Favorite Aikido Book?

Henry Ellis wrote: Silver Smoke ( Mr Stoodley } Thank you for your comment on our book " Positive Aikido " . You may also be interested in our latest book released yesterday through `Amazon Publishing ` - " Founding of JuJutsu - Judo & Aikido in the United Kingdom " from 1870 to 1970. The book is now available on Amazon for as little as £3 -83p ( $5 -40 ) This book is researched and co-authored by Abdul Rashid and Henry Ellis. Kind regards Henry Ellis Co-author ` Positive Aikido`

Thank you for the reply Mr Ellis, sounds like one to add to the collection will check it out, regards Tony Stoodley

The Life -- Giving Sword

I have just finished reading this new book on the life of Kazuo Chiba Shihan, the book is 537 pages of the fascinating life and challenges of Chiba Shihan.
The author Liese Klein, is a journalist and direct student of K Chiba, she is the only person to receive the approval and support of the Chiba family to write this amazing book.
The author writes.
"The Life -- Giving Sword: Kazuo Chiba's Life in Aikido spans modern Japanese history and ranges across the world to tell the story of a man with a mission -- to understand and transmit the modern martial art of Aikido. It's a story full of struggle and heartbreak that will leave the reader with a new appreciation of an immigrant's achievements and the transformative power of a unique physical and spiritual practice."
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I first met Chiba Sensei at the ` Hut Dojo` in 1966 shortly after his arrival in the UK, as the class stopped to bow in unison to a man we didn't know until he was introduced, there was no hint of a smile of recognition or welcome, just a very serious threatening glare, Chiba changed in to his Gi, and the " Battle of the Hut " began in what was the toughest confrontation I have ever faced including working on the door of several London night clubs. Derek Eastman and I were the only `Hut` dan grades to join with Chiba Sensei in 1967.
At our final meeting before his passing, Chiba Shihan wanted to talk at length to explain his view of that first meeting.
During those fifty years I really didn't know a great deal about Chiba Sensei, the jigsaw of my association with Chiba became a complete picture as the pieces came together as I read this compelling book of which I was pleased to receive a mention with several other olduns. Visit the link below for more information on the book " The Life -- Giving Sword "
Henry Ellis
Kazuo Chiba Shihan Blog
Co-author ` Positive Aikido `
Co-author ` Founding of JuJutsu Judo & Aikido in the UK`

Fudebakudo - art of the exploding pen

Jun Akiyama wrote: (If I could pick another book, I'd probably point to Michael Hacker's "The Language of Aikido." Language is such an important aspect of learning anything, and (in my opinion) its misuse and obfuscation has been a disservice to folks practicing aikido. Michael's book provides a great reference point that can help deepen into the art.) -- Jun

You're too kind, my friend.

Michael Hackett wrote: Woooow! "The Language of Aikido" is an excellent book and I'm glad Jun San mentioned it. I've been sitting around in quarantine and doing a Japanese language study for several weeks and this book fits right in with both the vendor and other texts I have. It probably won't ever become my favorite, but it is excellent and I would join Jun San in recommending it.

That's very kind of you to say. FWIW, it definitely isn't my favorite Aikido book.