The Way of Aikido: Life Lessons From An American Sensei

Over my more than 60 years involvement in numerous martial arts and fighting systems (Boxing, Wrestling, Judo, Jujitsu, Karate, Kickboxing, Combatives, Defensive Tactics, Krav Maga etc.), I have had the opportunity to read and review hundreds of books on the martial arts and self-defense fields. I only studied Aikido for a very short time many years ago, and I never achieved any rank in that system. However, I have always had great respect for Morihei Ueshiba and his creation of Aikido.This book (The Way of Aikido) by George Leonard, focuses on the esoteric and mystical aspects of Aikido, which is okay for those seeking a spiritural of religious experience whether they take up Aikido or not. Personally, I seek out the more scientific approach to learning anything, including the martial arts. Nevertheless, this book is somewhat interesting and may be a volume many Aikido students may have a desire to read. The book relates the experience of the author while learning and teaching Aikido.There are twenty one chapters in this 209 page text. Some of the areas covered include the following: Welcome to our dojo, stepping on the path, the first life lesson, I am the universe, the centered life, A transformative ordeal, owning your world, adventure and discovery and a Dojo of our own, context and transformation, the mysterious power of Ki, taking the hit as a gift, blending with Ki, meditation in action, Zanshin: continuing awareness, Aikido walking, and many other topics.In conclusion, if you are an Aikido student who buys into the mystical aspects of this martial art, you may find this book interesting and even helpful. However, if you are seeking to learn any actual Aikido physical techniques, you may want to seek out another Aikido text which actually shows techniques. I found this book only somewhat interesting.Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Martial Art Myths)

I am only partway through the book but already have gained some insights to my approach to the artform. Since I am an older student who picked this up later in life I wish I had started this when I was younger. The artform will definitely help a bit to keep you moving and to some degree in shape. What I find that it helps more with is increasing flexibility both physical and mentally. This book has challenged my thinking on coming to class and how to persevere when it gets difficult. I look forward to new insights as I continue to read the book.

What l hope l understood from the book was that there is no blueprint for lifting! Just guidelines. Wonderful book!

I'm a new aikido student and this book helped me to relate aikido to more aspects of my life. I also felt it was a pretty quick and easy read.

I just finished reading The Way of Aikido; I am very taken by the simple yet powerful lessons that George Leonard offers us. The importance of presence, queuing here and now, the spirit and humility of the beginner, the discipline of continuous practice as the only way to mastery. Simple, age old principles that we often forget. Reading this book was a great opportunity to be reminded and recommit to a life of mindfulness.

This is very good as are most of George Leonard.

Interesting book. Easy read with lots of useful wisdom.

Enjoyable read, if you like martial arts

'The Way of Aikido' is an excellent book for those who wish to intergrate lessons learnt in the dojo into everyday life. I don't agree with other reviewers here who suggest it is a good place to learn about Aikido. Don't get me wrong, this book is excellent and looks at ways of utilising Aikido philosophy and ideas into your day to day living, but there are better books for those with no Aikido knowledge and who are curious about learning more. ('Aikido and the dynamic sphere' by Oscar Ratti is particularly good, with plenty of background information, and a great many diagrams of techniques.) This book looks at many of the authors experiences in martial arts and how he has applied the lessons learnt there to various life situations. The writing is clear and easy to read and the exercises suggested seem well thought out and will provide sound benefits for martial arts and non-martial artists alike. The author comes across as a touch 'new age-y' at times, but not excessively so and there is a definite American bent to the text. Overall I found it to be an inspiring and fascinating read and I'd suggest it for anyone who wants to learn some great life lessons in a simple, non-patronising way.Feel free to check out my blog which can be found on my profile page.

Excellent book, thank you!

Wenn ich bisher von Aikido gehört habe, dann war es, daß es sich dabei um eine Kampfsportart handelt, die rein defensiv ist. Außerdem klang immer irgendwie durch, daß dabei der mentale und spirituelle Aspekt sehr wichtig ist. Dieser Aspekt hat mich immer besonders interessiert. Und genau darum geht das Buch.Wer ein Buch über Aikido Kampftechniken sucht: Finger weg, darum geht es hier nicht.Wer aber Einblicke in die mentalen und spirituellen Aspekte haben will, für den ist das Buch genau richtig. Auch mit Übungen zum Selbermachen.Noch eine Warnung: Das Buch ist halt in Englisch, und Schulenglisch reicht wahrscheinlich nicht ganz.

Great easy read! Dovetails nicely with the lessons from Mastery.

I knew nothing about Aikido (and still know very little) but this book inspired me, and I don't often say that.