In THE WAY OF AIKIDO (1999) George Leonard presented a classic statement of Aikido’s philosophy and its application in everyday activities. It is a lively and intimate account of how a martial art can become a path for daily living.
Leonard (1923-2010) was a fighter pilot in the air force of the USA during World War II, so he had seen combat against the Japanese first hand. Much later he came to understand that the Japanese marriage of the martial spirit with the artistic spirit (BUNBU RYODO) remains one of the highest achievements of any culture. Aikido exemplifies this.
He discovered Aikido when, on a whim, he accepted a friend’s invitation to try a class. He never looked back and earned his black belt at age 52. He was eventually awarded fifth degree black belt (godan) and operated his own dojo.
Fully committed to science, he nevertheless sensed a mystical quality in Aikido that can only be known through dedicated practice. He described how Aikido training in the dojo and its subsequent transference outside of the dojo can transform one’s life in many positive ways by helping to maintain balance, centeredness, and composure in times of crisis, or rapid and unpredictable change.
While there are goals such as improving technical skills, physical health, and social contacts, Leonard emphasized that the challenge of frequent practice of this beautiful art brings its own joyful reward.
This book is well worth reading. Leonard’s skills as a professional writer, editor, and lecturer enhance the book’s clarity and readability.
George Leonard’s ideas are also available on various YouTube presentations.
