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Dueling with O-sensei: Grappling with the Myth of the Warrior Sage - Revised and Expanded Edition
If you are a long-time martial artist, you have likely been either the recipient, the victim - or both - of the "wise old master" phenomenon, whereby budo students reverentially enfold their teachers as martial, moral and mystical juggernauts sans reproach, in which case, this book will make you clench your fists and laugh out loud, often while reading the same sentence. Iconoclastic, rebellious, yet fiercely holding to some of the most traditional values of Japanese martial culture, Amdur brought something new to martial arts writing - a startling honesty about the flaws, not only within martial arts culture, but also within its practitioners, often using himself as an exemplar of the latter. Originally published in 2000, and now fully revised, with eight new chapters, new artwork and photography, Dueling with O Sensei, Revised and Expanded Edition will be an invaluable addition to the library of old readers and new alike.
- GenresMartial ArtsNonfiction
346 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
2 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Ellis Amdur
65 books46 followersEllis Amdur balances two careers, that as a crisis intervention specialist, through his company, Edgework and as a 50+ year practitioner of traditional Japanese martial arts. His writing meets right in the middle.
Among his non-fiction works are thirteen profession-specific books on verbal de-escalation of aggression, two books for hostage negotiators, two on the art of tactical communication with hostile individuals, one on the art of psychotherapy, and has edited a book by Evelyn & Shelley Amdur on the former's career as a hospice social worker.
He has written and published three books on martial arts, the iconoclastic Dueling with Osensei: Old School, a work on classical martial traditions and Hidden in Plain Sight, on esoteric knowledge within various martial traditions.
In fiction, he is a co-author of the graphic novel, Cimmaronin, and the author of two novels, The Girl with the Face of the Moon, and Lost Boy. His third novel, Little Bird & the Tiger, set in Meiji Japan, is due for release in 2023.
His books are considered unique in that he uses his own experiences, often hair-raising or outrageous, as illustrations of the principles about which he writes, but it is also backed by solid research, and boots-on-the-ground experience.
Among his non-fiction works are thirteen profession-specific books on verbal de-escalation of aggression, two books for hostage negotiators, two on the art of tactical communication with hostile individuals, one on the art of psychotherapy, and has edited a book by Evelyn & Shelley Amdur on the former's career as a hospice social worker.
He has written and published three books on martial arts, the iconoclastic Dueling with Osensei: Old School, a work on classical martial traditions and Hidden in Plain Sight, on esoteric knowledge within various martial traditions.
In fiction, he is a co-author of the graphic novel, Cimmaronin, and the author of two novels, The Girl with the Face of the Moon, and Lost Boy. His third novel, Little Bird & the Tiger, set in Meiji Japan, is due for release in 2023.
His books are considered unique in that he uses his own experiences, often hair-raising or outrageous, as illustrations of the principles about which he writes, but it is also backed by solid research, and boots-on-the-ground experience.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 1, 2016
I first stumbled across Dueling with O-sensei a decade ago. I liked it enough that I've come close to reading the cover off of my copy and have given out a few more as gifts, so I was excited to hear that the author was working on a new and expanded edition. For the new edition the original material has been re-worked and refined, and new material has been added to enrich the final product.
The book is made up of a series of stand-alone stories or essays, each drawing on a different episode from the author's life or from the lives of the people that he has known. All of the stories follow the central theme of the author's encounter with aikido, a martial art that promises its devotees not only combat prowess, but eventually a nearly mystical ability to triumph over enemies without using violence or causing harm. As a young man, Ellis Amdur took up aikido practice with an enthusiasm that he compares to religious conversion, eventually moving to Japan to become a live-in student at an aikido dojo. Dueling with O-Sensei chronicles Amdur's experiences as he wrestled with aikido's promises and its reality, always haunted by the specter of Morihei Ueshiba, the legendary "O-Sensei" or "great teacher" who founded aikido. Modern aikido practitioners tend to portray Ueshiba as a sort of pacifistic enlightened sage, but Amdur paints a much more nuanced picture of a man deeply involved in the murderous right-wing politics of wartime Japan.
