Aikido Books

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[Shany]

Hey guys,

I wonder, which Aikido books that you posses has really made an impact on you (regarding mind/body ideas and practicing),

I for once found 'Ki in daily Life' by koichi toehi really profound, and I would like to know what more that you have read can you recommend?

[crbateman]

Shany, I wouldn't even know where to start... anything by Tohei, Saito, Shioda, Dang Thong Phong, Pranin, Saotome, Yamada, Stevens and the Ueshibas... and that's just a beginning... After that, look for Dobson, Amdur, Gleason, Homma, Crum, Heckler, Lowrey, and so on... and so on...

[Shany]

Clark, hehe there is no end to it you say? But I guess there are some books that you know, pop up in mind with a spark of vital information above all?

well, I just ordered 'The Art Of Peace' by morihei, I think it's a nice little book that may contain some fundamental information.

I'll from time to time will order Koichi tohei's stuff, I like his writing (rather old but applicable till today)

[SeiserL]

IMHO, anything by Ueshiba or Tohei to start with.
After that, every other book on my shelf.
How can you not be impacted by anything you read?

[Shany]

IMHO, anything by Ueshiba or Tohei to start with.
After that, every other book on my shelf.
How can you not be impacted by anything you read?

because most of the new stuff are recycled (???)

[Stefan Stenudd]

I have to resist the temptation to mention my own books... Ouch - blew it!

Many years ago, when I had just started practicing aikido, I read Tohei's Aikido in Daily Life (now renamed Ki in Daily Life), and was delighted by it.

Otherwise, the books that have impressed me the most from an aikido perspective are not aikido books: Musashi's Book of Five Rings is an excellent introduction to the budo mind, and Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching is the best guide to aikido principles you can get.

[CitoMaramba]

"The Art of War" by Sun-Tzu.
Get the translation by Brig. Gen Samuel Griffith, USMC. With a foreword by the eminent military historian and strategist, Captain Sir Basil Liddell-Hart.

[jss]

Dueling with O-sensei, Grappling with the Myth of the Warrior Sage - Ellis Amdur (must-read for any aikidoka)

Center, the Power of Aikido - Ron Meyer and Mark Reeder (not the best book on the subject, but at least it points in the right direction)

[aikidoc]

Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere

[Suru]

"The Art of Peace" by Morihei Ueshiba
"Aikido and the Harmony of Nature" by Mitsugi Saotome
"The Way of Aikido: Life Lessons from an American Sensei" by George Leonard
"The Secrets of Aikido" by John Stevens
"The Spirit of Aikido" by Kisshomaru Ueshiba

There are more that enriched me, but these are my top five, in order.

[Shany]

thanks guys, great list. keep it up!

[Charles Hill]

I have found William Scott Wilson's books to be excellent as well as Thomas Cleary's, especially "The Japanese Art of War."

Charles

[KamiKaze_Evolution]

Total Aikido and Dynamic Aikido by Gozo Shioda

[Eric Webber]

Lots of good reads listed already, I'll throw in the following:
1. The Practice of Freedom by Wendy Palmer
2. Sword and Brush by Dave Lowery
3. Martial Meditations by Kim and Back

Favorites for motivation are Angry White Pajamas and In Search of the Warrior Spirit; Favorites for catalyst in connection and spiritual approach are Aikido and Harmony of Nature and Practice of Freedom; favorites for focus on Budo include Bushido (Nitobe) and Autumn Lightning.

There are a great number of wonderful books I have on my shelf I have not mentioned and have read multiple times, but these tend to stick out in my mind.

Happy reading.

[Bryan Sproles]

The books that influenced me the most include:

1. Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere - Westbrook/Ratti

2. Total Aikido - Gozo Shioda

3. Dynamic Aikido - Gozo Shioda

These two books I found while I was visiting Singapore, and they are very nice as well (both are written in English):

4. The Hidden Roots of Aikido (Aiki Jujutsu Daitoryu) - Shiro Omiya

5. Aikido: The Heavenly Road - Kenji Shimizu

All of these are excellent books, but my favorite is in the #1 spot - It's quite in-depth, but a great reference!

-Bryan

[Lyle Bogin]

I don't think anyone mentioned Saito Sensei's books. Unless you have a lot of cash, his original "Traditional Aikido" series may be out of reach. But over at aikido journal they have the entire second series, Takemusi Aikido. Incredible technical manuals.

