Following the Martial Path: Lessons and Stories from a Lifetime of Training in Budo and Zen

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.

"Walther's quest for the true meaning of Budo is presented in many tales throughout the book. Some are classical, others personal. Such tales are both entertaining and enlightening. Walther makes the key point that a martial artist should be an artist in the broadest sense: a student of literature and poetry, and (in his case) a practitioner of such disciplines as calligraphy, painting, shakuhachi playing, sword connoisseurship, and tea ceremony." ―From the foreword by John Stevens, author of The Way of Judo, Abundant Peace, and Sacred Calligraphy of the East

"Walther's quest for the true meaning of Budo is presented in many tales throughout the book. Some are classical, others personal. Such tales are both entertaining and enlightening. Walther makes the key point that a martial artist should be an artist in the broadest sense: a student of literature and poetry, and (in his case) a practitioner of such disciplines as calligraphy, painting, shakuhachi playing, sword connoisseurship, and tea ceremony." ―From the foreword by John Stevens, author of The Way of Judo, Abundant Peace, and Sacred Calligraphy of the East "Walther von Krenner paints a portrait of Budo in a time and place. A time and place that is quickly vanishing yet vital to deeper understanding and experience in the martial ways. He was an outsider receiving instruction from what became some of the most important sensei, and even legends, in the Japanese martial traditions. His story, shared lectures from Ueshiba and Tohei and others, and his personal insights are a valued addition to our understanding of Asian martial arts and cultural traditions." ―Dr. Mark Wiley, author of Filipino Martial Culture and Martial Arts Talk