Aikido and the New Warrior (Io Series, No 35)

Rating:
Summary: An excellent essay collection
Review: This was the first book I ever read on Aikido, and the only reason that I am practicing Aikido today. The essays in the book serve to illuminate Aikido concepts as the apply to many different walks of life: sports, nature, anger, martial arts training, death, aging, etc. The Terry Dobson essay, 'A Kind Hand Turneth Away Wrath' makes the book worthwhile all by its lonesome. Note that this book contains no information whatsoever on any Aikido techniques. Thank goodness. We definitely don't need another redundant Aikido book which does not offer any kind of special perspective on the martial art. If you need techniques, buy Westbrook and Ratti's "Aikido And The Dynamic Sphere, the single most comprehensive Aikido book out there. 'The New Warrior' offers many unique perspectives on the practice of Aikido which cannot be found in any other book.