A global history of martial arts and a celebration of their diverse forms, communities, and significance.

Martial arts, both traditional and modern styles, enjoy widespread popularity, and many people practice them non-competitively, whether for self-defense or physical development. Stars like Bruce Lee and films such as The Karate Kid have further contributed hugely to the perception of martial arts in Western popular culture. Aikido to Zen explores the development of martial arts across the world, from the Shaolin Monastery in China to the present day, and considers how they deploy intuition, rapid physical reaction, and mental awareness. It also shines a light on the variety of communities that practice, including women, the young, and people with disabilities. With viewpoints from practitioners across the world, this book offers a fresh look at martial arts’ significance culturally, physically, and psychologically.