Atemi: the Thunder and Lightning of Aikido is a revolutionary book that goes back to the source and shows the way striking should be incorporated into Aikido. It is the most comprehensive text on striking in Aikido, and it begins with the notion that strikes should not be disregarded in modern dojo. It explores the common (yet mistaken) notion of atemi as a secondary aspect of Aikido, and argues that such an idea is incorrect, since O-Sensei’s own teachings reveal that striking is the very core of the art. 

The authors describe through brilliant and specific examples and clear photographs, how atemi is used in Aikido pins and throws while still keeping with the physical philosophy of the art. The journey continues as they then demonstrate how Ueshiba Morihei and some of his most important students viewed atemi and technique as one, instead of separate aspects of the art.

The text is divided into three sections: Shodan (beginner’s level), Chudan (intermediate level), and Jodan (advanced level). The final chapters suggest ways that O-Sensei taught his students how to develop internal power, which can be channeled into Aikido’s powerful strikes. Atemi: The Thunder and Lightning of Aikido presents a thorough explanation of O-Sensei’s teachings and suggests that many practitioners have only scratched the surface of the art’s true nature.

Following the Martial Path illuminates the lessons learned in the martial arts, which transcend techniques of attack and defense. It is a journey of self-discovery, originating in physical training and leading to the spiritual dimensions. Walther G. von Krenner, trained with numerous talented and famous martial arts practitioners, including Gene LaBelle, Hal Sharpe, Tohei Koichi, Takahashi Isao, and Aikido founder Ueshiba Morihei O-Sensei. Explaining good times and lessons in humility, Following the Martial Path is von Krenner’s account of his martial art journey.

This book stresses the connection between Zen, art, and martial pursuits. Besides conveying the important lessons learned throughout decades, Following the Martial Path contains calligraphy, artwork, and invaluable photographs (of Aikido founder Ueshiba Morihei and others) that have never before been published. In addition, it contains lectures given by the founder of Aikido that have not previously been published.

Drawing from personally conducted interviews by the author, Antonio Aloia, as well as secondary sources, Aikido Comes to America places several early US practitioners in the context of the art's arrival and dissemination amidst American popular culture, spanning from the Beat Movement of the 1950s to the Japanese film craze of the 1980s and early 1990s. This book discusses aikido pioneers including Rodney Grantham, Thomas "Doc" Walker, Sam Combes, Steven Seagal, Lisa Tomoleoni, and George Kennedy among others.

Aikido Comes to America also compares additional prominent American martial artists of the time, including Jujitsu's George Kirby, American Kenpo Karate founder Edmund Parker, Bruce Lee, and Robert Trias of Shuri-ryu Karate, giving a broader picture of how martial arts were developing during the time frame.