While each chapter is in some way tied to Mr. Amdur's practice of martial arts, in many cases this is merely a jumping-off point for Amdur's musings on deeper questions common to the human experience. Most of the chapters relate stories from Amdur's own rather adventurous life: the times he spent as a live-in student of aikido, first at the Bond Street dojo and then in Japan, his adventures and misadventures in Japanese society as he tried to find his own identity as a martial artist, and his current career in which he routinely finds himself trying to resolve crisis situations involving mentally disturbed individuals.
Amdur writes in a clean, conversational tone, never hesitating to make wry observations at the expense of his younger, rasher self and never refraining from tossing the sacred cows of the aikido community onto the grill. He also displays an incredible talent for capturing the essence of the people that he has known and expressing it in a handful of lines. His writing is at its best when he describes the lives of his friends: Kuroiwa Yoshio, a talented boxer and street fighter who converted to aikido as a way to deal with his own violent past; Kuwamori Yasunori, the "older brother" who guided Ellis through his early days in Japan; and Terry Dobson, the complex, troubled ex-Marine who initiated Amdur into the world of aikido and acted as his second father, a man Amdur describes vividly as "Falstaff with heart and balls."
Overall, Dueling with O-Sensei is a powerful and thought-provoking book that will speak to readers both in and out of the martial arts community.
The book is made up of a series of stand-alone stories or essays, each drawing on a different episode from the author's life or from the lives of the people that he has known. All of the stories follow the central theme of the author's encounter with aikido, a martial art that promises its devotees not only combat prowess, but eventually a nearly mystical ability to triumph over enemies without using violence or causing harm. As a young man, Ellis Amdur took up aikido practice with an enthusiasm that he compares to religious conversion, eventually moving to Japan to become a live-in student at an aikido dojo. Dueling with O-Sensei chronicles Amdur's experiences as he wrestled with aikido's promises and its reality, always haunted by the specter of Morihei Ueshiba, the legendary "O-Sensei" or "great teacher" who founded aikido. Modern aikido practitioners tend to portray Ueshiba as a sort of pacifistic enlightened sage, but Amdur paints a much more nuanced picture of a man deeply involved in the murderous right-wing politics of wartime Japan.
While each chapter is in some way tied to Mr. Amdur's practice of martial arts, in many cases this is merely a jumping-off point for Amdur's musings on deeper questions common to the human experience. Most of the chapters relate stories from Amdur's own rather adventurous life: the times he spent as a live-in student of aikido, first at the Bond Street dojo and then in Japan, his adventures and misadventures in Japanese society as he tried to find his own identity as a martial artist, and his current career in which he routinely finds himself trying to resolve crisis situations involving mentally disturbed individuals.
Amdur writes in a clean, conversational tone, never hesitating to make wry observations at the expense of his younger, rasher self and never refraining from tossing the sacred cows of the aikido community onto the grill. He also displays an incredible talent for capturing the essence of the people that he has known and expressing it in a handful of lines. His writing is at its best when he describes the lives of his friends: Kuroiwa Yoshio, a talented boxer and street fighter who converted to aikido as a way to deal with his own violent past; Kuwamori Yasunori, the "older brother" who guided Ellis through his early days in Japan; and Terry Dobson, the complex, troubled ex-Marine who initiated Amdur into the world of aikido and acted as his second father, a man Amdur describes vividly as "Falstaff with heart and balls."
Overall, Dueling with O-Sensei is a powerful and thought-provoking book that will speak to readers both in and out of the martial arts community.
December 11, 2016
Wow! Ellis hit this one out of the ballpark. I have been in law enforcement for 20 years and have studied Aikido for 10 years. I have also been in real street fights more times than I can remember. With that being said, I am a realist. Ellis has pulled the proverbial band aid off in one quick motion. He laid bare the reality of the founder, Morihei Ueshiba, while still doing it with the respect due. It was so refreshing to hear stories of O’Sensei as a real human being and not this god like entity I have read in so many books. Ellis is able to show us O’Sensei’s flaws as well as his humanity.
