Our Sensei Wasyl Kolesnikov has written three books that are available to buy from Amazon.co.uk.

 

Because he sees the Source and its workings in everything, Sensei encourages us to do the same. By the end of the book you will find yourself looking at say, the flame of a matchstick with new appreciation and meaning.

 

Because no one really knows what the Source looks like, Sensei’s artwork and photographs are included to underline and enhance certain key concepts. This means that the book is very direct and can reach you on a deeper level surprisingly quickly. The photographs are not additions to make the book look better, rather they are an integral part of the fabric of the text, weaving their own story with the words.

 

Transformation means to change – your awareness, your consciousness and to be aware of your true unlimited self. This book helps show us the way of what we can achieve.

 

In their second collaboration Wasyl Kolesnikov and Guy Gardner explore the idea of Transformation: changing one thing to another. Here is a collection of inspired and inspiring writings and more amazing photographs, taken by Wasyl Kolesnikov to work with and show another dimension to the 14 Transformative words within, which will bring light and joy to your life.

 

If you wish to study the philosophy of Aikido, Japanese history or energy manipulation techniques in healing we have put together a list of books which may prove useful. 

The Spirit of Aikido by Kisshomaru Ueshiba 

Written by the founders son in his later years this gives a third person view of the teachings developed by O Sensei as well as some re-enforcment of the basic principles of aikdo.

 

The Philosophy of Aikido by John Stevens

Similar to the preceding book but written by an American aikidoka who has met and spoken with O Sensei.

 

Secrets of Aikido by John Stevens

One to read after you have been training for some time. Many of the 'secrets' relate to ki which is not taught as a separate discipline in the system practiced by Mr.Stevens. As a non-ki style view of ki it is interesting and maybe if you are having trouble making the ki exercises work this book may help.

 

Invincible Warrior by John Stevens

A bibliography of Morehei Ueshiba, focusing on the years leading up to the revelation which caused O Sensei to formulate his ideas in to the system that is Aikido and how he passed these ideas on to the rest of the "human family".

 

Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere by Adel Westbrook and Oscar Ratti

If you only read one book about Aikido the chances are it will be this one. As close as I have come to an Aikido manual. As famous for Oscar Rattis brilliant pen drawings as it is for its Aikido content.

 

Aikido Excersises for Teaching and Training by C.M. Shifflett

An excellent book full of helpful tips for teachers. Deals frankly with such questions as "can the disabled train". 

Ki in Daily Life by Koichi Tohei

Koichi Tohei explains how his Ki development exercises can be used in everyday life not just in the dojo; curing insomnia to improving you golf handicap and most things in between.

 

Book of Ki: Coordinating Mind and Body In Daily Life by Koichi Tohei

The emphasis his in this book is on using the mind and body together to make everyday life easier. More practical than the last book it is aimed at people who may not practice Aikido at all or who practice a style that does not teach the ki aspects of Aikido which makes it a good beginners book.

 

Kiatsu by Koichi Tohei

A reprint of the original which has been in demand almost since it went out of print. Kiatsu is a form of healing using Ki principles, chinese and western medical knowledge. KSMBDA students (can) learn kiatsu after reaching 3rd Kyu (green belt) in special lessons taught only by Sensei Kolesnikov. For them this book serves as a reminder of the techniques. 

The Book of five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi

(Translated by William Scott Wilson) 

Advice to the junior samurai on how to conduct himself so that he becomes a senior samurai.

 

Hagakure by Yamamoto Tsunetomo

(Translated by William Scott Wilson) 

Regarded as the handbook of the samurai this text was in fact written in the Tokagawa period when the socio-politcal structure of Japan had been settled after the period of civil war. The Samurai were in the process of transition from clan soldiers to social and politcal adminsitrators. The author constantly reminds the reader of the duty of a samurai during times of war but also during times of peace. The themes are respect for superiors and employer, loyalty to clan, class and emperor, duty and how to carry it out.

 

Code of the Samurai (Bushido Shoshinshu) by Taira Shigesuke

(translated by Thomas Cleary) 

Similar to Hagakure, but predating it by some 200 years. The themes are the same bu the emphasis is different. The reader of this work will almost certainly have been in a battle of some sort so there is less about courage under attack and more about leading men and arranging battles. 

Paulo Coelho

Paulo Coelhos books deal with the search for some truth about life and how to live it. Whether its following dreams, searching for lost faith, finding the ability to love or trying to make sense of a bad or unpleasant situation, he takes the reader through the process of discovery and transformation. Always thought provoking Paulo Coelhos stories don't offer us neat packaged solutions instead they show us how to challenge what is accepted as unchangeable by offering a different view of events and behaviours.

 

11 Minutes

Maunal of the Warrior of Light

The Valkyries

Fifth Mountain

The Pilgrimage

The Devil and Miss Prym

By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept

Veronika Decides to Die

 

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig

An introduction to the notion of quality as an attibute of all things.

 

Lila by Robert M. Pirsig

Continuing with the theme of quality but this time as applied to human systems rather than mechanical ones.