A new review has been posted in the AikiWeb
Book database:
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Book Title:
The Secrets of Aikido
Book Author: Stevens, John
Review author:
Charles Hill
Rating given: 5 (out of 5)
Review:
The purpose of this book (as I understand it) is to make the art of Aikido more understandable to those who don't have the time or ability to delve into the language and culture of the Founder. This does not mean Japanese culture. The Founder had very specific religious beliefs and practices which would befuddle even most Japanese.
John Stevens compares what he has learned in over 30 years of intense training and study to other subjects westerners might find more familiar. He explains Aikido in terms of western philosophy and alchemy as well as well as the more familiar Japanese arts.
With all due respect, Mr. Dodkin's review doesn't make sense. The book doesn't purport to be about Morihei Ueshiba. It is an attempt by a westerner, extremely qualified, to help other westerners understand the depth of Aikido. In this, I feel the book to be a great success.
