ryu school of kenjutsu, Kawasaki Kaginosuke Tokimori. Kaku is the seventeenth descendant.

Born in Osaka, Kaku grew up in an environment permeated with the samurai culture and began learning Togun-ryū at the age of five. At university in Nara he specialized in the study of Japanese history; he also researched the history of Japanese martial arts, especially Aikido. Today, he continues to train under the guidance of the third dōshu Ueshiba Moriteru, and top Aikido master Takaoka Sadao.

Kaku is also a highly successful author and lecturer on the history of Japan.

Length: 176 pages

Publication date: 2000