Moves is the story of Hiro, who moves from Nagoya, Japan, to a small town in Montana when his father is sent to run a company-owned cattle ranch. Hiro quickly becomes the favorite target of the school bully, but feels he cannot talk about his problems with his parents, who are already discussing sending him back to Japan and feeling their own, individual, societal problems. A source of comfort to Hiro, in the privacy of his own room, is his Aikido equipment and training. He quickly adapts to Judo lessons taught by a Black sensi, who is as sensitive to Hiros needs as much as he is strong. Hiros Judo lessons catapult him to peer acceptance, and help him to establish an important first friendship. He learns to confront his problem but with temperance and understanding. He understands too, the psychological pressure on his father, whos concept of leadership is colored by his social separation. His mother suffers from loneliness and boredom until she takes an active role in seeking a friendin spite of the language barrier.