Ellis’ writing style is captivating. He has the ability to tell his stories so that you don’t want to put the book down. I found myself reading the book on my I-phone, in the car, as I waited to pick up my kids from school. Ellis can draw the reader in as if you are standing there next to him, watching it unfold as the author did. Ellis also is able to bring a unique perspective that is shaped from his life’s career.
I know that the blind worship of martial founders can be found in many styles but as Ellis points out that is where things can get dangerous. Yes I have used Aikido, both physical and psychologically, while doing my duties in law enforcement. I also know that it is not the end all for combat. Nothing is perfect. I want to thank Ellis for writing a book to help us keep ourselves, and others, grounded. It helps us to take a real hard look into the mirror. This is a must read for anyone serious in the study of a martial system. Thanks again Ellis for keeping it real.
Ellis’ writing style is captivating. He has the ability to tell his stories so that you don’t want to put the book down. I found myself reading the book on my I-phone, in the car, as I waited to pick up my kids from school. Ellis can draw the reader in as if you are standing there next to him, watching it unfold as the author did. Ellis also is able to bring a unique perspective that is shaped from his life’s career.
I know that the blind worship of martial founders can be found in many styles but as Ellis points out that is where things can get dangerous. Yes I have used Aikido, both physical and psychologically, while doing my duties in law enforcement. I also know that it is not the end all for combat. Nothing is perfect. I want to thank Ellis for writing a book to help us keep ourselves, and others, grounded. It helps us to take a real hard look into the mirror. This is a must read for anyone serious in the study of a martial system. Thanks again Ellis for keeping it real.
August 17, 2009
Brilliantly rendered, extraordinarily courageous, and a clear challenge to would-be warriors to become their envisioned selves.
February 20, 2018
Enter. For the estimated 1.5 million people who study Aikido this book examines the history and current state of the martial art and asks questions that go to the heart of the art that every student of the art should ask. For the rest of the world’s population who don’t study the art and who may not know of this art, this book allows them to enter the art and poses questions relevant to them, as well.
With a reworking of the first edition and the addition of additional material, Ellis Amdur relates stories of his experiences and vignettes of prominent and not-so-prominent figures in the Aikido world. Like the lotus flower that blooms from the mud, Amdur describes some of the people who inhabit underbelly of the Aikido world and how they have excelled–or not. The prime example is Amdur’s exploration into the myth that surrounds the founder of Aikido – Morihei Ueshiba. Far from the image that has gained traction since before Ueshiba’s death in 1969 wherein Ueshiba founded a martial art which is based upon peace and harmony, Amdur relates the politics in which Ueshiba was imbued since the 1930s. Ueshiba traveled with those persons who were on the far-right end of the political spectrum and the martial art he practiced and developed reflected his politics. Although he was not a moralist, he did try to offer a way to resolve violence. Some of those methods have gone beyond Aikido and are reflected in today’s conflict resolution methodologies, psychological approaches, and neurological training methods. Amdur illustrates some of those methodologies in examples from his own life and his work in which he incorporates Aikido principles.
Disclaimer: Although I am referenced in the book, I have tried to maintain my independence in giving this review.
With a reworking of the first edition and the addition of additional material, Ellis Amdur relates stories of his experiences and vignettes of prominent and not-so-prominent figures in the Aikido world. Like the lotus flower that blooms from the mud, Amdur describes some of the people who inhabit underbelly of the Aikido world and how they have excelled–or not. The prime example is Amdur’s exploration into the myth that surrounds the founder of Aikido – Morihei Ueshiba. Far from the image that has gained traction since before Ueshiba’s death in 1969 wherein Ueshiba founded a martial art which is based upon peace and harmony, Amdur relates the politics in which Ueshiba was imbued since the 1930s. Ueshiba traveled with those persons who were on the far-right end of the political spectrum and the martial art he practiced and developed reflected his politics. Although he was not a moralist, he did try to offer a way to resolve violence. Some of those methods have gone beyond Aikido and are reflected in today’s conflict resolution methodologies, psychological approaches, and neurological training methods. Amdur illustrates some of those methodologies in examples from his own life and his work in which he incorporates Aikido principles.
