It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our beloved author John Stevens. John transitioned peacefully on July 21, 2025.
John Stevens was a Zen priest and was a professor of Buddhist Studies and Aikido instructor at Tohoku Fukushi University in Sendai, Japan, where he lived for thirty-five years. He is the author or translator of over forty books on Zen artists and their poetry, painting, and calligraphy, as well as on Aikido, swordsmanship, and other Japanese martial arts traditions.
John was the author of our bestselling The Art of Peace and the writer or translator of over 40 books on Japanese martial arts, artists, Zen arts, and calligraphy. His last book with us, The Art of Budo, is a beautiful testament to his lifelong devotion to these disciplines. As an Aikido master, a beloved Sensei, and a Zen priest, John was a guiding light to many. He was a deeply devoted student of Rinjiro Shirata Sensei, one of the pioneers of Aikido.
John was also a maverick, an artist, a poet, and a warrior. He was a spouse, a father, and a grandfather. He told the best stories and was happiest when working on a book project. His great laugh and disarming sweetness touched everyone who knew him.
We are grateful for his immense contributions and the lasting influence he had on the world of martial arts. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, students, and readers around the world.
Rest in peace, John. You will be deeply missed.
John's Books on Aikido
Paperback | Ebook
$16.95 - Paperback
The Art of Peace by Morihei Ueshiba
Aikido’s founding master Morihei Ueshiba offers timeless teachings on fearlessness, compassion, love of nature, and victory over conflict through the practice of peace.
The inspirational teachings in this collection John translated show the real way of the warrior is based on compassion, wisdom, fearlessness, and love of nature. The teachings are drawn from the talks and writings of Morihei Ueshiba, founder of the Japanese martial art of aikido, a mind-body discipline he called the "Art of Peace." Aikido offers a nonviolent way to victory in the face of conflict (as compared to the cunning strategy advocated by Musashi's Book of Five Rings or Sun Tzu's Art of War).
Ueshiba believed that aikido principles, such as the Four Great Virtues of Bravery, Wisdom, Love, and Friendship, could be applied to all the challenges we face in life—in personal and business relationships and in our interactions with society.
From the preface:
"Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido, taught the Art of Peace as a creative mind-body discipline, as a practical means of handling aggression, and as a way of life that fosters fearlessness, wisdom, love, and friendship. The master interpreted the Art of Peace in the broadest possible sense and believed that its principles of reconciliation, harmony, cooperation, and empathy could be applied bravely to all the challenges we face in life—in personal relations, in our interactions with other human beings in society, at work and in business, and when dealing with nature. Everyone can be a warrior for peace. Morihei called his grand vision Takemusu Aiki, or “Courageous and Creative Living.”
Morihei Ueshiba
Paperback | Ebook
$21.95 - Paperback
The Shambhala Guide to Aikido
John wrote this essential introduction to the philosophy and practice of the martial art known as "The Way of Peace".
This book introduces the basic principles and practices of this popular martial art and includes:
- The biography of the Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), highlighting key events that led to the development of Aikido
- The fundamental training methods and techniques, illustrated by dozens of photographs
- The philosophical and spiritual dimensions of Aikido
- How to choose an instructor
- A glossary of important terms
- Suggestions for further reading
Paperback | Ebook
$29.95 - Paperback
Invincible Warrior: A Pictorial Biography of Morihei Ueshiba, Founder of Aikido
Invincible Warrior tells the fascinating story of the life of Morihei Ueshiba (1883–1969), whose quest for the true meaning of warriorship led to the creation of the martial art called Aikido, “The Art of Peace.” Ueshiba—whose name means “abundant peace”—is considered by many to be one of the greatest martial artists who ever lived. His documented ability to disarm any attacker, throw a dozen men simultaneously, and down and pin opponents without touching them has accorded his life legendary status.
Invincible Warrior presents the real story behind Morihei’s achievement, illuminating the man and his message. Stevens describes the people, events, and ideas that influenced Ueshiba’s lifelong spiritual quest, which culminated in the development of unique teachings of Aikido. Illustrated with two hundred photographs of Morihei in action and filled with revealing anecdotes about his life and times, Invincible Warrior also offers valuable discussion of the founder’s conception of Aikido as a path of harmony and love, unifying body and mind, self and others, humans and the universe.
John's Books on Martial Arts
Paperback | Ebook
$24.95 - Paperback
The Art of Budo:The Calligraphy and Paintings of the Martial Arts Masters
John's last book with us. Beginning with the legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi, nearly all of the great Japanese martial arts masters left a legacy of calligraphy and painting. In this art, rooted in the tradition of Zenga and Zensho (meditative painting and calligraphy), the brushstrokes are considered to be alive, conveying a master’s teaching directly and concisely. When the artwork is displayed in a dojo or more intimately in one’s home, the master is experienced as a living presence.
This stunning collection of spiritual calligraphy presents a concise history of this tradition, with works from Miyamoto Musashi, Takuan Soho, Yagyu Munenori, Saigo Takamori, Otagaki Rengetsu, Yamaoka Tesshu, Kano Jigoro, Ueshiba Morihei, and many others. Aikido master and Zen art expert John Stevens provides a fascinating introduction to the tradition, illuminating commentary on each piece, and biographical details on each of the warrior artists.
Paperback | Ebook
$24.95 - Paperback
The Way of Judo: A Portrait of Jigoro Kano and His Students
See also our interview with John about this book.
Kodokan judo, one of the most well-known martial arts in the world today, was originated by Jigoro Kano (1860–1938), a martial artist and career educator who developed the art after studying several types of jujutsu, sumo, and Western wrestling. Openness and refinement were hallmarks of his personal and professional style, and he relentlessly searched for the best way to practice, teach, and perform techniques.
