Description
Gus is a 7-year-old boy taking an Aikido class with other kids. He is mad because a boy at his new school is bullying him and he's not sure what to do. He tells his friend, Zoe, who is in Aikido class with Gus, and she shares how she dealt with a bully using Aikido. Gus also talks to his Aikido teacher, Kimberly Sensei and seeks her advice. Kimberly Sensei tells Gus about the Japanese samurai who started Aikido; his name was O Sensei. When O Sensei was a kid, he was little and sick. Once his dad got beat up by robbers. After that, his dad made him study lots of different martial arts so that he would grow up to be strong and courageous. O Sensei would always pretend to be a dragon. When he got really good he could defeat all his attackers. But he could do something else even better, he could win without ever fighting. With photographs and simple text, the authors explain Aikido, its philosophy, and some of the specific moves for self-defense. In time, Gus builds up his self-confidence and his Aikido abilities. One day when the school bully confronts Gus after school, and pushes him, Gus pretends he is a dragon, moves into an Aikido stance and easily deflects the bully's aggression. The story ends with Gus saying, "But the most important thing is that I am not afraid when I go to school. We have Japanese words on the wall of the dojo that say, Amatsu gatsu agatsu. That means "True Victory is Victory over Oneself." Now I know what that means. Book includes Author's note to parents about Aikido, and a glossary of words and terms used in Aikido.… (more)
Library's review
Bullying is a growing problem worldwide. This engaging children's story shows how Aikido offers a peaceful way to negotiate aggression and gain self-confidence.
Kimberly S. Richardson is the chief instructor of Two Cranes Aikido in Seattle, Washington where she teaches children, teens, and adults the martial art of Aikido and mindfulness practice. She has a sixth degree black belt in Aikido and a master's degree in psychology.
As a consultant and trainer, Kimberly offers workshops in conflict resolution and effective management styles to corporations, schools, and community organizations. In 2008, Kimberly founded Two Cranes Institute to provide educational programs for children and adults that promote violence prevention and cultivate peaceful solutions to conflict.
Watching children develop confidence, inner strength and self-esteem on the training mat is the inspiration for her first book.
Adam A. Crowley has been a professional prhotographer for more that twenty-five years. In that time, he has photographed a wide range of subjects, from Fortune 100 execs to water-skiing grandmas. His work focuses on the characters, places and circumstances that make each life unique.
Adam lives in Seattle with his wonderful wife, kids, dog, cat and tortoise.
Meet Gus, a seven-year-old boy, who is full of energy and imaginaton. Gus is excited about stydying martial arts at an Aikido dojo, along with his sister and friends. A bully at school has been picking on Gus and his friend Zoe. Together, they learn that Aikido can help them become peaceful wariors and nonviolently deal with the school bully.
Any child who has spent a sleepess night worrying about his or her safety will appreciate Gus and Zoe's empowering experience.