Dan Millman
Encyclopedia
Dan Millman is a former Trampolining
world champion athlete, university coach, martial arts instructor and college professor, and an author of fourteen self-help
books, currently published in 29 languages, the most famous of which is the semi-autobiographical novel, Way of the Peaceful Warrior
(1980), which was adapted into a feature film, Peaceful Warrior
(2006) directed by Victor Salva
and starring Nick Nolte
.
In 1964, he became the first World Men's Trampoline Champion at the 1964 Trampoline World Championships
in London
.
At the age of 17, he won the United States Gymnastics Federation (USGF)'s Trampoline Championship and competed in gymnastics at John Marshall High School in Los Angeles. While a freshman at U.C. Berkeley, he won the 1964 Trampoline World Championships
in London
. The same year he won three All-American titles, including national titles in FX and V. Later in 1968, he recovered from a motorcycle injury, and co-captained the 1968 NCAA University of California
gymnastics team; also in 1968 he was appointed as Director of gymnastics at Stanford University
, where he coached U.S. Olympian Steve Hug and brought the Stanford team to national prominence. In 1972 he became an assistant professor of physical education at Oberlin College
at Oberlin, Ohio
.
His early background includes training in modern dance
, gymnastics, and martial arts. He earned a black belt in aikido
. Later he studied various yoga
s and other martial arts
, and traveled around the world researching integrative disciplines, which resulted in his calling since 1980 — writing about and teaching an approach to living he calls the "way of the peaceful warrior" in his career as a motivational speaker. Due to the varied topics of his books, his work is difficult to label, but is generally connected to the human potential movement
.
. They have three grown daughters and two grandsons.
Other Works
Children's Books
Collaborative Works with Doug Childers
Further Collaborations
Dan Millman conveys his personal experiences and insights to audiences worldwide, through books and seminars. He writes in order to allow the reader to apply their own insights and new perspectives in daily life. As he states in many of his works, knowledge is knowing what to do and wisdom is actually doing it. Dan instills his readers to not just learn and know things, either from him or others, but to apply them and actually live what they have come to believe. His intent is simple, to teach his readers the "house rules" (the laws the nature bestows upon humanity) and how to apply these laws to daily life.
Interviews
Trampolining
Trampolining is a competitive Olympic sport in which gymnasts perform acrobatics while bouncing on a trampoline. These can include simple jumps in the pike, tuck or straddle position to more complex combinations of forward or backward somersaults and twists....
world champion athlete, university coach, martial arts instructor and college professor, and an author of fourteen self-help
Self-help
Self-help, or self-improvement, is a self-guided improvement—economically, intellectually, or emotionally—often with a substantial psychological basis. There are many different self-help movements and each has its own focus, techniques, associated beliefs, proponents and in some cases, leaders...
books, currently published in 29 languages, the most famous of which is the semi-autobiographical novel, Way of the Peaceful Warrior
Way of the Peaceful Warrior
Way of the Peaceful Warrior is a part-fictional, part-autobiographical book based upon the early life of the author Dan Millman. The book has been a bestseller in many countries since its first publication in 1980. The book initially had only modest sales, before reportedly Hal Kramer came out of...
(1980), which was adapted into a feature film, Peaceful Warrior
Peaceful Warrior
Peaceful Warrior is a 2006 drama film starring Scott Mechlowicz, Nick Nolte, and Amy Smart. Released on June 2, 2006, it is based on the novel Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman.The film is set in U.C. Berkeley but is shot elsewhere...
(2006) directed by Victor Salva
Victor Salva
Victor Ronald Salva is an American film director, mostly of horror movies. His body of work includes the films Powder and Jeepers Creepers.-Early life and career:...
and starring Nick Nolte
Nick Nolte
Nicholas King "Nick" Nolte is an American actor whose career has spanned over five decades, peaking in the 1990s when his commercial success made him one of the most popular celebrities of that decade.-Early life:...
.
In 1964, he became the first World Men's Trampoline Champion at the 1964 Trampoline World Championships
1964 Trampoline World Championships
1st Trampoline World Championships were held in Royal Albert Hall, London, England on March 21, 1964. The competition was on knock out basis, with 10 jumps each in a routine and 5-7 judges involved in the judging. The competition attracted 12 countries from around the globe.-Men's Trampoline...
in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
.
Career
1964 Trampoline World Championships
1st Trampoline World Championships were held in Royal Albert Hall, London, England on March 21, 1964. The competition was on knock out basis, with 10 jumps each in a routine and 5-7 judges involved in the judging. The competition attracted 12 countries from around the globe.-Men's Trampoline...
in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
. The same year he won three All-American titles, including national titles in FX and V. Later in 1968, he recovered from a motorcycle injury, and co-captained the 1968 NCAA University of California
University of California
The University of California is a public university system in the U.S. state of California. Under the California Master Plan for Higher Education, the University of California is a part of the state's three-tier public higher education system, which also includes the California State University...
gymnastics team; also in 1968 he was appointed as Director of gymnastics at Stanford University
Stanford University
The Leland Stanford Junior University, commonly referred to as Stanford University or Stanford, is a private research university on an campus located near Palo Alto, California. It is situated in the northwestern Santa Clara Valley on the San Francisco Peninsula, approximately northwest of San...
