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.
Daniel Linden has been involved with martial arts for over 50 years. He is a 6th degree black belt in Aikido (Aikikai) and a teacher in his own school. His books On Mastering Aikido and Journey, On Mastering Ukemi are classics in the field and available from all the usual suspects. The Aikido Mystery Series with Sensei Parker is Mr. Linden's attempt to generate interest in Aikido, as the art has lost a great deal of popularity over the last couple of decades and he sees the mystery series as a chance to bring it back before the public's eye. They are also a hell of a lot of fun to write, he says. His literary novel, The Content of Character has been praised as a masterwork and depicts the life of a man suffering from Asperger's syndrome as he tries to deal with the American dream and his own struggles with normalcy, racism, and brotherly love. When not involved in the study and teaching of Aikido Mr. Linden builds guitars and mandolins in his workshops in Florida and Maine, where he has a small farm. He travels with his wife Laurie, and dog, Gibson. Daniel Linden served the public in municipal security and has been on assignment with the F.B.I., FDLE, multiple police agencies, and has been billeted with the United States Secret Service under three presidents. He is retired now and writes full time when not sanding maple and spruce in his workshop. All books are available (or will be soon) in Audio format, e-book format, and in print.