This biography shows how Kano saw judo as a vehicle not just for self-defense, but for physical, spiritual, and moral development as well. His teachings clearly emphasize his ideal of judo as a way of self-cultivation that leads to physical health, ethical behavior, and ultimately a better society. Kano was a tireless activist who promoted the practical application of judo’s principles in all realms of life—in one’s personal behavior, for education, in work, for economic benefit, and in both the local and international political arenas.
Kano’s students were a colorful, sometimes notorious bunch, and this book reveals how several went on to become famous—or infamous—in their own right. They include a prime minister of Japan, the leader of the Communist party in China, a famous novelist, a spy, high-level military leaders, and a media mogul, among many others.
Paperback | Ebook
$27.95 - Paperback
The Sword of No-Sword: Life of the Master Warrior Tesshu
Master swordsman, calligrapher, and Zen practitioner, Yamoaka Tesshu is a seminal figure in martial arts history. John Stevens's biography is a fascinating, detailed account of Tesshu's remarkable life. From Tesshu's superhuman feats of endurance and keen perception in life-threatening situations, to his skillful handling of military affairs during the politically volatile era of early nineteenth-century Japan, Stevens recounts the stories that have made Tesshu a legend. This is the book all martial artists must own.
Paperback | Ebook
$21.95 - Paperback
Budo Secrets: Teachings of the Martial Arts Masters
This book is also included in our Reader's Guide on The Samurai and Zen where you will find other important Zen classics.
In budo—which can be translated as "the way of brave and enlightened activity"—martial arts and spirituality merge at the highest level of skill. Budo Secrets contains the essential teachings of budo's greatest masters of Kendo, Karate, Judo, Aikido, and other disciplines. Timely and instructive, these writings are not just for martial artists—they're for anyone who wants to live life more courageously, with a greater sense of personal confidence and self-control, and with a deeper understanding of others.
John gathered an eclectic and historically rich collection of teachings that include principles and practice guidelines from training manuals and transmission scrolls, excerpts of texts on budo philosophy, and instructional tales gathered from a number of sources. Since many of the martial arts masters were also fine painters and calligraphers and used brush and ink as a teaching medium, Stevens has included their artwork throughout with explanation and commentary.
John's Books on Zen
Paperback | Ebook
$18.95 - Paperback
Zen Bow, Zen Arrow: The Life and Teachings of Awa Kenzo, the Archery Master from Zen in the Art of Archery
- This book is also included in our Reader's Guide on The Samurai and Zen where you will find other important Zen classics.
In budo—which can be translated as "the way of brave and enlightened activity"—martial arts and spirituality merge at the highest level of skill. Budo Secrets contains the essential teachings of budo's greatest masters of Kendo, Karate, Judo, Aikido, and other disciplines. Timely and instructive, these writings are not just for martial artists—they're for anyone who wants to live life more courageously, with a greater sense of personal confidence and self-control, and with a deeper understanding of others.
John gathered an eclectic and historically rich collection of teachings that include principles and practice guidelines from training manuals and transmission scrolls, excerpts of texts on budo philosophy, and instructional tales gathered from a number of sources. Since many of the martial arts masters were also fine painters and calligraphers and used brush and ink as a teaching medium, Stevens has included their artwork throughout with explanation and commentary.
Paperback | Ebook
$18.95 - Paperback
One Robe, One Bowl: The Zen Poetry of Ryokan
The hermit-monk Ryokan, long beloved in Japan both for his poetry and for his character, belongs in the tradition of the great Zen eccentrics of China and Japan. His reclusive life and celebration of nature and the natural life also bring to mind his younger American contemporary, Thoreau. Ryokan's poetry is that of the mature Zen master, its deceptive simplicity revealing an art that surpasses artifice. Although Ryokan was born in eighteenth-century Japan, his extraordinary poems, capturing in a few luminous phrases both the beauty and the pathos of human life, reach far beyond time and place to touch the springs of humanity.
Paperback | Ebook
$18.95 - Paperback
Dewdrops on a Lotus Leaf: Zen Poems of Ryokan
The Japanese poet-recluse Ryokan (1758–1831) is one of the most beloved figures of Asian literature, renowned for his beautiful verse, exquisite calligraphy, and eccentric character. Deceptively simple, Ryokan's poems transcend artifice, presenting spontaneous expressions of pure Zen spirit. Like his contemporary Thoreau, Ryokan celebrates nature and the natural life, but his poems touch the whole range of human experience: joy and sadness, pleasure and pain, enlightenment and illusion, love and loneliness. This collection of translations reflects the full spectrum of Ryokan's spiritual and poetic vision, including Japanese haiku, longer folk songs, and Chinese-style verse. Fifteen ink paintings by Koshi no Sengai (1895–1958) complement these translations and beautifully depict the spirit of this famous poet.
More from John
Paperback | Ebook
$24.95 - Paperback
Lust for Enlightenment: Buddhism and Sex
Over the centuries, Buddhism has responded to sexuality in a variety of fascinating ways, sometimes suppressing the sexual urge, sometimes sublimating it, sometimes cultivating it, and, on the highest levels, transforming it. This book reveals how Buddhists, beginning with Shakyamuni Buddha himself, relate to the “inner fire” that drives humankind. Included are chapters on the Buddha’s love life before his enlightenment and his later relationships with women; the tantric approach to sex among Buddhists of ancient India, Tibet, China, and Japan; Zen in the art of love; and a positive discussion of women and Buddhism.