On Mastering Aikido, 2nd Edition

by Daniel Linden, Mitsugi Saotome (Introduction)

This is the New Third Edition of On Mastering Aikido. It takes the reader on a journey through the world of the martial art known as Aikido and the teachings of Daniel Linden Sensei. Written for advanced students of the art – those who are already conversant with the fundamental teachings – Linden Sensei crosses the line often between teaching and entertaining with humorous, touching stories of years of training in the world’s most difficult martial way. On Mastering Aikido consists of nine dialogs, an Introduction and Afterward. The dialogs are each devoted to one of the main principles of Aikido knowledge, what Linden Sensei refers to as the Eight Pillars of Aikido Wisdom. We discover a ninth in the Afterward, but as Linden says "It is almost impossible to attain." These dialogs are pleasant to read and clearly explain each of the principles in conversation between teacher and student and sometimes teacher to teacher. Interspersed are stories and anecdotes that bridge the gaps between times, attitudes and enlightenment. On Mastering Aikido applies as well to the study of Aikido as it does to yoga, karate, judo, basketball, tennis, tango or any activity that uses the human body as a tool. The book’s focus is on physical mastership and the rules which Linden Sensei lays down can be applied to any human endeavor. It was written to be read as a continuous effort, but each chapter can stand alone or it can be selected for specific interest. The overall effect is almost that of a novel as the reader is swept up in Shoshin Aikido Dojo while students are engaged in training, relaxing and work around the school. European journeys become travelogues as the dialog unfolds. The book is engaging, enjoyable, enlightening and humorous. In an age when most Martial Art books read like math textbooks, it is a rare find. In this Second Edition, Mr. Linden offers more insights and a renewed and refreshed viewpoint.

210 pages, Paperback

First published October 7, 2004

About the author

Daniel Linden Sensei is master instructor of Shoshin Aikido Dojo. Training in Martial Arts for over 40 years, Linden Sensei has been teaching Aikido for over 35 years. He is one of the most experienced teachers of aikido in th US and currently holds the rank of rokudan (6th Dan). Starting with Boxing in Chicaco in 1962, Linden Sensei also practiced Judo, Karate, and Wrestling. After serving the United States in South Viet Nam for the Navy, Linden Sensei began his study of Aikido in Chicago under Takahashi Sensei and later under Akira Tohei Sensei. Linden Sensei moved to Florida in 1975. There he opened his first Aikido dojo in Central Florida in Crescent City. In 1977 he moved to Denver, Colorado and founded the Rocky Mountain Aikikai, which is still in operation. Linden Sensei moved back to Florida in 1982 and taught Aikido at the University of Central Florida before founding Shoshin Aikido Dojo, Int. in Orlando. Sensei Linden has many interests that spill over into the teaching of his art. The dojo has a Luthiery Studio where he builds world class mandolins and guitars. His big Labrador Retriever, Gibson, sits outside the door watching. He plays guitar, mandolin, and violin for The Rocky Mountain Memory Show which plays music on local and national tours. He is an avid traveler along with his wife Laurie and has seen the Anatalyan Deserts, the High Himalaya and the Citys of Europe. In his career as a Security Specialist for the City of Olando he has been on special assignment to the F.B.I., Ogange County, The F.D.L.E. and has served often with the Presidential Detail of the United States Secret Service. Over the years Daniel Linden has taken advantage of the freedom to develop a unique approach to Aikido that also draws on his strong martial background. While embodying the principles of Aikido, he has found a fresh approach in explaining these principles to Westeners using non-Japanese terms. He has made this approach availabe to all Aikidoka through this book.

Reviews

[Cristian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has some really interesting and useful concepts (at least for someone who is just a 3rd kyu in the art), and I would advice it to any aikidoka wanting to learn more, or just having a more straight, less esoteric view of Aikido principles. Linden Sensei is clearly experienced in the art, and it's worth listening to.

Having said that, even though some of the stories are interesting, I found myself several times just hoping to find something relevant to Aikido, and not feeling like reading once more a hypothetical conversation about some other completely unrelated subject.

I really liked the different concepts presented by the author and how they fit with my experiences while practicing on the mat (like the ideas of the nexus and center), but unfortunately, those jewels are a pretty reduced part of the book.