Disclaimer: Although I am referenced in the book, I have tried to maintain my independence in giving this review.
September 13, 2020
I was originally exposed to Ellis’ writing through his contribution on a number of martial arts discussion boards (Ebudo, Aikiweb) and websites that held his essays (Aikido Journal & Koryu.com), it always struck me as considered and insightful, honest and respectful. I bought his first edition of Duelling with O’Sensei in the mid-2000s, finished reading it and read it again, then I bought copies to give to friends. I would often revisit the book in the following years, sometimes just a chapter, other times a complete re-read.
Needless to say when the revised and expanded version became available it was ordered straight away.
Ellis debunks the myth of the warrior sage, highlighting the complexity of Ueshiba Morihei in a respectful and inquiring manner. He provides a more detailed background on Ueshiba’s training in Daito ryu and the development of Aikido, as well as his spiritual practices stemming from the Omotokyo sect, and his involvement in right wing politics. Needless to say this isn’t the usual hagiography that most authors write.
Ellis also tackles the dangers of being too trusting of Instructors or high ranking individuals (Toward Simple Morality - or how can something so fine turn so ugly) outlining the abuse that can occur in Aikido circles because of it’s spiritual underpinnings. But to balance that out he also writes poignantly about his positive experiences with Instructors and mentors in Aikido, to this day the chapters Knights of the Mouldy Rope and Oniisan bring a tear (or several) to the eye.
This is a book that will appeal to both Aikido practitioners and other martial artists, the insight and wisdom expressed will touch and challenge every reader.
Needless to say when the revised and expanded version became available it was ordered straight away.
Ellis debunks the myth of the warrior sage, highlighting the complexity of Ueshiba Morihei in a respectful and inquiring manner. He provides a more detailed background on Ueshiba’s training in Daito ryu and the development of Aikido, as well as his spiritual practices stemming from the Omotokyo sect, and his involvement in right wing politics. Needless to say this isn’t the usual hagiography that most authors write.
Ellis also tackles the dangers of being too trusting of Instructors or high ranking individuals (Toward Simple Morality - or how can something so fine turn so ugly) outlining the abuse that can occur in Aikido circles because of it’s spiritual underpinnings. But to balance that out he also writes poignantly about his positive experiences with Instructors and mentors in Aikido, to this day the chapters Knights of the Mouldy Rope and Oniisan bring a tear (or several) to the eye.
This is a book that will appeal to both Aikido practitioners and other martial artists, the insight and wisdom expressed will touch and challenge every reader.
February 9, 2017
Dueling With O-sensei is the one martial arts book I recommend to everyone who practices a martial art, any martial, not just aikido. Ellis Amdur grapples not just with the myth of the wise, old, martial artist, but with many assumptions about what martial arts can do for us and to us and who we can become through training. The chapter on Katsujinken is incredible in the way it forthrightly faces the question of what to do with power and how it should be used. His discussions of aiki and kiai are remarkable for their clarity. Many books about the martial arts create a fog of mystery around their subject, this one burns away the fog with the brilliant light of experience and deep consideration.
June 18, 2017
If you're a martial artist and you haven't read Ellis Amdur's work... you need to. Even if you're a non-martial artist, I think you should still read it. Ellis writes about topics that cut to the heart of some potentially scary stuff, yet still manages to guide the reader through safely. Important stuff that we, as members of the larger society, need to ponder seriously.
Not only is Ellis deeply knowledgeable, highly experienced, and impeccably credentialed, he's also brutally honest and vulnerable in his writing, but in a way that doesn't leave scars. He's equal parts gentleman, scholar, and warrior, and his voice is important.
Not only is Ellis deeply knowledgeable, highly experienced, and impeccably credentialed, he's also brutally honest and vulnerable in his writing, but in a way that doesn't leave scars. He's equal parts gentleman, scholar, and warrior, and his voice is important.
July 3, 2018
A really good book on Aikido. And I rarely say that. Most books are really crap. But this one actually made me think at several points. Wonderful read. The only reason I don't give five stars is that it's slightly missing a coherent theme. It's quite a potpourri of topics mixed together. Which gives it a lot of richness, but can be slightly confusing as well.
