Literally across the globe, martial arts fans flock to their favorite dojos and disciplines, thanks to the fluid strength and cool demeanor of the activity's many superstars. Equally as important to fans are the philosophies behind the physical aspects of martial arts.
Akiko Tamura, nearing 60 and just over 155 cm tall with the slim body of a young girl, doesn't match those famous martial artists in strength. Nor does she spend too much time musing on those philosophies.
For her, martial arts, specifically aikido, has always been more about the mental side. This sixth dan black belt knows that behind the physicality and the philosophy lies a simple way to happiness, exemplified in Tamura's life and in her dojo in Yokohama.