Ellis Amdur lived in Japan for thirteen years, and while there, received teaching licenses in two classical Japanese martial traditions. Following his return to America, he 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, and several works of fiction. In addition to Dueling O-Sensei, 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: A Martial Artist’s Journey in Japan

• 1: The Knights of the Moldy Rope2: Ukemi from the Ground Up3: My First Days at the Headquarters D?j?4: The Best of Their Time5: Forever Young6: A Conversation with Dait?-ry?’s Other Child7: Atemi: Striking to the Heart of the Matter8: Did You Ever Meet O-sensei? O-sensei Who?9: Tenchi: Head in the Clouds and Feet in the Muck10: Toward Simple Morality—Or How Come Something So Fine Sometimes Turns So Ugly?11: Otoko (Manhood)12: Anyone Can Be O-sensei In One’s Own Movie13: The Ring is Where You Draw It14: So How Tough Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?15: Setsunint?—Katsujinken16: Hiding in the Shadows of the Warrior17: Aiki: A State of the Union18: Aiki is Not Always Pretty19: Cutting the Circle20: Musubi: Tying Together or Tying in Knots21: Bushi no Nasake22: Kamae: Taking a Stand23: Oniisan (Elder Brother)Epilogue

Ellis Amdur lived in Japan for thirteen years, and while there, received teaching licenses in two classical Japanese martial traditions. Following his return to America, he 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, and several works of fiction. In addition to Dueling O-Sensei, 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: A Martial Artist’s Journey in Japan

• 1: The Knights of the Moldy Rope2: Ukemi from the Ground Up3: My First Days at the Headquarters D?j?4: The Best of Their Time5: Forever Young6: A Conversation with Dait?-ry?’s Other Child7: Atemi: Striking to the Heart of the Matter8: Did You Ever Meet O-sensei? O-sensei Who?9: Tenchi: Head in the Clouds and Feet in the Muck10: Toward Simple Morality—Or How Come Something So Fine Sometimes Turns So Ugly?11: Otoko (Manhood)12: Anyone Can Be O-sensei In One’s Own Movie13: The Ring is Where You Draw It14: So How Tough Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?15: Setsunint?—Katsujinken16: Hiding in the Shadows of the Warrior17: Aiki: A State of the Union18: Aiki is Not Always Pretty19: Cutting the Circle20: Musubi: Tying Together or Tying in Knots21: Bushi no Nasake22: Kamae: Taking a Stand23: Oniisan (Elder Brother)Epilogue

Ellis Amdur lived in Japan for thirteen years, and while there, received teaching licenses in two classical Japanese martial traditions. Following his return to America, he 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, and several works of fiction. In addition to Dueling O-Sensei, 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: A Martial Artist’s Journey in Japan

• 1: The Knights of the Moldy Rope2: Ukemi from the Ground Up3: My First Days at the Headquarters D?j?4: The Best of Their Time5: Forever Young6: A Conversation with Dait?-ry?’s Other Child7: Atemi: Striking to the Heart of the Matter8: Did You Ever Meet O-sensei? O-sensei Who?9: Tenchi: Head in the Clouds and Feet in the Muck10: Toward Simple Morality—Or How Come Something So Fine Sometimes Turns So Ugly?11: Otoko (Manhood)12: Anyone Can Be O-sensei In One’s Own Movie13: The Ring is Where You Draw It14: So How Tough Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?15: Setsunint?—Katsujinken16: Hiding in the Shadows of the Warrior17: Aiki: A State of the Union18: Aiki is Not Always Pretty19: Cutting the Circle20: Musubi: Tying Together or Tying in Knots21: Bushi no Nasake22: Kamae: Taking a Stand23: Oniisan (Elder Brother)Epilogue