Recommended Reading & Research
 

This incomplete list is in random order. Some books mentioned here may no longer be available new in print. It is offered by way of suggested reading of value on Aikido and Aikido related subjects. Individual research and scouring second-hand bookshops is recommended. If you feel strongly about a title you feel should be included here, please Contact Us with details. Currently there are three sections on this page -

MARTIAL ART/SELF DEFENCE/PHILOSOPHY -

Aikido may only be understood progressively and through regular training. The books outlined here provide an extremely high standard of insight into the art.

* Budo Training in Aikido by Morihei Ueshiba, founder of Aikido/Minato Research and Publishing Company

* Aikido by Kisshomaru Ueshiba/ Hozansha Publishing Company

* Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere by Westbrook & Ratti/ Reed

* The Essence of Aikido/ John Stevens/ Kodansha International

* Budo/Morihei Ueshiba/ Kodansha International

* Abundant Peace by John Stevens/Shambhala

* The Secrets of Aikido by John Stevens/ Shambhala

* The Principles of Aikido by Mitsugi Saotome/Shambhala

* This is Aikido by Koichi Tohei/Japan Publications Inc.

* Aikido Masters by Morihiro Saito(several volumes/Aiki News

* Samurai Aikijutsu by Toshishiro Obata/ Dragon Books

* What is Aikido? by Koichi Tohei/ Rikugei Publishing House

* Aikido Complete by Yoshimitsu Yamada/ Castle Books

* Total Aikido by Gozo Shioda/Kodansha

* Dynamic Aikido by Gozo Shioda/Kodansha

* Aikido for Life by Gaku Homma/North Atlantic Books

* Traditional Aikido volumes 1,2,3,4 & 5, by Morihiro Saito/Minato Research & Publishing Co.

* Aikido, Its Heart and Appearance by Morihiro Saito/Minato Research & Publishing Co.

* Aikido, The Way of Harmony by Rinjiro Shirata/Shambhala

* The Spirit of Aikido by Kisshomaru Ueshiba/ Kodansha International

* Aikido in Daily Life by Koichi Tohei/Rikugei Publishing House later re-published as: Ki in Daily Life

* The Aikido Student Handbook by Greg O’Connor/Frog Ltd

NUMEROUS AIKIDO BOOKS, VIDEOS etc. from:

http://www.aikidojournal.com

and the Aikido Journal

BIBLIOGRAPHY

* A Dictionary of Martial Arts by Louis Frederic/Allen & Unwin

* Aiki News/ Aikido Journal Magazine

* The Aiki News Encyclopaedia of Aikido by Stanley Pranin/ Aiki News

* The Code of the Warrior by Rick Fields/ Harper

* The Martial Arts by Michael Random / Octopus

* A Dictionary of Martial Arts by Louis Frederic/Allen & Unwin

* Aikido and the Harmony of Nature by Mitsugi Saotome/ Sedirep and Shambhala

* Takemusu Aikido, volumes 1,2,3,4 7 5 by Morihiro Saito/Aiki News

* The Sword of No-Sword (Tesshu) by John Stevens/ Shambhala

* Jin-Shin-Jyutsu, books 1, 2 & 3 by Mary Burmeister/J.S.J. Distributors

* Aikido and the New Warrior/Richard Strozzi Heckler/North Atlantic Books

FIND OTHER AIKIDO BOOKS AT:

 

HEALING, KI & BODY-MIND CONNECTION

The Body-Mind connection, also referred to as KI has immense healing and transforming potential in making a fuller life, clear thinking and well rounded human beings possessing strong values which add to the betterment of society.

* Aikido The Co-ordination of Mind and Body for Self Defence by Koichi Tohei/Souvenir Press

* Book of Ki: Co-ordinating Mind and Body in Daily Life by Koichi Tohei/ Japan Publications

FIND BOOKS ON KI AT:

 

* Jin-Shin-Jyutsu, books 1, 2 & 3 by Mary Burmeister/J.S.J. Distributors

* The Magic of Conflict by Thomas Crum/Touchstone

PRACTICAL PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY

The ugly reality of violence. Understanding the psychology behind the pathology which leads to the psychological implications behind violence, abuse and criminal behaviour. Essential reading for a proper depth of understanding for successful counter strategies. Increasing this understanding improves the ability to enact successful mechanisms and countermeasures of self defence without adding to violence but by minimising it. In this way we can empower ourselves and others to avoid, de-escalate and minimise the destructive potential of violence. Aikido is an awakened attitude far more than it is a collection of rote forms. This literature, although not using the label 'Aikido', certainly describes Aikido principles and related sciences. Essential reading for serious students and those working in the fields of counseling, security and crime prevention.

