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Kai and the Seven Virtues of Peace Book Cover

KAI AND THE SEVEN VIRTUES OF PEACE

By Mike Lambert

Building on the foundation of his previous work, What is the Magic of the Magic Fingers, which wove together fatherhood and chivalry, this book dives deeper into the specific virtues of Aikido. It moves beyond the physical technique of the waza and into the "transcendent learning" that happens when a student stops trying to win and starts trying to grow. As you read these pages, I invite you to slow down. Whether you are a young student curious about the martial arts or a lifelong learner seeking depth, let this journey inspire you. The goal is not merely to learn a skill, but to transform your entire perspective - to see every moment as either a lesson to be absorbed or a moment to apply what you have practiced.

Mike Lambert

Meet Mike Lambert

Mike Lambert is a multifaceted person whose life is defined by a singular pursuit: finding the "Magic" in the discipline of the craft. Whether at 10,000 feet in a cockpit, behind a keyboard in the world of high-tech, playing and writing music, or on the mats of the Dojo, Mike's journey is one of depth over distance.

Now the Dojo Cho of Upstate Aikido, Mike has dedicated over twenty years to the study of Budo. A Black Belt in Aikido, he views the martial arts not merely as a set of physical techniques, but as a gateway to Zanshin (awareness) and Mushin (presence) - principles he applies to every facet of his life.

Before his time on the mats, Mike found his rhythm in the world of music. As a professional musician, he traveled the world and worked alongside legendary figures in the industry. It was on these stages and in these studios that he first learned the value of the "learning moment" - the realization that whether you are hitting a note or a perfect throw, mastery requires a departure from ego and a commitment to the practice.

Mike is the author of the children's book What is the Magic of the Magic Fingers, which transformed nighttime family rituals into lessons on chivalry. Today, he continues to share the gift of learning with his students, his family, and his readers. He lives with the belief that life is a path of constant refinement, and that every moment is an opportunity to either learn or to serve.