Zenshin  Kokoro  Aikido

Links:  websites  and  books  page

Zenshin Kokoro Aikido© is non-political

These are just some of the websites (and books –see below) providing and promoting a diverse range of resources and information on Aikido and Budo.

Although 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)

 

Aikido  Information  Sites

 

www.aikido-world.com

O’Sensei’s students

www.aikidojournal.com

 

47th All Japan Aikido Demo’

Videos courtesy of ‘you-tube’

Insights

(For contemplation and inspiration)

 

www.aikidoonline.com

Wikipedia

Eric Sotnak’s aikido primer

ESTA British Aikido History

 

www.aikido.com

www.aikidoconnection.com

Aikido from inside out

 

Nakazono Memorial Event

Abbe Sensei Memorial DVD

 

www.aikiweb.com

 

 

 

www.aikidofaq.com

 

 

Links  to  Aikido  Organizations  and  Clubs

Aikikai Foundation Japan

British Aikikai

Ellis Schools of Traditional Aikido

 

Mirfield Martial Arts

United Kingdom Aikikai

Aikido Fellowship of Great Britain

 

British Aikido Board

AberAikido: Shin Gi Tai Aikido Society

www.bafonline.org.uk

 

Associated  Arts  and  General  Information

 

Associated  Ways  and  Arts

Specific History & suppliers

General Information

Rising Sun Wado Ryu : Ethical Karate Training

 

Samurai Archives

Mitchell Community Centre

Kyudo

 

Japanese Sword Index

Heros Anti-Bullying

Karate

Kendo and Iaido

 

Sho-shin sword history

Calendar Page

Lee Style Taoist Arts

Ayako Kamura - Shodo

 

Japanese Swords

Masterforge forum

 

Tai Chi

Kempo

 

Tozando.com

Budonews.com

Judo

Ju Jitsu

 

The Bokken Shop:

Martial Arts Hunter

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 Budo.   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/Budo, and reading and studying alone are not a substitute for actual practice under qualified and supervised tuition.

 

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

I may not agree with every word however, 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   and    Positive Aikido- Hidden Knowledge

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.

Angry White Pyjamas by Robert Twigger

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

Beyond The Known by T. T. Dang

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

The Life Giving Sword by Y. Munenori

Classic; Principles of ‘No Sword’ and Zen.

The Book Of Five Rings (Go Rin No Sho) by M. Musashi

Classic; Principles of Sword and Strategy.

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

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 J v D Wetering  Classic, Principles of Kyudo and Zen.

Moving Toward Stillness and Traditions; 2 books 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!

 

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

Good entertainment and hey… don’t forget the popcorn!

The Seven Samurai

The Twilight Samurai

The Last Samurai

Ken Watanabe & Tom Cruise

Zatoichi

 

Kill Bill

1 & 2

Shogun - Box set

Renegade Justice

Steven Seagal

Taken

Liam Neeson

Leon

Jean Reno

Lone Wolf & Cub

Box set

The Samurai Trilogy

Nico/

Above the Law

Kung Fu

Seasons 1 & 2

The Warriors

The Bourne Films

(Identity etc)

Enter The Dragon

Bruce Lee

 

Out For Justice

Kiss of the Dragon

Jet Li

The Legend of Bagger Vance

Transporter

1,2,3

The Hunted

Christopher Lambert

 

Marked for Death

Unleashed

 

Karate Kid

1,2,3,4

Rob Roy

Men Of Honour

Cuba Gooding Jnr,

Robert DeNiro

Payback

Mel Gibson

Blade 1, 2, 3

Wesley Snipes

Con Air

Nicholas Cage

Fire Down Below

Steven Seagal

Desert Heat

J.ean Claude  Van Damme

 

Into The Sun

Pitch Black &

Chronicles of Riddick

Kung Fu Panda

Quigley Down Under

Hard Target

J. C Van Damme

Double Team

J. C  Van Damme

The Quest

J. C  Van Damme

Ong Bak

House of Flying Daggers

T. Kaneshiro,  A. Lau, Z. Zhang

 

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