It's a Lot Like Dancing: An Aikido Journal

Rating:
Summary: A Martial Arts Experience -
Review: I had seen this title around for years & avoided buying it because it looked a bit too "touchy-feely". I also assumed that it contained the redundant, & often abstract, philosophy found in many books & articles on Aikido these days. I am so glad that I gave it a chance, beacause this is truly one of the great martial arts books of our time.

Terry Dobson's stories and statements are interesting, insightful, intelligent, amusing, and MEANINGFUL. The book conveys some sophisticated ideas in autobigographical stories that the reader immediately relates to. Then it reminds us that some of the best & most insightful ideas are really the simplest. The philosophical quotes from the founder of Aikido that begin each chapter are amazingly appropriate given the very "down to earth" nature of the stories, and the fact that most of the book was assembled by an editor who combined Dobson's stories after his death - ie. they were probably not designed to fit nicely under a particular quote.

The text combines with the great photos to create an incredible reading experience. Anyone interested getting more out of the martial arts than physical technique should read this book.

The book is about life, truth, and the contradictions in both. All this & you can probably read it in about an hour !

Rating:
Summary: I love this book.
Review: It is amazing how brilliantly the photographs have been matched with the stories. The photographs are mesmerizing, the stories compelling. This would be a wonderful addition to any library.

Rating:
Summary: Aikido is much more than a martial art.
Review: This book does a wonderful job of capturing the comprehensive impact that the practice of Aikido can have on your whole life. The black and white photography seems to twirl off the page with breath taking beauty.