Note: This book was published in April 2005

This book evolved from a twenty-year quest to learn Aikido. Indeed, there is no end to the journey but the perennial problem in any such endeavour is which way to travel. Accordingly, the ideas within reflect the attempt to first find direction, then the need to search for a means or method by which to travel. It is the book I could have done with during my first ten years of training.

Traditionally, a martial art student places complete trust in the teacher. In the beginning, there can be no other option. However, once well travelled, the keen learner needs to ascertain where they themselves stand, locate successive practical objectives, and map out strategies to achieve what they seek.

Simply, if one has no idea where one is, and even less idea where one is headed, one is destined to go nowhere fast. By taking charge of one's learning experience, and on a greater level, one's whole life experience, one can gain the kind of focus that allows emergence from the mire of nowhere.