The Way of Aikido: Life Lessons From An American Sensei [Paperback]

George Leonard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 5, 2000

A fifth-degree black belt in the revolutionary martial art of aikido and co-owner of an aikido school in Mill Valley, California, George Leonard is, "the granddaddy of the consciousness movement" (Newsweek). Leonard is president of the Esalen Institute and founder of Leonard Energy Training (LET), a practice inspired by aikido that offers alternative ways of coping with everyday issues. In this book he applies ancient techniques, physical and spiritual, to the battles we wage every day in both our public and private lives. Along the way, Leonard shows us unique and effective ways to:

cope with sudden, often brutal, setbacks in our lives--and turn them into gifts for growth
develop ki, or positive energy, to enhance vitality
use the aikido principle of "blending" to deal with verbal and psychological attacks

With an already large following, George Leonard now brings the valuable wisdom of aikido to a wider audience.

"The Way of Aikido is a classic statement of aikido's philosophy and its translation to everyday activities . . . Deeply felt, beautifully written." --Michael Murphy, author of Golf in the Kingdom and The Future of the Body

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

George Leonard has introduced LET to more than 50,000 people in the United States and abroad. He is the author of a number of books on human possibilities and social change, including Mastery.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Plume (June 5, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0452279720
• ISBN-13: 978-0452279728
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #379,794 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

George Leonard has introduced LET to more than 50,000 people in the United States and abroad. He is the author of a number of books on human possibilities and social change, including Mastery.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great lessons from life and aikido, October 31, 2001

By 

Ronald Oltmanns (Denton, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Way of Aikido: Life Lessons from an American Sensei (Hardcover)

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.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Inner Guide, June 8, 2000

By 

David Bamford - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Way of Aikido: Life Lessons from an American Sensei (Hardcover)

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.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent overview of aikido and human depth., September 15, 1999

By 

Lawrence Levy - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Way of Aikido: Life Lessons from an American Sensei (Hardcover)

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.