The Way of Aikido: Life Lessons from an American Sensei

At a recent aikido seminar, I asked some friends why they practiced aikido. All three of them had slightly different answers, but all mentioned that it made them a better person. I remember thinking they seemed to be on to something, but I couldn't authentically give the same response at the time. I took up aikido six years ago in Asia because it was a martial art that fit my non-violent sensibilities. I continue to practice it because, like George Leonard, aikido represents a path to mastery that defies quick fixes. It's a modern day spiritual discipline that is challenging, fun and it trains my character. This book captures the essence of that discovery in George Leonard's own words and expresses it in language that most anyone can grasp. You won't find here a treatise on how to do aikido techniques (you learn that through practice on the mat), but you will find practical wisdom for everyday living.George Leonard is a trained and seasoned writer, which brings ease and enjoyment to the reading of this book. He is also trained and seasoned in aikido, and his reverence for life and cultivation of the human spirit come through clearly in his stories. I recommend it to those interested in aikido, but also to the broader audience of those interested in a spiritual approach to life.

The Way of Aikido is a wonderful new book from George Leonard (the founder of Aikido of Tamalpais in Mill Valley, CA and a Director of Esalen). In The Way of Aikido, Mr. Leonard draws on years of experience with Aikido, a consciousness-raising marial art. This isn't a book about moves, though -- it's a book about the power of defenselessness, about moving with verbal attackers and trusting the "ki" (life force). George Leonard draws on his background as an author, speaker, and aikido student to illustrate the remarkable power of holding to a spiritual center.Filled with anecdotes and down-to-earth ideas, the book comes highly recommended.

If I had a collection of books that I would run out of the house with in the event of a fire, this would be one of them. I have been studying Aikido for 3 years and this is the first book I have read that captures some of the inner spirit of the art. Leonard shares his journey in Aikido in a poignant and personal way. This book shares some rare insight into an american masters thinking and into living life in a more rich and full way. Although about Aikido, the non-aikidoist might find this interesting also. There is little if any talk about technique as much as it chronicles Leonards work in his art on the matt and off. I highly recommend this book.

George Leonard has put his years of self-exploration, curiosity about life, and a deep understanding of the mind-body relationship into this wonderful and informative book. He explains aikido in way that is both accessible and inspirational. Chapter titles such as "A Transformative Ordeal" and "Taking the hit As A Gift" reveal the depth of his relationship to this powerful martial art. Perfect for layman and expert alike, the ideas in The Way of Aikido are descriptive of the noble challenges of living. Mr. Leonard's writing reads like the poetry of science and magic. I highly recommend this book.

I have been a student of Aikido since 1988. Though I have only spent 5 of those 11 years on a mat in training, I carry the philosophies of Aikido with me in every aspect of my everyday life, or at least I try to. This book is brilliant in its ability to reveal to the reader a true sense of what O Sensei was trying to give to the world; not a martial art to watch on the big screen, but a way of reconciling problems, physical, emotional and spiritual. I am buying copies of this book and giving them to my friends who have shown an interest in Aikido but wanted to know more.