Moving Toward Harmony [Paperback]

Eric Oberg (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 5, 2000

"Moving Toward Harmony" is a deceptively simple book on the principles of Aikido. The insights into the philosophy of this Japanese martial art will be rewarding for both the expert and the beginner. The book is written is a poetic style and interpspersed with black and white photographic images that capture the beauty of the movement and the gentle spirit of the Aikido practitioner.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Moving Toward Harmony" will be equally at home in the library of the martial artist, the professional, the philosopher or the poet. Mr. Oberg chooses to focus his energy and eloquence on the principles of Aikido. These principles are unique yet they can be applied to all walks of life. I'm sure you will find yourself returning to this volume regularly as a way to focus the mind and discover your own heart.

About the Author

Eric Oberg began his Aikido training in 1982, at the age of 19. Eric was born in Seattle, Washington, where he teaches at the Seattle School of Aikido. Half Japanese and half Swedish, he is passionate about the exploration of eastern and western thought and spirit.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Far Eastern Press (April 5, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967884209
• ISBN-13: 978-0967884202
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,994,355 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Aikido for the Innocent, April 22, 2000

By 

nancy mendenhall (Nome, Alaska) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Moving Toward Harmony (Paperback)

Moving Toward Harmony was not necessarily written for the innocent and uninformed of the martial arts but it definitely has a message for them. I am not a practitioner but I am curious, and from this book I found out a good deal about Aikido and why it has become so popular. (I watched several classes of Oberg's before I read the book.) Aikido to me is more like a philosophy of living and being expressed through a dance form than a form of self defense, though of course it can be used very well to protect yourself too. It has a beauty and grace like Tai Chi, but is social and hence expresses and challenges that part of us; it shows us not how to destroy our foe but to mediate, to harmonize with the other. Oberg's prose is smooth and non-intrusive, leaving much to the reader to consider; there is no pomposity in his style, only suggestion of direction, but his own deep knowledge of this art is clear enough. His suggestion goes far beyond the arena of Aikido to all of life. On every page there are issues to consider for those who would. The photographs that illustrate each concept or step along the path are very fine and add life and joy to each page. We not only read the ideas of the aikido master but see them in motion before us, the enjoyment of the practitioners obvious in their movements and facial expressions; I was reminded of the dancing figures of Estruscan vases. Sometimes they seem to be in flight, other times spinning, other times falling like leaves. The movements go far beyond themselves. This book is for all thoughtful people, and especially those who seek a blending of the mental, spiritual and physical.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful impressions display the soft side of Aikido..., April 19, 2000

By 

John Peng (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Moving Toward Harmony (Paperback)

Oberg-sensei gives us impressions of Aikido that are more spiritual rather than technical. This is NOT a "step-by-step" guide to technique. Yet a soft philosophical approach to the principles found in Aikido's basic movements are elucidated in free verse poetic form.

The book gives a refreshing view of Aikido as an art that promotes improved wellness, sensitivity to our environment, and introspection which is crucial to our evolution as human beings living in a dynamic (and sometimes chaotic) world.

The absence of discussions regarding Aikido history, style, tradition, etc. is actually appropriate to the general content of the book (which paradoxically is NOT designed to sell Aikido to the public as a "genuine martial art").

It is a book that can be read quickly, but also one that must be re-read often. After the first read, one feels like one has read a beautiful haiku -- brief, profound, and elegantly simple.

It's not the Tao Te Ching of Aikido, but comes pretty close.