I remember the very Hyper Japan event in Earls Court that I attended as I was watching the Aikido demonstration with sheer concentration when the blade came out it sang. After the event, I looked into a couple of local Aikido classes but due to the pandemic, everything is closed at the moment. Ms Kling found healing, a connection as well as positive energy and drive from being lost, down. I liked how Ms Kling is honest and opens up about the challenges that she has faced on her journey, including the specifics of aikido in a clear and inspirational way.

I recommend this book and I thank NetGalley and Books Go Social for an advance review copy. This is my honest review.

This is a beautifully written brief memoir describing the author's passage out of trauma through aikido. She makes clear the contrast between this practice and a majority of martial arts forms that emphasize overpowering an opponent. Aikido focuses on dealing with conflicts within the self and then facing interpersonal challenges through a perspective of mutual protection rather than domination. This is a major contrast with a culture of dominating others as the way to happiness. Anyone looking for alternative paths to peace after suffering trauma or feeling disconnected from self may find comfort and help in this book.

I must confess that the reason I chose this book to read was because I had binge-watched “The Walking Dead” during the pandemic. I was quite taken with Morgan learning Aikido and then using his skills to great effect. “My Walk on the Aikido Path” by Rachel Kling illuminated more of the inner workings and beauty of aikido for me and I truly enjoyed this book.

Through aikido, Ms. Kling found healing, connection and joy. Her journey on the path is not a short one, but it creates profound positive changes for her. From feeling dark and lost, she grows to see that she has a purpose and a destination. The author is honest and open about the challenges she faces and she describes her journey, and the specifics of aikido in a clear and inspirational way.

I recommend this book and I thank NetGalley and Books Go Social for an advance review copy. This is my honest review.