A person placing a block into a pile of wooden blocks

VA Resources

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

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.

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)

Articles & Practical Guides

A curated selection of articles that explore Verbal Aikido from different angles — from understanding verbal attacks to workplace communication.

Understanding Verbal Attacks — Why Do They Happen?

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

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

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

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

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

Couple arguing while looking at a tablet
Couple arguing while looking at a tablet

Members‑Only Tools & Downloads

Looking for more? Members get access to a dedicated practice space with exclusive tools designed to support their Verbal Aikido journey.

greyscale photo of baby on wooden bench
greyscale photo of baby on wooden bench
Inside the Members Area, you’ll find:
  • Quick‑Start Practice Guide

  • Posture Cards (ME – YOU – US)

  • Dojo Etiquette & Safety Guide

  • Centering Guide

  • Verbal Stretching Prompts

  • Situation Preparation Worksheet

  • Sequenced VA moves (Kata)

These resources help you stay centered, prepare real-life situations, and deepen your practice between sessions.