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VA Resources

Explore books, videos, articles, and tools to build your Verbal Aikido practice.

Relational Style Test

What is your relational profile? Here is a simple yet powerful tool to identify your tendencies in interactions. Because understanding your relational stance is the first step toward mastering it.

Directly downloadable VA resources

The Verbal Aikido® Attaxonomy

A clear map of the eight forms of verbal attack encountered in everyday interactions, enabling you to recognize tension dynamics before they take hold.

Verbal Aikido® Books

Books by Luke Archer

Discover the foundational texts of Verbal Aikido®, written to guide you from your first steps to deeper embodied practice.

From Conflict to Conversation: The Official Verbal Aikido® Practitioner's Guide

The most complete and in‑depth reference for serious practitioners. This manual brings together the philosophy, structure, and advanced practice of Verbal Aikido — the closest thing to a “bible” for the method. Ideal for committed students, facilitators, and anyone wanting a comprehensive understanding of the art.

Verbal Aikido® for Beginners: A Simple Guide to Handling Verbal Conflict with Confidence

A clear, accessible introduction to the method. Perfect for newcomers and anyone preparing for their first dojo. Learn to recognize verbal attacks, unlock the power of centered expression and enhanced listening, and enjoy fun exercises and engaging activities that make learning effortless for beginners of all ages.

Verbal Aikido® books available in other formats and languages

All Verbal Aikido books are available in Kindle format (via Amazon).
Two titles are available in French:
- Verbal Aikido pour débutants
- Du Conflit à la Conversation
Additional translations and formats may be added over time.

Books no longer in print

These early training manuals are no longer available in print but remain part of the Verbal Aikido lineage:

Verbal Aikido - Green Belt : A foundational practice guide that helped early practitioners structure their progression.
Verbal Aikido - Orange Belt : An intermediate-level manual that explored posture refinement and deeper sparring strategies.

Visit the VA Store

Videos & Talks

Explore talks, interviews, and demonstrations that bring the method to life.

Interviews on conflict transformation
Full exploration of each of the 3 postures
Short demonstrations of the three postures
Testimonials from VA practitioners
TEDx Talk on VA from 2013 (In French)

Luke interviewed by U.S. mediator Dr. Baraba Manousso (24m)

Full course on VA Posture 1 with Stoa: 1/3 (46m)

Full course on VA Posture 2 with Stoa: 2/3 (86m)

Full course on VA Posture 3 with Stoa 3/3 (74m)

(FR) Luke at TEDx La Rochelle introducing VA in 2013 (19m)

Luke interviewed and giving a demo of VA in Texas (41m)

(FR subtitled) Luke giving a demo on French television (4m)

Practitioners of VA share their experiences (3m)

(FR subtitled) Reactions to the VA for School project (8m)

Official VA YouTube Channel

Podcasts, Articles & Practical Guides

A curated selection of written and audio resources that explore Verbal Aikido from different angles - from real-time demonstrations of VA to how to use it in the workplace.

• When Aikido’s Essence Becomes Language (podcast)

Ki to the City with Jon di Luca - A rich exchange revealing how Aikido’s core teachings can be applied to everyday interpersonal conflict with clarity and compassion (includes live demo).

• Understanding Verbal Attacks - Why Do They Happen? (article)

Verbal Aikido Pro - A deeper exploration of the roots of verbal aggression and how the method helps you respond without escalating.

• How to Deal with a Verbal Attacker (practical guide)

Charles Harris - A concise guide to redirecting verbal aggression, with examples that illustrate how to apply the ME → YOU → US progression in real time.

• Demonstration of Practice & Analysis (podcast)

Peter Limberg from the Intellectual Explorers Club - Peter gives Luke opportunities to illustrate VA through direct verbal attacks. They explore the dynamics of what happens in each echange and how centered practice de-escalates tension in different contexts.

• Verbal Aikido: How to Defend Yourself (Gently) at Work (article)

Welcome to the Jungle - A clear, accessible introduction to using Verbal Aikido in professional settings - especially when facing tension, criticism, or passive aggression.

• How to Have Difficult Conversations Without Fighting Each Other (practical guide)

Lemon Boost - A step-by-step look at how the three postures help you stay centered, protect the relationship, and navigate emotionally charged conversations.