"It is a good and honest
work with a fresh and unique viewpoint. In other words
it goes against the standard convention. This book breaks
new ground." -Dennis Hooker, Aikido Master
"As an
advanced student in Aikido, I find this book to be a
true reflection of its title “On Mastering Aikido”.
Of the numerous Aikido books that I have read, this
one hits home. I love the contemporary approach, the
dialogs, and the ease of flow throughout the book.
" If you are serious about
learning the philosophy behind mastering the Art of
Aikido, if you would like to capture the essence of
its principles and remain in touch with its basics,
you have just hit the jackpot."
-Nick Daher, Professor
–School of Business & Technology, Webster
University
"I've been absolutely
amazed at the content of this book. It's a 'must read'
for all aikidoka and up there with the classic Dynamic
Sphere and works by Saotome Sensei. Indeed, a useful
book for any experienced Martial Artist. Enjoyable,
easy to read and full of Westernized revelations.
"Two instances in the book
particular touched me: The reprimand of Hakama wearing
and your utter belief in Ki as an "It just s!"
The telling off you received for your improperly dressed
students, the example of strategy, the love you feel
for your own teacher and the acceptance you received
from a Master were so well framed in the book it was
a joy to read. As for Ki? Well, this will be something
that I will no longer be actively looking for. I will
accept it, concentrate on everything else I have to
learn and teach, and just try to let it flow. I recognize
your passion and enthusiasm for our art and am so proud
of some of your views on the new Masters and Shihans
of tomorrow. In my lifetime I know I will see many more
of the Western Sensei achieve higher public status within
the aikido community and not because it's their turn
but because they would have earned it through Shugyo
and talent. I will also recommend your book to all my
peers." - Richard Gibbon, Seishin
Ryu Aikido
"I
study tai chi and had barely heard of Aikido until I
was urged by a friend to read On Mastering Aikido by
Daniel Linden. Now I want to see if everything that
Mr. Linden says about mastering the body’s movements
is as applicable to tai chi as it is to Aikido.
"It seemed at times that
he was talking about the same things that my teachers
have tried to express for years and I was finally hearing
and understanding. It is a man’s book and has
a masculine lean, but without ever being too heavy.
Mr. Linden says right up front that the book is for
advanced Aikido students. While I have been doing tai
chi for over ten years, I think more time will make
more of his teachings evident for me.
"I loved the dialog style,
and I very much enjoyed when he would digress and tell
stories to illustrate the principles he has uncovered.
The story of his blind father left me nearly in tears,
but with pride rather than sorrow. On Mastering Aikido
is a complex book that reads very easily and I believe
that I will read it again and again. It is simply excellent."
-Beverly, Jupiter,
FL
"This is not a beginners
guide to Aikido. Not the History or Techniques of the
art. This book is intended to lead the experienced Aikido
practitioners to enlightenment. Sensei Daniel Linden
presents the advanced and subtle issues underlying the
principles of Aikido, in western terms, terms that we
can easily understand and relate to.
"The book starts with the
discussion of Ki, the mystical part of Aikido, and proceeds
with other aspects of the principles, including Center,
Nexus, Techniques, Timing, Strategy etc. Over his 35
years of Aikido training, Sensei Linden has developed
a great understanding of the principles that doesn't
rely on Japanese terminology, culture or religion. He
shows that the principles do not belong to any particular
culture or religion, they are universal. But what makes
the book unique, is its presentation. It's not a book
with dry philosophy and explanations. The book presents
the principles in a Dialog form. Conversations among
the practitioners of Aikido, who actually exist. Although
all the conversations may not have taken place in real
life.
"Very interesting. It has
been a privilege to be able to read this book, and be
a part of the lifelong journey of Sensei Linden towards
enlightenment. It felt as if I trained with him and
was present when those conversations took place.
"The book is intended for
black belts. I am not a black belt in Aikido, but it
was a pleasure reading this book. I will look forward
for an opportunity to train under Sensei Daniel Linden.
" - Abu Haider, Kissimmee,
Florida
"I found On
Mastering Aikido stimulating, at times contributing
to my conception of the art directly or forcing me to
refine my views myself. He broaches important issues
which we will face, and indeed are already facing concerning
the future of aikido." - Don Modesto, Largo, FL
"Through the
years, I’ve read books on Chi, Centering, and
everything else that pertains to New Age thinking. It
wasn’t until I read Daniel Lindens book, On Mastering
Aikido that it all started to make sense.
"I was playing golf, staring
down at a tiny white ball on a 95-degree Florida afternoon,
when it dawned on me. I saw the connection between the
club and the ball as my nexus. Aligning my center over
the ball until the triangulation seemed right, and using
the right swing with just enough Ki, I sent the ball
on it’s way to the fairway. Ok, maybe a little
off to the left of the fairway, but definitely a lot
further then I’ve ever hit before. As I say, it
suddenly made sense.
"On Mastering Aikido was
not only a joy to read, but the information that it
contains may someday make me a better golfer. I enjoyed
the discussion and questions asked by Linden Sensei’s
students, and how he explained in an easy to understand,
and, sometimes-comical way, the rhymes and reasons of
moving and blending with an opponent. From a scale of
one to ten, ten being best, this book would be an eleven.
A lot more then I can say about my golfing." -Ron Rich, Longwood,
FL
"A fascinating look into
another world. I was able to apply Linden’s insights
to life in general." -Dr Harry Goldman, Creative
Writing Teacher
