George Leonard passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, January 7, 2010. He was 86. Leonard Sensei will always be one of the single most important influences in my life. His perspectives and approaches to the mystery of life, love, commitment, health and the arts are the cornerstone of an extraordinary legacy. Over the course of a single lifetime he had been
- Editor at Look Magazine,
- Phd in English,
- Founder of the Esalen Institute
- 6th Degree Black Belt in Aikido
- Co founder of the Mt. Tamalpais Dojo
- Professional Jazz Pianist
- Decorated B29 Pilot in World War Two
- Created of Health System used at Stanford University Hospitals
- Political Activist and Educator
Author of Countless books and articles on Human Potential, The holography of the universe, Mastery, Aikido, Education, Civil Rights etc. etc.
I co taught one of his last classes a few years back. He was wrapping up his career as a Sensei at 81 years old..We will miss his booming voice, the highest regard for which he held for his wife and family, his extraordinary athleticism and technique, his inspiration and special way of making everyone about him feel special.
It was one of the highest honors to spend that time with him and be for too brief a time his direct student.
I would encourage each of you to spend time reading his varied works. The investment in time will pay great dividends. Renew ourselves in being truly wise, loving, powerful and humane…
“he trod the ling like a buck in spring and stood like a lance at rest”
best to all,
Gil Fitts, Sensei
North Carolina, USA
Link to SF Chronicle Article: http://ow.ly/TEjj
Tags: Aikido, George Leonard, Martial Arts, Philadelphia