I've only heard Imaizumi Sensei speak highly of two of his teachers (although he says little so I'm sure there are many others he respects), Saito and of course Tohei. I received a copy of "This is Aikido" as a wedding present and read it about twice a year.

I also recommend becoming a member of aikido journal or purchasing the the DVD with all of the old magazines in it. It's one of the most complete collections of aikido interviews and articles in existence.

[crbateman]

I don't think anyone mentioned Saito Sensei's books.Post #2... (although I pretty much mentioned everybody's books :D ) The Takemusu set is indeed a good get. Stan Pranin has already released expanded re-edits of Volumes 1,2,3, while the 4th and 5th Volumes have the new cover art, but have not yet been released in a re-edit (in progress). The new edits are very nice, with extra photos and material, so I would recommend you get 1 thru 3 now through AJ (to make sure you are getting the new, rather than the old edition) and wait until he announces the release of the re-edited 4 and 5 before you buy those. Also of note is that Saito Hitohiro Sensei is now working on a book, but I don't have a whole lot of info about when, where, or what yet...

[Bryan Sproles]

I wanted to add another book I picked up last night and have been having a blast reading:

Aikido Basics by Phong Thong Dang and Lynn Seiser (hmm, where have I seen that name before, I wonder? :D)

Luckily I'm not a complete beginner, since I have previous Nihon JuJitsu under my belt, but all of these stances and breathing exercises....I needed some help :)

So I'd like to add this as one of my recommended books for beginners.

-Bryan

[crbateman]

I wanted to add another book I picked up last night and have been having a blast reading:

Aikido Basics by Phong Thong Dang and Lynn Seiser (hmm, where have I seen that name before, I wonder? :D)

Luckily I'm not a complete beginner, since I have previous Nihon JuJitsu under my belt, but all of these stances and breathing exercises....I needed some help :)

So I'd like to add this as one of my recommended books for beginners.Their later two collaborations (Advanced Aikido and Aikido Weapons Techniques) are also worthy. Some of the most balanced Aikido writing out there.

[nagoyajoe]

Although I do not train in Yoshinkan Aikido, I do feel very strongly that Shioda Gozo's Aikido Shugyo. The anecdotes Shioda-sensei uses to communicate his insight and understanding of the technique/application of aikido will assist beginners, more advanced students and teachers. What I found to be most beneficial was how it helped stimulate my transition in various levels of aikido as I read and reread the book. I highly recommend it all serious aikidoka.

[nagoyajoe]

Although I do not train in Yoshinkan Aikido, I do feel very strongly that Shioda Gozo's Aikido Shugyo. The anecdotes Shioda-sensei uses to communicate his insight and understanding of the technique/application of aikido will assist beginners, more advanced students and teachers. What I found to be most beneficial was how it helped stimulate my transition in various levels of aikido as I read and reread the book. I highly recommend it all serious aikidoka.

Just in case you would like to order the book, here is the webiste: http://www.shindokanbooks.com/shugyo.shtml

Happy reading...and happier practicing!

[crbateman]

I was never fortunate enough to meet Shioda Kancho, but Aikido Shugyo does convey some of his personality and humor, which does not come through in his other books. It is a tough get sometimes, as the above website is pretty much the only source, and they often do not respond quickly (I'm told), but be persistent... The early green leatherette-bound edition with the brass corners is a prized find, one which I'm sorry to say I haven't... yet...

[Peter Goldsbury]

Hey guys,

I wonder, which Aikido books that you posses has really made an impact on you (regarding mind/body ideas and practicing),

I for once found 'Ki in daily Life' by koichi toehi really profound, and I would like to know what more that you have read can you recommend?

Try the latest book from O Sensei himself.

It is called "The Secret Teachings of Aikido" and is translated into very reasonable English.

[nagoyajoe]

I was never fortunate enough to meet Shioda Kancho, but Aikido Shugyo does convey some of his personality and humor, which does not come through in his other books. It is a tough get sometimes, as the above website is pretty much the only source, and they often do not respond quickly (I'm told), but be persistent... The early green leatherette-bound edition with the brass corners is a prized find, one which I'm sorry to say I haven't... yet...

Hi Clark. Yes, you are 100% correct: the are a bit slow and do, in fact, need some prodding. I have also been looking for that special addition. I wonder how much it will set us back?!?!

