Aikido Books

Although our site is about Aikido Videos, we do often get questions and requests about Aikido books, that we can or would recommend. Here is our short list of some of the best books we have found. We have divided them into two groups: Aikido Origins and Philosophy, and Aikido Techniques.

Aikido Origins & Philosophy

The Art Of Peace by Morihei Ueshiba. Ueshiba Sensei or O'Sensei is perhaps one of the greatest martial artists of all time. His philosophy and ideas for the true way of the warrior are contained in this little book. This is an Aikido book you must read, if you are interested in learning more about what lies at the heart of Aikido.

Budo Teachings Of The Founder Of Aikido by Morihei Ueshiba. This book contains the life story of O'Sensei pluse photos, teachings, poetry, and a lot of other interesting things as well.

Abundant Peace by John Stevens. This is a biography of Morihei Ushiba's life and the development of Aikido. It is very good if you are interested in some of the historical facts about Aikido.

The Secrets Of Aikido by John Stevens. This is book is about as deep as I want to go for learning more about Aikido and its philosophy. It goes from Shinto Gods to the Ying and the Yang. There is more than enough information here to keep busy and thinking for a long time.

Aikido Techniques

Dynamic Aikido by Gozo Shioda. This book covers the very basics of Aikido in depth. You will learn the finer points of the Aikido stance, holds, pins, throws, and break falls. Definetly worth having in your library.

Total Aikido: The Master Course by Gozo Shioda. This is an excellent book that covers most of the techniques you would need to reach shodan (blackbelt). This book is an excellent companion to our Aikido Videos member site. This book has great photos and clearly written instructions.

Those are books we have read and can recommend first hand. We know there are a lot more Aikido books out there to choose from. If you would like to recommend a book to us then please use our contact page. We will give you a free one year membership to our Aikido Videos Members Site if we like it and find it deserves a place on our list.

With all that said and done, I still think videos are better.