The Strength to Withstand. The Wisdom to Withhold.
In a world that demands reaction, A Warrior in the Garden is a quiet revolt.
This powerful narrative follows Kaori, a girl forged in silence and raised through traditional sword arts, who learns that true strength isn’t found in striking first—but in knowing when not to strike at all.
From barefoot days in a cedar-scented dojo to battles fought without ever drawing her blade, Kaori grows into the kind of warrior the world rarely sees—one trained for war, yet choosing peace. A disciplined student of kenjutsu, she carries the ancient principles of breath, balance, and composure into a world that confuses calm for weakness. Read More
But when the world forces her to choose, she must ask herself: Can a warrior remain in the garden forever?
This is not a story of conquest.
It’s a story of presence, restraint, and the quiet courage of a woman who learns to live—and fight—differently.
The Security Guard’s Aikido Journey to Mastering Ki
Inspired by the principle: “Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness, and just be happy.”
This book blends narrative storytelling with deep philosophical exploration of Ki-Aikido, centering on a security guard’s real-world journey of self-mastery, conflict resolution, and the true meaning of power.Read More
The protagonist (you) starts as a skilled martial artist but struggles to reconcile his training with real-world situations. Through experiences at work, personal growth, and lessons from his dojo (STLKI), he discovers that true strength isn’t about control but about presence, connection, and extending Ki.
By the end, a powerful moment—akin to the classic Aikido subway story—demonstrates how true power lies not in fighting but in harmonizing with the energy of others.
Stillness in the Storm invites you into a year of grounded presence, quiet strength, and mindful living.
Rooted in the deep traditions of Aikido and enriched by teachings from Zen, Taoism, Buddhism, Indigenous wisdom, Stoicism, African proverbs, and select Christian insights, this 365-day journey is a daily return to center—where calm meets clarity, and action begins in stillness.
Each entry begins with a simple truth: Ki is extended…
What follows is a reflection on life, energy, and spiritual practice—drawn from real experiences, dojo lessons, and timeless wisdom from across cultures and philosophies.Read More
Whether you’re a martial artist, a spiritual seeker, or simply someone navigating a world full of noise, this book offers a quiet companion to help you:
Recognize what cuts off connection
Return to center
Let go of ego, judgment, and fear
Live each day with purpose, softness, and strength
Let this be your daily pause, your breath between moments—your stillness in the storm.
We spend our lives learning, healing, improving, and collecting wisdom—yet the moment stress hits, we can still fall apart.
After decades of Ki-Aikido practice, spiritual growth, personal development, and writing nearly thirty books on wisdom and resilience, Keith Thorn found himself facing the most painful truth of all: he still reacted in ways that hurt the people he loved most. His temper flared when life pressed too hard. Criticism cut deeper than it should have. Old patterns resurfaced in moments that mattered. And no amount of knowledge seemed to protect him in the heat of real life. Read More
This is not a book about having the answers.
It is a book about finally telling the truth.
When Wisdom Isn’t Enough explores the deeply human gap between knowing better and doing better—the place where our wiring overrides our wisdom. With vulnerability and unflinching honesty, Thorn shares the raw reality of why we lose our center even after years of growth, why our bodies remember what our minds forget, and why the people we love often see the worst moments of our struggle.
Drawing from his own life, the lessons of a rescue dog named Cardi, decades of Ki-Aikido, and the simple, practical wisdom of voices like Mel Robbins, Jordan Peterson, and his own faith, Thorn shows why healing is never a straight line—and why slipping back isn’t failure, but part of the journey.
This book is for anyone who has ever wished they could grow faster than the time they have left—for anyone who has ever fallen apart even while trying their hardest to change.
It’s not a book about being calm.
It’s a book about becoming calm—slowly, imperfectly, honestly.
You know better. You want better.
Here is how you finally become better
A Warrior’s Last Words follows the extraordinary life of Nakano Takeko, a warrior bound by honor, duty, and an unwavering commitment to the samurai way. Born into the Aizu Domain in 1847, Takeko defies societal expectations, mastering the naginata and embracing the teachings of Bushidō under the guidance of her father and the finest samurai sensei. From childhood, her relentless determination carves a place for herself in a world dominated by men. Read More
As the Boshin War erupts, Takeko gathers a battalion of women warriors to defend Aizu against advancing imperial forces. Facing insurmountable odds, she launches a rebellion against the ruthless warlord Matsunaga, leading daring raids and forging alliances that turn her warriors into a symbol of defiance.
Her journey culminates in a final confrontation within a burning fortress, where Takeko faces Matsunaga in a duel that will decide the fate of her people. Even in victory, she understands that the burden of war never fades. As the smoke clears, she reflects on the warriors she has lost, the battles she has won, and the sacrifices that shaped her. The novel closes with a haunting final poem, echoing the legacy of a warrior who fought not for conquest, but for the right to exist on her own terms.
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