June 9, 2018
A great book about aikido and martial arts in general. Written in a spirit of a true scholar by someone who went deep into the matter. I will be getting other books by the author as well. Time and money well spent.
November 6, 2018
I'll be honest; I was skeptical about the revised edition of this book. The original version was a favorite of mine, so much so that I sent copies of it to martial arts friends as gifts. So I kind of doubted that much could be done to add to or improve the book, and wondered if the new edition wasn't just a marketing ploy.
I was wrong. There is plenty new about this version that makes it well-worth purchasing, even if you already have the original.
The book is about a lot of things. It is, of course, about aikido and its founder. But it's also about Amdur's training experiences, various martial arts masters, the nature of life and training in Japan, Japanese politics and history, and more.
For me, though, the book is ultimately about honesty. Honesty regarding the nature and history of aikido, honesty regarding Ueshiba's past and character, honesty about myths in the martial arts, honesty about the abuse that sometimes ocurrs in a dojo, and finally, most admirably, Amdur's brutal and courageous honesty about himself.
If you have any interest or connection with the martial arts, by this book. I've never done a day of aikido training in my life, and I still say, buy this book.
I was wrong. There is plenty new about this version that makes it well-worth purchasing, even if you already have the original.
The book is about a lot of things. It is, of course, about aikido and its founder. But it's also about Amdur's training experiences, various martial arts masters, the nature of life and training in Japan, Japanese politics and history, and more.
For me, though, the book is ultimately about honesty. Honesty regarding the nature and history of aikido, honesty regarding Ueshiba's past and character, honesty about myths in the martial arts, honesty about the abuse that sometimes ocurrs in a dojo, and finally, most admirably, Amdur's brutal and courageous honesty about himself.
If you have any interest or connection with the martial arts, by this book. I've never done a day of aikido training in my life, and I still say, buy this book.
December 2, 2024
I'm not sure how to rate this book. In my mind, I sorted the chapters into three different books:
1) The author's own martial arts journey from the US to Japan, the good and bad people he met and how he was received as a foreigner in Japan. I think that deserves a separate book, one that also covers his continued martial arts journey. The first and last chapters stood out being extra good. 4 stars.
2) The main book about Ueachiba and aikido. The largest part since it also includes the previous one, since we are duelling with the o-sensei after all. Uechibas history is interesting, but the most fascinating read was about his own training regimen including prayers etc. I also liked "is it aikido one should train to master aikido?" a lot. 4 stars.
3) Stories really not that related to to aikido (the author meeting japanese revolutionists or working in social care). They are there for a reason, but it feels like this category was not written for an aikido audience like the others, but for people in his line of work. Probably 3 stars.
1) The author's own martial arts journey from the US to Japan, the good and bad people he met and how he was received as a foreigner in Japan. I think that deserves a separate book, one that also covers his continued martial arts journey. The first and last chapters stood out being extra good. 4 stars.
2) The main book about Ueachiba and aikido. The largest part since it also includes the previous one, since we are duelling with the o-sensei after all. Uechibas history is interesting, but the most fascinating read was about his own training regimen including prayers etc. I also liked "is it aikido one should train to master aikido?" a lot. 4 stars.
3) Stories really not that related to to aikido (the author meeting japanese revolutionists or working in social care). They are there for a reason, but it feels like this category was not written for an aikido audience like the others, but for people in his line of work. Probably 3 stars.
