As the sign in the martial arts school changing room in Los Angeles read, “Not even a million dollars can buy back one minute of your life”. W.T. Gillespie resigned from a developing professional career as a trial attorney in Los Angeles, leaving too his position as an assistant instructor in his home aikido dojo (training place), and cast aside all the enviable benefits and considerable comforts of life in Southern California to move to Tokyo for a year of intensive study of martial arts at the Aikikai World Headquarters. Set against the calendar of annual events at the Aikikai World Headquarters Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, Aikido in Japan and The Way Less Traveled is a martial arts adventure in Japan and beyond to South East Asia, Korea and even The People’s Republic of China. It’s is a fantastic journey of self-discovery and personal development that continues to unfold – a path that is open and accessible to anyone who merely chooses The Way less travelled. What’s your adventure? As the Japanese say, “doing is a mistake; not doing is a big mistake”. Go forward! Find your Way! With the right mind, the whole world can become your dojo, all things are learning and every moment an adventure.

394 pages

Publication date: 2014