[crbateman]

I wonder how much it will set us back?!?!I try not to think about it... :o

[MM]

I was never fortunate enough to meet Shioda Kancho, but Aikido Shugyo does convey some of his personality and humor, which does not come through in his other books. It is a tough get sometimes, as the above website is pretty much the only source, and they often do not respond quickly (I'm told), but be persistent... The early green leatherette-bound edition with the brass corners is a prized find, one which I'm sorry to say I haven't... yet...

and

Hi Clark. Yes, you are 100% correct: the are a bit slow and do, in fact, need some prodding. I have also been looking for that special addition. I wonder how much it will set us back?!?!

Hi Clark and Joseph,

Just thought I'd share my experiences. After reading this thread, I decided to order Aikido Shugyu from here:

http://www.shindokanbooks.com/shugyo.shtml

I forget the exact date, it was sometime after the post, which was July 28th, so really, not too long ago.

Anyway, I received confirmation last night that the book was being shipped.

Just thought I'd let everyone know that I've had a positive experience so far. No prodding needed and within a week turn around.

Thanks,
Mark

[Lyle Bogin]

I loved Aikido Shugyo because it end with Shioda Sensei saying "I was the baddest dude in town, and I know that you all now wish to be like me, but please don't be as aikido is about peace."

Or at least that's what it felt like.

[Will Prusner]

I'm voting for "The Spiritual Foundations of Aikido" by William Gleason. I found it to be an enlightening mix of spiritual philosophy and interesting techniques which offer some physical explanations of the spiritual concepts. A little confusing the first couple times around (for a noob) especially concerning the applicability of the kotodama in theory and practice. All in all a good read.

Also, "The treatise on the Taia sword" by monk Takuan Sōhō. Interesting piece that blurs the line between action and intention.

Tsunetomo Yamamoto's "Hagakure"

Bruce Lee's "The Tao of Jeet Kune Do"

+1 for Morihei Ueshiba's "The Art of Peace"

+1 for Sun Tzu's "The Art of War"

+1 for Miyamoto Musashi's "The Book of Five Rings"

+1 for Lao Tzu's "Tao Te Ching"

+1 for the PICTURES in "Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere"

W.

P.S. - If it's not on the list, it's probably because I havent read it yet! :)

[crbateman]

I'm voting for "The Spiritual Foundations of Aikido" by William Gleason. You will probably be interested that Gleason Sensei has another book due out at year's end. This is about kototama, and is titled "Aikido and Words of Power". Amazon.com and others are taking pre-orders now.

[Will Prusner]

You will probably be interested that Gleason Sensei has another book due out at year's end. This is about kototama, and is titled "Aikido and Words of Power". Amazon.com and others are taking pre-orders now.

I had no idea! Thanks for the heads up! Can't wait. Have been waiting for a more in-depth book on Kotodama for awhile, haven't been able to find much online.:(

[Stefan Stenudd]

+1 for the PICTURES in "Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere"
My sentiment exactly ;)

[Stefan Stenudd]

Have been waiting for a more in-depth book on Kotodama for awhile, haven't been able to find much online.:(
Nakazono sensei, who was a very prominent aikido teacher, wrote several books about kototama/kotodama. They can be found here:
http://www.kototamabooks.com/

Of course, I also very much look forward to Gleason's coming book on the subject.
I wrote a chapter about kototama in my Aikido: The Peaceful Martial Art, but I can't say that I "wrote the book" on the subject.

When I was a young aikido student, our teacher Toshikazu Ichimura held lectures in kototama, and we did some kototama practices in keiko, as well. I still do it, occasionally. Fragments, that is. Mostly on the vowels. The consonants are more cryptic, to say the least...

[Shany]

Ok, so finally I had the chance of ordering few books (thanks to the help you guys!)

Here is the list of books I ordered so far:

1. The Essence of Aikido: Spiritual Teachings of Morihei Ueshiba
2. Budo Teachings of the Founder of Aikido Ueshiba
3. Ki in Daily Life by Koichi Tohei
4. Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere: An Illustrated Introduction

[crbateman]

That's a good start, Shany. Let us know what you think of them.

[Shany]

no prob! :) that will take a while lol

[mwible]

I have to resist the temptation to mention my own books... Ouch - blew it!

Many years ago, when I had just started practicing aikido, I read Tohei's Aikido in Daily Life (now renamed Ki in Daily Life), and was delighted by it.

Otherwise, the books that have impressed me the most from an aikido perspective are not aikido books: Musashi's Book of Five Rings is an excellent introduction to the budo mind, and Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching is the best guide to aikido principles you can get.

The Book of Five Rings is a VERY good book. i greatly enjoyed reading it.

Also, read and re-read The Art of Peace. It'l make you think:)