June 20, 2025
Το βιβλίο αυτό ήταν καταπληκτικό. Όχι μόνο παίρνεις πάρα πολλές πληροφορίες, στην ουσία βλέπεις τον κόσμο των πολεμικών τεχνών με άλλα μάτια. Διαβάζεται πάρα πολύ ευχάριστα. Ο συγγραφέας είναι άμεσος, μιλάει με απολυτη ευθύτητα και ειλικρίνεια, χωρίς φαμφάρες και άσκοπες φιλοσοφίες, κάτι που εμένα προσωπικά μου αρέσει πολύ. Η γλώσσα είναι πολύ ποιοτική κατι που δείχνει ότι το βιβλίο είναι καλογραμμένο και προσεγμένο. Αν κάποιος θέλει να διαβάσει αυτό το βιβλίο σαν ελαφρύ ανάγνωσμα για να περάσει την ώρα του, δεν θα περάσει καλά. Το βιβλίο αυτό έχει πολύ βάθος και πρέπει να διαβαστεί με απόλυτη προσοχή ενώ οι εννοιες θέλουν λίγο παραπάνω σκέψη για να χωνευτούν.
January 16, 2021
Raises difficult questions regarding various myths and fantasies about aikido and martial arts in general. As such, this book is great food for though for practioners of different martial arts.
November 16, 2018
Usually when I read a book, I add bookmarks to useful information and anecdotes, but this has been the first book where I put in a bookmark around half way, on which I wrote "Everything from here".
From a collection of anecdotes to illustrate Japanese martial and cultural concepts to intense, often provocative discussion of myth versus reality in martial arts, based upon extensive experience, Amdur has created a work that is 200% content. He is not afraid to insert himself, good or bad, forthright and unapologetically, into what he writes.
I am not the first person to say that the book will have you all of laughing, brought to tears, and outraged, all within a short period of time. It fearlessly challenges the myth of O'Sensei and his legacy as Amdur has challenged what he learned and practices in his own martial arts.
If Aikido has even been so much a thought in your head, and especially if Japanese martial arts and the associated culture have, you owe it to yourself to read this book.
From a collection of anecdotes to illustrate Japanese martial and cultural concepts to intense, often provocative discussion of myth versus reality in martial arts, based upon extensive experience, Amdur has created a work that is 200% content. He is not afraid to insert himself, good or bad, forthright and unapologetically, into what he writes.
I am not the first person to say that the book will have you all of laughing, brought to tears, and outraged, all within a short period of time. It fearlessly challenges the myth of O'Sensei and his legacy as Amdur has challenged what he learned and practices in his own martial arts.
If Aikido has even been so much a thought in your head, and especially if Japanese martial arts and the associated culture have, you owe it to yourself to read this book.
December 25, 2014
There are a number of books that have been published about aikido as a path for self-development and the psychological dimensions of the art. Dueling with O Sensei is one of the best in that category, in large part because Amdur is willing to challenge a wide range of assumptions and sacred cows. The book is comprised of a series of essays originally published in Aikido Journal, so the sustained nature of Amdur's perspective unfolds slowly. This also means that the book lends itself to be read one essay at a time, allowing time in between for reflection by the reader.
Amdur is a good writer; I never felt that the book "bogged down" in details. In some ways, Amdur is first and foremost a storyteller, and many of these essays felt like stories being told with some reflection by the storyteller looking back on the event.
I won't say that I agreed with all of Amdur's points...but that isn't why I give the book five stars. What I found is that reading Amdur's essays forced me to think about my own views and perspectives on aikido, a discipline that I had been engaged in for almost 20 years when I first read Dueling with O Sensei. Regardless of whether I agree or disagreed with a point that Amdur was trying to make, I learned. And there are only a small number of books that are good enough to do that.
If you practice aikido, get this book. Read it. Think about the points it makes. Doing so will help you get more out of your study.
Amdur is a good writer; I never felt that the book "bogged down" in details. In some ways, Amdur is first and foremost a storyteller, and many of these essays felt like stories being told with some reflection by the storyteller looking back on the event.
I won't say that I agreed with all of Amdur's points...but that isn't why I give the book five stars. What I found is that reading Amdur's essays forced me to think about my own views and perspectives on aikido, a discipline that I had been engaged in for almost 20 years when I first read Dueling with O Sensei. Regardless of whether I agree or disagreed with a point that Amdur was trying to make, I learned. And there are only a small number of books that are good enough to do that.
If you practice aikido, get this book. Read it. Think about the points it makes. Doing so will help you get more out of your study.
December 10, 2016
Outstanding - much better than I expected. Far deeper than the usual aikido book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews