Zenshin  Kokoro  Aikido

Links:  websites,  books  & video page

 

Zenshin Kokoro Aikido© is non-political

 

These are just some of the websites, etc providing and promoting a diverse range of resources and information on Aikido and Bushido and other Arts and Ways.

 

Although some may be similar of subject, different practitioners and organizations have their own persuasions and affiliations and they each have something of their own to offer such as; history, tributes, terminology, dojo directories, training tips and guidelines (some include video clips), reviews, photos, articles, forums, associated arts, courses and events,….

Simply click on a link, however…

…Cultivate an open mind as not everyone shares the same opinion(s)

 

( Note: if any hyperlink opens to an offensive or inappropriate site please advise by emailing

enquiries@ai-ki-do.co.uk  Thank you)

 

 

 

Supporting:

NSPCC        Save The Children        Concern.net        British Red Cross

 

 

Aikido  Information  Sites

 

www.aikido-world.com

O’Sensei’s students

www.aikidojournal.com

 

A number of clips are courtesy of youtube including clips of…

Shioda Sensei

Saito Sensei

Sataomi Sensei

Tohei Sensei

O’Sensei

O’Sensei 1960

Yamada Sensei

Chiba Sensei

Seagal Sensei 1982

Seagal Sensei 1996

Tissier Sensei 2004

Tissier Sensei 2009

Various ‘All Japan Aikido Demo’  Videos courtesy of ‘you-tube’

 

The existence of Ai:  Ai is Harmony; Such harmony as in-

  • Unity;     To meet;     Principle of integration;
  • The co-ordination of people or something working together, whether deliberately or not.

 

The question of the existence of Ki:  Ki is Energy; Such as the energy in-

  • Spirit energy/spark of life, such as maintains a living body; if you doubt this compare the difference of a living body to a corpse!
  • Energy (Positive energy) where someone initiates or controls an event;
  • Or energy that is within momentum and dynamic occurrence.
  • Centralized and co-ordinated energy in technique

Note: Ki is not some esoteric gobbledygook as some teachers or instructors may suggest in order to mystify the naïve and gullible student.

 

The question of Do:  Do is the Way; A path of discipline;

  • To practice (and commit) to principles and elements of endeavour.

 

ESTA British Aikido History

 

Insights

(Contemplation and inspiration)

Aikindo.com

 

Early history of UK Aikido

Eric Sotnak’s aikido primer

Aikido from inside out

www.aikido.com

www.aikidoconnection.com

www.aikiweb.com

www.aikidoonline.com

Wikipedia

www.aikidofaq.com

 

Aikido  Organizations  and  Clubs

Aikikai Foundation Japan

British Birankai  &  British Aikikai

 

Ellis Schools of Traditional Aikido

Mirfield Martial Arts

Aikido Fellowship of Great Britain

 

www.bafonline.org.uk

 

United Kingdom Aikikai

 

AberAikido:

Shin Gi Tai Aikido Society

 

Associated  Arts  and  General  Information

Rising Sun Wado Ryu Karate:

Ethical Karate Training: promoting a high standard in Karate and Bushido

Systema

Kendo and Iaido

Tai Chi

Kyudo

Judo

Kempo

Krav Maga

Ninjutsu

Lee Style Taoist Arts

Karate

Capoeira

Ju Jitsu

 

Tae Kwon Do

Mixed Martial Arts

Fencing

Escrima

Pencak Silat

Savate

Kalarippayatt

Boxing

Wrestling

Jeet Kune Do

 

Specific History & suppliers

Samurai Archives

Japanese Sword Index

Japanese Swords

Sho-shin sword history

Japanese Arts Festival

Tozando.com

The Bokken Shop:

 

Martial Arts Register

 

Samurai Nation

Email: info@samurai-nation.com

General  Information

www.clubbz.com

Anti-Bullying  

Safety on line

Mitchell Community Centre

Budonews.com

 

 

UMA World Budokai

 

Quality  books  on  Aikido  and  Budo.....

To assist students, friends and anyone with a genuine interest, in acquiring a deeper understanding of Aikido and Bushido.   As with any Art or Way there are principles and elements of Aikido that require actual practice, and the books listed are suggested particularly as aids to assist anyone receiving proper instruction.

 

Reading, studying and tuition…

No book, even those that include such words as - ‘Total’ or ‘Complete’ or Ultimate’ or ‘Best’ in the title, can possibly encompass ‘everything’ of Aikido/Bushido, and reading and studying alone are not a substitute for actual practice under qualified and supervised tuition.

 

Of course in regard to any subject or discipline, not everyone shares the same views, ideas or methods; likewise these books each contain something definitive, each in its own way, of guidance.

I may not agree with every word printed, even so, there is definitely something of quality and depth, within each book, and the lists on this page are a few of my own recommendations.

 

At a glance and to see what is available for books, DVDs etc., just enter Aikido (or whatever subject) into the search box , and click on the GO’ icon on the Amazon link

 

Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere by Westbrook/Ratti

A classic that remains one of the most informative works of reference on Aikido and is at times referred to as the ‘bible’ of Aikido.

The text is very clear and readable and the excellent illustrations are drawn so that the reader can see how the techniques flow.

Aikido by Koichi Tohei

One of the first books I purchased and although some of the photographs are a little dated the quality of the information is certainly applicable

Dynamic Aikido by Gozo Shioda

A compact book on some of the basics of Yoshinkan Aikido, with the latter pages of the book illustrating techniques in practical applications.

The Principles of Aikido by Mitsugi Saotome

A fine informative work that, as the title suggests conveys many of the important principles of Aikido.

Total Aikido by Gozo Shioda

A much more comprehensive book on Yoshinkan Aikido with many illustrations.

Ultimate Aikido by Yoshimitsu Yamada

A very good book for the beginner and advanced student and well illustrated (despite the ‘out of sequence' error on page 133 of suwari waza katatori nikyo),

Best Aikido; Aikido (Master Course); and Progressive Aikido by Moriteru Ueshiba

Three books on traditional Aikido that provide a wealth of guidance and illustrations towards improving the practice of Aikido.

Complete Aikido by Roy Suenaka

I like the format of this book including the autobiographical beginning and stories of Suenaka sensei’s time with the Founder.  The techniques are well explained and there are insets showing some of the common mistakes to avoid.

Kodo by Kensho Furuya

An insightful book that encourages the more philosophical principles of Aikido and Budo.

Aikido: The Way of Harmony by John Stevens

Another insightful tome on some of the general principles and history of Aikido.

John Stevens has written and contributed to many fine works on Aikido and its Founder.

Positive Aikido by Dave Rogers, Henry Ellis and Derek Eastman

An in depth history and guide of Ellis Schools of Traditional Aikido.  Includes contributions from some of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei’s first UK students.

The Life Giving Sword by Yagyu Munenori (translated by William Scott Wilson)

Classic; Principles of ‘No Sword’ and Zen.

The Book Of Five Rings (Go Rin No Sho) by Miyamoto Musashi (translated by John Stevens)

Classic; Principles of Sword and Strategy.

One Arrow, One Life, by Kenneth Kushner  Narration of training in Kyudo and the principles of Zen.

Immovable Wisdom- The Art of Zen Strategy by Takuan Soho (transkated by Nobuko Hirose)

The Sword of No-Sword by Yamaoka Tesshu (translated by John Stevens)

Angry White Pyjamas by Robert Twigger

An amusing and autobiographical based read of Yoshinkan Aikido training in Tokyo

Beyond The Known by Tri Thong Dang

Principles of Zen / Budo within a story of a student learning from a master.

Secrets of the Sword by Baron Cesar De Bazancourt  Principles as relevant today as then (1862).

Art of Aikido: Principles and Essential Techniques by Kisshomaru Ueshiba

Training with the Master: Lessons with Morihei Ueshiba by John Stevens

Empty Mirror by Janwillem Van de Wetering  Classic, Principles of Kyudo and Zen.

Moving Toward Stillness & Traditions by D. Lowry Thoughts on the Way and attitudes to training.

Aikido by Peter Brady  An introduction and guide on Aikido practice.

Bokken: by Dave Lowry  A guide to bokken techniques.

Aikido by Brian N Bagot  A useful guide on basics.

Aikido – a beginner’s guide by Dunken Francis  A guide to basic technique.

Living Aikido by Bruce Klickstein  A guide on a selection of basic techniques.

Way of the Peaceful Warrior by D. Millman  Novel of one man’s journey toward enlightenment, guided by a master.

Fudebakudo- The Way of the Exploding Pen  by Raül and Renë Carbonell  Definitely an amusing read!

 

A few DVDs and videos of archive films and training aids to consider:

Aikido's Ueshiba Masters Historical Video Series

Converted from 8mm B&W film

Aikido Aiki Ken by Morihiro Saito

Iwama Aiki Ken and Aiki Jo curriculum

 

Christian Tissier An Aikido Odyssey

Inc techniques, seminar footage and interview

Aiki News Aikido Journal Complete Archives

Inc history of associated arts

Aikido 3D

An innovative and interactive animated software program

 

And even a few entertaining films/movies/series to consider; they range from the thriller/action genre to some comedy and others are more with the essence of Zen.

Good entertainment… don’t forget the popcorn!

The Seven Samurai

Toshirô Mifune

Renegade Justice

Steven Seagal

The Last Samurai

Ken Watanabe

Tom Cruise

Enter The Dragon

Bruce Lee

Man on Fire

Denzel Washington

The Twilight Samurai

Hiroyuki Sanada

Nico

 

Out For Justice

Taken

1 & 2

Liam Neeson

 

The Big Boss

 

Fists Of Fury

The Book of Eli

Denzel Washington

Ip Man

Donnie Yen

 

Marked for Death

 

Fire Down Below

The Expendables 1 & 2

Stallone, Li, Staham, Couture, et al

Way of the Dragon

 

Game of Death

The Bourne Films

Matt Damon

 

Zatoichi

Takeshi Kitano

 

Into The Sun

 

Under Siege 1 & 2

Kill Bill

1 & 2

U Thurman,

D Carradine et al

Karate Kid

1,2,3,4

Noriyuki Pat Morita

Rob Roy

Liam Neeson

The Samurai Trilogy

Toshirô Mifune

 

The Keeper

 

Leon

Jean Reno

 

Ong Bak

Tony Jaa

Men Of Honour

Cuba Gooding Jnr,

Robert DeNiro

Shogun - Box set

Richard Chamberlain

Con Air

Nicholas Cage

Kiss of the Dragon

Jet Li

 

Warrior King

 

Rumble In The Bronx

Jackie Chan

Lone Wolf & Cub

Box set

Tomisaburo Wakayama

Payback

Mel Gibson

 

Unleashed

 

Quigley Down Under

Tom Selleck

 

Forbidden Kingdom

Jackie Chan & Jet Li

House of Flying Daggers

T. Kaneshiro,

A. Lau,  Z. Zhang

Pitch Black

Vin Diesel

 

Desert Heat

Jean Claude  Van Damme

The Legend of Bagger Vance

Will Smith

Who Am I?

 

 

The Hunted

Christopher Lambert

Chronicles of Riddick

Hard Target

 

6 Bullets

 

The Warriors

 

The Karate Kid

2010 Remake-

(aka- ‘The Kung Fu Kid’)

Ghost dog

Forest Whitaker

Blade 1, 2, 3

Wesley Snipes

 

The Quest

 

Billy Jack

Tom Laughlin

Kung Fu Panda

1 & 2

Kung Fu Seasons 1,2

David Carradine

Keye Luke

Equilibrium

Christian Bale

Double Team

 

The Crow

Brandon Lee

Transporter 1,2,3

Jason Statham

 

Blind Fury

Rutger Hauer

 

Batman Begins

District 13

&  D13 Ultimatum

C. Raffaelli, D Belle

 

Chocolate

JeeJa Yanin

Rush Hour 1,2,3

Jackie Chan

& Chris Tucker

 

Return to  Z K A Homepage or click on a link below

 

ZKA© website Copyright G.McMaster© 2004 - 2013 All rights reserved

About Aikido

 

Zenshin Kokoro

Aikido

Contacts

 

Training

 

Gallery