Links to Recommended Products and Vendors
Dojolocator.com is a wonderful reference for persons searching for a place to train, and a superb resource for instructors wishing to spread the word about their dojo and arts. Very highly recommended!
Recommended Suppliers
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Nine Circles USA is the first-choice supplier of uniforms and equipment to Itten Dojo. Distinguished by exceptional quality at surprisingly low cost, Nine Circles USA has our very highest recommendation. |
Personal Protection / Security References
Guns in America: How to Buy, Sell & Shoot in Every State |
Chelsea Tompkins has constructed an outstanding reference for gun owners: a comprehensive, interactive listing of firearms-related laws, by state. |
| Personal Security and Self Defense Resources | A compendium of links to articles and web sites addressing various aspects of self defense, conflict de-escalation, and martial arts, assembled by Hannah Kerns. |
DVD
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“This DVD offers a step-by-step procedure to learn and/or instruct safe aikido ukemi. Whether entirely new to the art, or desiring to retool one’s skills, the methods here will enable any reasonably fit practitioner to be able to take falls in aikido (and other similar arms-length grappling systems) safely. The methods here are definitely not merely to assist in learning how to collude with the person executing the technique these methods enable one to be prepared and able to gracefully manage both the malevolent and the inept as well as skilled practitioner executing ordinary technique.” Very highly recommended! |
Books
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Ellis Amdur’s writing on martial arts has been groundbreaking. In this volume, Amdur has radically reworked his iconoclastic essays first published on the website of Aikido Journal. Here, he attempts to establish the existence of something all but lost in Japanese martial arts — a sophisticated type of training, encompassing mental imagery, breath-work, and a variety of physical techniques that offered the practitioner the potential to develop skills sometimes viewed as nearly superhuman. Commonly referred to as “internal training,” and usually believed to be the provenance of Chinese martial arts, Amdur asserts that not only was it once common among many Japanese martial traditions, but elements of such training still remain, passed down in a few martial arts — literally “hidden in plain sight.” As always, Amdur reminds us that this is a human endeavor and he provides vivid, even heartbreaking portrayals of some of the great practitioners of these skills, men who devoted their lives to an obsessive pursuit of power. |
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A superb collection of essays on Japanese martial traditions, including chapters on the koryu, weapons, and history. |
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During the time he wrote a regular column for Aikido Journal, Ellis Amdur’s essays were the best part of the magazine, and this book is a compilation of the best of those columns. Brutally honest, always illuminating, and unfailingly entertaining, this book should be in your library. |
New! Kishido |
Kishido: The Way of the
Western Warrior
Peter Hobart’s book is a compilation of life lessons gleaned through training at a variety of dojo around the world (including many years at Itten Dojo) and will be of substantial interest and value to students of traditional martial arts or anyone seeking to live with greater clarity and purpose. Highly recommended. |
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Classical Warrior Traditions of Japan,
Volume 3 Diane has outdone herself with this volume — the range of topics, the credentials of the contributors, and the thoroughly engaging writing styles make Keiko Shokon a book you’ll try to read in one sitting (but won’t be able to because you’ll keep returning to savor favorite articles). A must-have book! Edited by Diane Skoss. |
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Classical Warrior Traditions of Japan,
Volume 1 “Explore the old to better understand the new.” Gain deeper insight to your martial arts training by learning about the ancient Japanese warrior ways. This book is your guide to their martial traditions, the koryu bujutsu — ancestors of the modern Japanese martial arts. Edited by Diane Skoss. |
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Classical Warrior Traditions of Japan,
Volume 2 “A nine-storied tower begins with a foundation.” The ancient samurai fighting arts, the koryu bujutsu, are the foundation of the modern Japanese martial arts. Learn how these unusual arts are practiced today, explore the ideas behind their creation, and meet some of the exceptional individuals who are maintaining the true classical traditions. Edited by Diane Skoss. |
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“The Classical Martial Arts Resource” and a portal for ordering from Koryu Books. |
Discussion Forums
| E-Budo.com | “The Internet’s Source for Japanese Martial Arts and Culture” |
| AikiWeb.com | “The Source for Aikido Information” |
| FightingArts.com | “Your 24hr online martial arts magazine and center for discussion, information, and supplies” |