Holiday Linda. - Journey to the Heart of Aikido - The Teachings of Motomichi Anno Sensei free

Praise for Journey to the Heart of Aikido

An extraordinary contribution this intimate and penetrating look into the development of Aikido reveals a sacred world of power, vision, and harmony. Linda Holiday has deftly crafted a historical narrative that allows us to see the inspiration of the founder of Aikido, embodied in one of his direct students. As the Aikido community evolves, this book will be a guidepost along the way. Its a classic.

Richard Strozzi-Heckler, PhD, author of The Leadership Dojo and In Search of the Warrior Spirit; chief instructor, Two Rock Aikido; co-founder, Tamalpais Aikido

Through his teachings, Anno Sensei guides us with a benevolent smile and the deepest humility to the heart of Aikido. His reflections on all aspects of practice are very rich. Journey to the Heart of Aikido is also a beautiful testimonial to fidelity: that of student to teacher, and teacher to O-Sensei.

Christian Tissier, Aikido seventh dan, shihan, Paris, France

Today there are few instructors who can speak from personal experience about the founder of Aikido. I read with great interest Motormchi Anno Senseis portrait of the founder, and his impressions of O-Senseis instruction and personal character, interwoven with his own reflections on a lifetime of practice. Linda Holidays experiences practicing Aikido at the Kumano Juku Dojo in the 1970s also make for a truly fascinating story.

Hiroshi Ikeda, Aikido seventh dan, shihan; chief instructor, Boulder Aikikai

The teachings of Aikido are truly universal, and thus this book is for everyone. Anno Senseis lifelong journey along the path of love and harmony is an inspiration to us all. I praise Linda Holiday for her dedication in bringing this treasure to the world, as I know it will help guide countless readers on their path to personal and global peace.

Brant Secunda, shaman and healer in the Huichol tradition; author of Fit Soul, Fit Body: 9 Keys to a Healthier, Happier You

Journey to the Heart of Aikido offers a portrait of the founder born of Anno Senseis deep love and close contact with O-Sensei. He retells many wonderful stories and shares profoundly important teachings received directly from the founder. This is an invaluable resource for all Aikidoists and for other martial artists as well a book I am planning to read many times over, to let its rich wisdom sink in.

Robert Frager, PhD, Aikido seventh dan; founder, Sofia University; president, Western Aikido Association

Linda Holiday writes with devotion and a pure heart. Journey to the Heart of Aikido inspires greatness through humility, dedication, and self-responsibility. Through Lindas personal story and the teachings of Anno Sensei, I feel that I have been introduced to the living flame of the lineage of Aikido burning bright.

Tami Simon, founder and publisher, Sounds True

For over forty years I have endeavored to understand how O-Sensei was able to manifest love in response to aggression, both on and off the Aikido mat. This book is a gift for all who wish to develop greater spiritual understanding of Aikido, its universal application, our potential to embody the principles, and the amazing abilities of its founder.

Wendy Palmer, author of The Practice of Freedom: Aikido Principles as a Spiritual Guide

A truly exceptional and vibrant Aikido book. Reading Journey to the Heart of Aikido is like traveling through time and space to meet with the founder of Aikido and step into his world of sincere physical and spiritual determination and practice, inspired by the sacred nature in Kumano. This book is a treasure.

Jan Nevelius, Aikido sixth dan, shihan, Vanadis Aikido Dojo, Sweden

Brilliant, illuminating Journey to the Heart of Aikido is aptly named. Linda Holiday opens our eyes to the light that shines on the path.

Frank Doran, Aikido seventh dan, shihan; chief instructor, Aikido West Dojo

Those who read this book will not only be rewarded with a deep understanding of what Aikido is, they will be entertained and moved by Anno Senseis personal and ongoing journey to go deeper into Aikidos essence.

Mary Heiny, Aikido sixth dan, Seattle, Washington

The flow of universal knowledge from O-Sensei through Anno Sensei to Linda Holiday Read this book and enjoy that inspired journey.

Robert Nadeau, Aikido seventh dan, shihan, direct student of O-Sensei

This is a long-awaited account of Aikidos development in Kumanos mysterious mountains. The simplicity with which Aikidos positive message is articulated here may stir many people looking for meaning in life to seek an answer in the practice of Aikido. It may well help us all to transform the ravages of a materialistic world.

Susan Perry, PhD, Aikido sixth dan; author of Remembering O-Sensei

Linda Holidays clear, poetic translation of Anno Senseis teachings provides a wonderful resource for those of us wishing to better understand the words of Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba. Anno Senseis humility, compassion, and wisdom are ever apparent.

Darrell Bluhm, Aikido sixth dan, shihan; chief instructor, Siskiyou Aikikai, Oregon

Journey to the Heart of Aikido resonates with the truth of the Oneness of us all. Even readers unfamiliar with the art of Aikido will feel and recognize it. The most important thing for our world community is recognizing and valuing the connection that we have with all beingsa connection that the founder of Aikido talked about, and that Motomichi Anno teaches from his own heart.

Danielle Smith, Aikido sixth dan; chief instructor, Aikido of Monterey

What a great story. Well told, tender in places, with a genuine warmth and depth and so inspiring. It is a tale of humanity, not just a martial art. It will reach out and touch everyone.

Hans Goto, Aikido seventh dan; founder and chief instructor, Bay Marin Aikido

Copyright 2013 by Linda Holiday. All rights reserved. No portion of this book, except for brief review, may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwisewithout written permission of the publisher. For information contact Blue Snake Books c/o North Atlantic Books.

Published by Blue Snake Books, an imprint of North Atlantic Books
P.O. Box 12327
Berkeley, California 94712

Cover photo of Anno Sensei Beau Saunders, 2012.
Cover photo of Nachi Falls Akhenaton Lichterowicz, 2011.
Front cover image collage by Scott Evans
Book design by Brad Greene
Photo archiving, restoration, and editing by Beau Saunders

Journey to the Heart of Aikido: The Teachings of Motomichi Anno Sensei is sponsored by the Society for the Study of Native Arts and Sciences, a nonprofit educational corporation whose goals are to develop an educational and cross-cultural perspective linking various scientific, social, and artistic fields; to nurture a holistic view of arts, sciences, humanities, and healing; and to publish and distribute literature on the relationship of mind, body, and nature.

North Atlantic Books publications are available through most bookstores. For further information, call 800-733-3000 or visit our websites at www.northatlanticbooks.com and www.bluesnakebooks.com.