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About the Publication
Is it truly possible to live entirely without enemies? In this profound philosophical essay, renowned Aikido master André Cognard bridges the gap between ancient Eastern martial arts and modern human psychology. Drawing directly from his own lifelong practice, personal history, and deeply vulnerable reflections, Cognard addresses a universal truth: our greatest conflicts—and our fiercest enemies—ultimately lie within ourselves.
Rather than offering quick, superficial fixes, Cognard frames self-mastery as a rigorous, evolutionary process. It is a path forged through humble, everyday practice, built upon failed attempts, and sustained by a relentless dedication that defies conventional logic. Through this deliberate physical and mental labor, the author demonstrates how raw emotional energies like anger, anxiety, and fear can be completely mastered, transformed, and channeled into opportunities for personal growth.
Living Without Enemy serves as an actionable framework for managing our deep-seated fears of the unknown. By breaking down the pivotal terminology of traditional martial traditions, Cognard provides readers with a modern decalogue—a set of ten core principles designed to help us navigate human relationships, resolve inevitable conflicts, and find a balance between serving others and maintaining absolute personal freedom. It is an essential guide to learning how to respect, acknowledge, accept, and ultimately forgive.
Beautifully enriched with stunning, original Japanese calligraphy by Ougai Kofude and Yoko Watase, this book is a vital read for martial artists, philosophers, and anyone seeking to transform internal chaos into lasting peace.
The ability to live without enemies implies having freed oneself from a number of attachments, having taken control of the most archaic reflexes, having overcome the fear that haunts human conscience. The arts of Budo are ways that propose to confront this fear.
Product Details
Publisher: The Ran Network
Publication date: 21 April 2022
Language: English
Print length: 150 pages
ISBN-13: 979-8804464012
Item weight: 213 g
Dimensions: 15.24 x 0.86 x 22.86 cm
Part of series: The Budo Classics
Table of Contents
Author’s Preface to the English Edition
Introduction
Martial Arts – A Necessary Evolution
Martial Arts – An Intercultural Philosophy
Martial Arts, Ethics and Society
Nothing Is Closer to Evil than Good
Martial Arts and Ideology: Violence in the Present and in the Past
The Price of Non-violence
What Is the Purpose of War?
The Enemy Within
Identity and Meaning
Void and Identity: The Centre?
The Bodily Identity
Friends and Foes
Adversary and Adversity
The Adversary Status
About Hatred
The Keywords of Martial Arts
Serve
To Serve Is to Be Free
The Different Ways of Serving
Duty
Respect
Salutations
Place
Posture
Speech
Acknowledge
Student
Acknowledgement
Acknowledgement by Integration Into the Students’ Group
Acknowledging One’s Way
Acknowledging One’s Master
Acknowledging the Disciple
Acknowledging One’s Own Change
Thus, What is Change?
Imitate
Repetition
Accept
Accepting a Ritual
Accepting a Discipline
Accepting Change
Accepting Consciousness
Thank
Meditation
Love
Neither Pride nor Cowardice
Practise
Endure
A Perpetual Change
The Power of Imitation
The Place of Women in Martial Arts
Bodily Practice for an Ethical
Unconsciousness
Yin, Uke, Woman and Yang, Shite, Man
New Ideas to Be Found
Practising with a Woman, Practising with a Teacher
Yin Yang, Teacher and Disciple
About the Sex of the Universe
Conclusion
Biographical Notes
The Artists
Kofude Ougai
Yoko Watase
Walther Sauermann
A Few Martial Arts Terms
Acknowledgements
About the Author
André Cognard is a premier global voice in contemporary Budo, having dedicated his life to preserving traditional Japanese martial arts. A pivotal turning point came when he became the direct disciple and assistant to Hirokazu Kobayashi Sensei, eventually inheriting the leadership of his international academy. Cognard’s profound expertise earned him the prestigious titles of Hanshi and Soke of Kobayashi Ryu Aikido from the ancient Dai Nippon Butoku Kai. As a globally traveling teacher and author with The Ran Network, he shares a powerful spiritual message through his books. His writing presents Aikido not merely as a combat style, but as a vehicle for human unity, inner transformation, and universal peace.