* More re. Violence Prediction, Management, De-escalation and Practical Survival Techniqueshttp://www.gavindebecker.com

and also varied references at GOOGLE SEARCH

* More re. Killology Lt Col. Dave Grossman

http://www.killology.com

and also varied references at :GOOGLE SEARCH

* The Gift of Fear - Gavin de Becker x Bloomsbury

A more complete list of resources, tapes & books at: http://www.gavindebecker.com/resources.cfm

.....................

* On Killing Lt Col. Dave Grossman x Back Bay Books

A more complete list of books at: http://www.killology.com/books.htm

Audio & Video Tapes: http://www.killology.com/audio.htm

WEAPON DEFENCE

Bullies are cowards. They will not try to make the fight "fair." Indeed there is no such thing. The only "fair fight" is the one which does not happen. Understanding and practicing weaponry, it's uses, prediction, avoidance, preemption and defences are paramount.

 

FIND BOOKS ON KENDO AT:

 

FIND BOOKS ON WEAPONS DEFENCE AT:

 

Note:
Just reading a book or two will not achieve much more than a few ideas. Sometime little understanding and often the possibility of lots of misunderstanding. Compared to our immense untapped potential, the intellect is a small, imperfect and poor tool. Only experience will garner incremental and progressive access to practical understanding. Training is what Aikido is all about. It is the training, regular practice over time, which will unlock the cherished and unique benefits of Aikido. Reading, at best may inspire; or be used as a supplement to actual training. Indeed it may sometimes make training more enjoyable. But in the end you have to get on your own horse and ride it, so to speak. Make sure to find an accredited and experienced teacher with a good reputation. And please, don't try to learn from a book/ technical manual only. Often the publisher gets the pics out of sequence. It does not work and you will have to unlearn the errors when you find an experienced teacher. It's much like being an astronaut or time travel or sex. Reading about it is not the same as the real thing. If you live in the back of Siberia or Alaska or the South Pole, try to get hold of an instructor who will travel there before you attempt such a feat. The true Essence of Aikido is not to be found in the form alone. Nor in the label "aikido". It is in the essence, spirit and strategic capabilities which are best transmitted with the care, safety and intention which ethical instruction will provide. And above all your own personal journey of discovery. Whilst the form, in part, is a valuable and essential key, it is no more than that. When used properly and with the right lock, form, the key, can open windows of immense possibility, beauty, harmony and personal ability. Conversely, a key in the wrong hands can be a useless and bent piece of metal. Of little or no worth in the hands of an ignoramus. Or worshipped blindly by idiots. Attempted to be misused by the mad who are drunk with the delusion of 'power' over others. Or feared by those seeking to avoid life and it's potentials. And please don't be like some dolts who do a class or two and then tell everyone that they've "done some Aikido"!?! No such thing! Exploration and the unlocking of potentials never ends. It is unlimited and transfers into all areas of life, art, humanity, science and personal enlightenment. It empowers the individual. So vast it is, that those who have been practicing for years and just occasionally get a glimpse of Aikido's magnificence and potential and realise that one life may not be enough to unlock all that is available. This is an exciting position to be in. It means that there is no end of the talents you may unlock. Aikido is not a six week wonder pill folks. Nor is it limited to the dojo or self defence purposes alone; for all areas of life are vivified as a result of the unfolding awakening training brings to the mind-body connection. Aikido is a genuine path as vast and endless as the universe. Discovery never ends. Were it to do so, you would die or go back to sleep and be left behind as the forward thrust of spiritual evolution does not wait. This is matrix busting stuff. Who wants to go back to sleep once they've had a taste of enhanced possibility and cosmic consciousness? Above all it is about engendering mutual respect, humanity and the basic goodness which comes from personal integrity.

  
 
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© 2004 'AIKIDO - Way of the Peaceful Warrior'