In Search of the Warrior Sprirt

I just finished reading "In Search of the Warrior Sprirt". What a great book!

who wrote it? what was it about? Is it factual? fiction? non fiction?

Richard Strozzi Heckler

Good book worth the read. Great insights concerning training and life even if you are not military, IMO.

http://www.amazon.com/Search-Warrior...8258517&sr=8-1

Definitely on my top ten aikido books list; very inspiring.

One of my favorites.
Heckler's other books are good too.
Nice guy.
Great technique.
Very dedicated.

Definitely agree on this one...

It is a story or chronicle with analysis, from or through the journal of the author (who I believe has a PhD in psychology and is an Aikido sensei), of a project that was called the Trojan Warrior Project. It was done by the Army in I think 1985, essentially, the program was an experiment, teaching two Green Beret A teams in Aikido, mind/body/spirit training, diet, relaxation and meditation, and Awareness disciplines. This project and the ones that have followed were very successful.

I realize that not all will find this book as interesting as I did, however, for me the two subjects of Aikido or mind/body/sprit training and the Green Berets or Special Forces training in the same book; made for the ultimate book. I am and have been deeply into, and involved in Aikido and the embodiment of its teaching and way of life. As a kid even very young, when others wanted to be fire fighters, I wanted to be a Green Beret and I knew that in a small but big way, I was different then most kids. As a young man I became very politically aware of many things, most notably, our foreign policy and the recent history of it sickened me and IMO, was far or opposite of the teachings and warnings of the founding fathers. At the time all I wanted to do was challenge myself, receive the best possible training and fulfill what I saw as my destiny or rightful place helping and protecting others and the constitution of the United States. But the painful reality was that I would or could very well be used as a "pon" in some way to do something that I profoundly disagreed with, or worse yet end up fighting against the" good guys" or on the wrong side. A paradox, and decision that I had to make; I chose not to enlist. But I will always have a "protector" mind set and the warrior spirit is still there, I see it in my son too.

This like-mindedness, my experiences as a elite level jr. high and high school athlete in football and track, and my fondness with Aikido mad it possible for me to relate to, even laugh at, and with both the Green Berets and Dr. or sensei Strozzi-Heckler. The book was funny, deep, and it was an illumination and invaluable resource for so many things.

Lt. Colonel Michael Hass says it best

"A must read for those amongst us who really consider themselves warriors."

Sounds interesting!! i'll visit waterstones.