I bow deeply—gassho—with immense gratitude to the people who helped breathe life into The Mushin Way and supported, assisted, and aided in this book's creation:

First, to Nick and Sarah Moran at Public Words whose creative genius, trust, and guidance got this project off the ground, in process, and across the finish line. Without you, The Mushin Way would not be—thank you so much!

My literary agent Esmond Harmsworth of ZSH Literary had the insight and clarity to see the power and potential of The Mushin Way. Thank you, Esmond and Jane von Mehren, for your vision, guidance, and expertise in navigating the landscape of traditional publishing.

To “team Wiley”: my editor, Lia Ottaviano, is one of the most knowledgeable, resourceful, and easy-to-work with people on the planet. In addition to working with Lia, I had the pleasure of working with Pete Knox and Pete Gaughan, who helped polish and refine the manuscript to a fine sheen.

I am blessed to have many friends who have provided encouragement, laughter, ideas, and a kick in the pants when I needed it. I especially want to acknowledge and thank Dino Efantis and Sean McGraw—my best friends and true brothers. I love you both very much.

Michael Callender and Tyson Geisendorff are two of my fellow black-belt brothers whom I'd be lost without. As “officers and gentlemen” having attained the rank of colonel in the U.S. armed forces, they are inspirations to me and to everyone they come in contact with. Semper Fi, gentlemen. Semper Fi!

Gregg DeMammos and all my friends at Accomplishment Coaching—“The World's Finest Coach Training Program™”—have been instrumental in my transformation into the keynote speaker, author, and consultant I am today. You are all true “warriors of the light” and I am proud to be in your presence.

I also want to acknowledge the Ueshiba family for all their hard work and dedication in spreading aikido far and wide. I am honored to have trained with and learned from the founder's son (Kisshomaru Ueshiba), grandson (Moriteru Ueshiba), and many fine instructors and students at the Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. Domo arigato gozaimashita.

Saving the best for last, my family. My parents, Patricia and Michael Veltri, are two of the kindest, hardest working, and most loving people on the planet. It was not until I was much older that I understood the depth of their love for each other as husband and wife and the unlimited love they have for me and my two sisters, Michele and Lisa. Your love, Mom and Dad, keeps me going—it is the bright beacon that lights my way. I honor you by being a loving father and husband. I've learned from the best.

I dedicate this book to my aikido master, Professor Iwao Yamaguchi. A kind, gentle, and wise man with an unlimited capacity to live life fully present. And a wonderful, bright, and inviting smile! You are my mentor, friend, and fellow traveler on the road less traveled. Thank you for leading the way.

And finally, to all my aikido students and friends, training partners, and fellow martial artists—especially Ryan Bausch and Noah Elliott. Thank you for your trust, patience, and for allowing me to try, fail, try again, and fail again. Until I got it right. I want you all to keep trying. Keep failing. Don't give up. You will get “it” right. You will succeed. Then we all get to try something new! Kaizen….