, where he coached U.S. Olympian Steve Hug and brought the Stanford team to national prominence. In 1972 he became an assistant professor of physical education at Oberlin College
Oberlin College
Oberlin College is a private liberal arts college in Oberlin, Ohio, noteworthy for having been the first American institution of higher learning to regularly admit female and black students. Connected to the college is the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, the oldest continuously operating...
at Oberlin, Ohio
Oberlin, Ohio
Oberlin is a city in Lorain County, Ohio, United States, to the south and west of Cleveland. Oberlin is perhaps best known for being the home of Oberlin College, a liberal arts college and music conservatory with approximately 3,000 students...
.
His early background includes training in modern dance
Modern dance
Modern dance is a dance form developed in the early 20th century. Although the term Modern dance has also been applied to a category of 20th Century ballroom dances, Modern dance as a term usually refers to 20th century concert dance.-Intro:...
, gymnastics, and martial arts. He earned a black belt in aikido
Aikido
is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying life energy" or as "the Way of harmonious spirit." Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to...
. Later he studied various yoga
Yoga
Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline, originating in ancient India. The goal of yoga, or of the person practicing yoga, is the attainment of a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility while meditating on Supersoul...
s and other martial arts
Martial arts
Martial arts are extensive systems of codified practices and traditions of combat, practiced for a variety of reasons, including self-defense, competition, physical health and fitness, as well as mental and spiritual development....
, and traveled around the world researching integrative disciplines, which resulted in his calling since 1980 — writing about and teaching an approach to living he calls the "way of the peaceful warrior" in his career as a motivational speaker. Due to the varied topics of his books, his work is difficult to label, but is generally connected to the human potential movement
Human Potential Movement
The Human Potential Movement arose out of the social and intellectual milieu of the 1960s and formed around the concept of cultivating extraordinary potential that its advocates believed to lie largely untapped in all people...
.
Personal life
Dan Millman and his wife Joy live in Northern CaliforniaNorthern California
Northern California is the northern portion of the U.S. state of California. The San Francisco Bay Area , and Sacramento as well as its metropolitan area are the main population centers...
. They have three grown daughters and two grandsons.
Works
Peaceful Warrior Series- Way of the Peaceful WarriorWay of the Peaceful WarriorWay of the Peaceful Warrior is a part-fictional, part-autobiographical book based upon the early life of the author Dan Millman. The book has been a bestseller in many countries since its first publication in 1980. The book initially had only modest sales, before reportedly Hal Kramer came out of...
: A Book That Changes Lives - Wisdom of the Peaceful Warrior: A Companion to the Book That Changes Lives
- Sacred Journey of the Peaceful Warrior
- The Journeys of Socrates: The Way Begins
Other Works
- The Life You Were Born to Live: A Guide to Finding Your Life Purpose
- Everyday Enlightenment: The Twelve Gateways to Personal Growth
- No Ordinary Moments: A Peaceful Warrior's Guide to Daily Life
- Living on Purpose: Straight Answers to Life's Tough Questions
- The Laws of Spirit: A Tale of Transformation
- Body Mind Mastery: Creating Success in Sport and Life
- Peaceful Warrior: The Graphic Novel
- The Four Purposes of Life: Finding Meaning and Direction in a Changing World
Children's Books
- Secret of the Peaceful Warrior
- Quest for the Crystal Castle
Collaborative Works with Doug Childers
- Bridge Between Worlds: Extraordinary Experiences that Changed Lives
Further Collaborations
- In 2010, Dan Millman has collaborated with German electronic music band VargoVargoVargo may refer to:* Vargö, an island in Sweden * Vargo , a German electronic music duo...
. He makes a guest appearance on the track "Warriors," reciting philosophical statements. The track is featured on the band's second album Precious and was also released as a digital single.
Dan Millman conveys his personal experiences and insights to audiences worldwide, through books and seminars. He writes in order to allow the reader to apply their own insights and new perspectives in daily life. As he states in many of his works, knowledge is knowing what to do and wisdom is actually doing it. Dan instills his readers to not just learn and know things, either from him or others, but to apply them and actually live what they have come to believe. His intent is simple, to teach his readers the "house rules" (the laws the nature bestows upon humanity) and how to apply these laws to daily life.
External links
- The Peaceful Warriors Way - Dan Millman's personal website.
- Peaceful warrior Movie website
- Dan Millman's Blog
Interviews
- Dan Millman - Video Interview with Conscious Media Network
- Interview with Spiritual Endeavors discusses training philosophy, fiction in book
- Working and Living Life Smarter Conference - keynoted by Dan Millman (November 2006)