Review of My Walk on the Aikido Path

[Diana Lowery]

[Following is a volunteer review of "My Walk on the Aikido Path" by Rachel Kling.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Normally, self-healing books do not interest me, but as I am familiar with the discipline mentioned in My Walk on the Aikido Path: A Healing Journey of Self-Discovery, I wanted to read Rachel Kling's book. The honest story of her experiences should be read by anyone who struggles with anxiety and self-esteem issues. According to the author, the mental benefits received from practicing this martial art form can be life-changing.

Kling narrates her struggle in ten short chapters. In the introduction, readers learn that practicing aikido led her from a personal psychotic breakdown to a profession as a psychotherapist. Chapter one is titled "Darkness" and describes Kling's life in New York City while attending Columbia University. I like that, unlike some memoirs, this author doesn't dwell on the negatives of her childhood but focuses more on the healing episodes. Kling finds aikido in chapter two. At the end of chapter seven, she states, "But for now, I had clarity, a smooth mirror, and a new beginning."

A large part of the text consisted of descriptions of the various techniques, strategies, and moves taught as Kling progressed on her way to a black belt. The technical terms were italicized, and at times the abundance disturbed my reading enjoyment. In one paragraph with 49 words, 7 of them were italicized. There were 19 italicized words on that one page. This formatting issue was my least favorite part of the book.

I liked how the author linked the essence of a relationship in aikido practice to understanding the complexity of relationships in her daily life. The tenets of aikido teach living in an honorable way and having compassion for others. Throughout her lengthy journey, Kling had to learn how to accept herself in order to accept others. At one point, she suffered an injury and had a cast on her arm, but she did not quit her practice. All her travails in becoming proficient in this art now help her in dealing with her therapy patients.

Sadly, there were too many errors in this 93-page book to award four stars, so my rating is 3 out of 4. I recommend this book to anyone who is considering the study of martial arts. The author of this book provides a perfect example of the mental benefits of embracing aikido. Each step of Kling's aikido adventure helped her to heal emotionally. I am sorry that the author had to go through so much sorrow, but I am happy that she found peace, and I hope that her book will help others who are struggling. I wish Rachel Kling success on her way to Nidan.

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My Walk on the Aikido Path
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[Josephe-Anne]

I am not familiar with the discipline of aikido, but now I'd like to learn about it. I am also glad that the author was able to use the practice as a form of therapy to pull herself out of a bad situation and improve her life.

Thank you for another well-written review!

[Diana Lowery]

I am not familiar with the discipline of aikido, but now I'd like to learn about it. I am also glad that the author was able to use the practice as a form of therapy to pull herself out of a bad situation and improve her life.

Thank you for another well-written review!

Thank you for the compliment.

[ROSEY-ANN]

I enjoyed your review!! I hope a get a chance to read this one.

[Diana Lowery]

I enjoyed your review!! I hope a get a chance to read this one.

Thank you so much for your comment.

[Wesusa]

I recently finished a review on this as well, and I remember your delightful comment on your son taking aikido classes. I hope they were as beneficial to him as they were to the author. Excellent Job!

[Diana Lowery]

I recently finished a review on this as well, and I remember your delightful comment on your son taking aikido classes. I hope they were as beneficial to him as they were to the author. Excellent Job!

Thank you for your comment.

[Muna Chizzy]

Martial arts is something that always interest me, I'm happy Kling was able to find peace too. Thanks for the insightful review.

[Diana Lowery]

Martial arts is something that always interest me, I'm happy Kling was able to find peace too. Thanks for the insightful review.

I appreciate you taking the time to read my review and leave a comment.

[Manang Muyang]

While I do not see myself learning aikido now with my brittle bones, I am glad it brought peace to Rachel. I remember that I was a great fan of Miyagi and Karate Kid.

Wonderful review!

[Diana Lowery]

While I do not see myself learning aikido now with my brittle bones, I am glad it brought peace to Rachel. I remember that I was a great fan of Miyagi and Karate Kid.

Wonderful review!

I appreciate your comment. Thanks for reading my review.

[Brandy_Nyongesa]

I love self-healing books. I love the fact that Rachel is being honest with her life experiences. Great review!

[Diana Lowery]

I love self-healing books. I love the fact that Rachel is being honest with her life experiences. Great review!

Thank you for commenting and reading.

[Janet Kimetto]

I hope I get the chance to read this book too. Thank you for your wonderful review!

[Nqobile Mashinini Tshabalala]

We live in a world that tests our mental health all too often. I am glad the author found techniques that help with managing anxiety. Awesome review.