Dueling with O-Sensei (eBook)

Ellis Amdur lived in Japan for thirteen years, and while there, received teaching licenses in two classical Japanese martial traditions. Since his return to America, he has developed a range of training and consultation services, as well as a unique style of assessment and psychotherapy, based on a combination of phenomenological psychology and the underlying philosophical and tactical premises of classical Japanese martial traditions. Ellis has been a lead trainer for close to one hundred law enforcement and correctional institutions on crisis intervention and negotiation related subjects. A prolific writer, he has authored ten profession-specific books on tactical communication with mentally ill and emotionally disturbed individuals, and several works of fiction. In addition to Old School, he has also authored two other martial arts-related texts, Old School: Essays on Japanese Martial Traditions Expanded Edition, and Hidden in Plain Sight.

"If there were an 'ordinary martial arts book', this would be its evil twin. Unflinchingly honest, writing from an unique, insider-turned-outsider's perspective, Ellis explores aspects of budo, its philosophies and dilemmas through the lens of aikido, a modern martial art whose founder is discussed in reverential tones and wrapped in quasi-religious mystique. Looking at the idea of budo-as-way-of-life and a path to personal perfection, Ellis confronts the real-world complexities and contradictions behind these simplified stereotypes, revealing insights which hold value for any martial artist or even a non-martial artist with an interest in the darker aspects of human nature." Dave Lowry, author of Persimmon Wind