Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #318397 in Books
• Published on: 2000-07-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

Synopsis
Draws on the philosophical teachings of aikido to present a series of life lessons on how to transform pain into joy, violence and anger into reconciliation, discord into harmony, and pain into vital energy. Reprint.

Customer Reviews

An excellent introduction to any serious martial arts study
I would recommend that any serious martial artist, beginner or Dan grade, read this book. It is also explicitly aimed at non-Martial Artists, and I can understand that someone with not the slightest interest in the arts would also find this book of immense interest and practical help.

Although Leonard Sensei speaks specifically of the art of Aikido, the philosophy that he expounds goes to the very heart of all martial arts. Do not be put off by the word "Philosophy": this book is packed with down to earth explanations, examples, and practical suggestions. I found that it was impossible to put it down, and keep returning to it. Like all great books, there is something more to be learnt each time that you return.

I find it hard to believe that there is anyone with an open mind who could fail to learn something from this eminent taecher.

The Way Of Aikido
'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.

Life improvement via Aikido
This book is of the 'improve your quality of life' genre. An anectdotal and pleasant read, spanning something of the author's introduction to Aikido and practice, and his apparent use of Aikido principles in his life, allied with pointers as to how you can use such principles to improve your own life. The book offers some positive guiidelines towards altering your perception and response towards incidents of conflict and negativity. Worth a read.