My Top Ten Reading List
Reading is fundamental. I like the web, I'm a bit of an internet junkie, but when push comes to shove, I really prefer books as my main reading source for my martial arts material. Here's a list of what I consider essential information for the serious martial arts practitioner. I'm sure most of you will at least recognize some of these titles. I've arranged them in no particular order.
Book Of Five Rings — by Miyamoto Musashi
Many, many versions of this classic book are available. Some say translating it from the original Japanese leaves something to be desired. The copy I have was translated/interpreted by Steve Kaufman, a longtime instructor from New York. Musashi was a ronin (masterless samurai) that lived during Japan's feudal period. He was regarded as the kenshi (sword saint) of Japan, but by today's standards would be considered a sociopath. He killed his first man at age thirteen, was not above murdering children, despised bathing, supposedly had some wretched skin disease (probably from lack of bathing)... well, you get the idea. Five Rings is the martial arts classic treatise on strategy and psychological warfare.
The Way of Kata — by Lawrence A. Kane and Kris Wilder
I actually chanced upon this gem at a used book store. Although written from a Goju-ryu karate perspective, this is a useful primer for those interested in what I consider the real nuts and bolts of karate: kata (forms) and its applications. Includes guidelines for deciphering martial applications and gives some background on kata's history, strategy and tactics.
Zen In The Martial Arts — by Joe Hyams
Hyams was a celebrity Hollywood columnist from the fifties and sixties who was also a bit of a martial arts journeyman, training with the likes of Chuck Norris, Ed Parker and Bong Soo Han (who coached actor Tom Laughlin for his role in Billy Jack). Some interesting anecdotes to be found here, using Zen as a central theme. Overcoming everyday obstacles, difficulties in training and even how to deescalate a potentially violent altercation round out this reading.
My Journey With The Grandmaster — by Major Bill Hayes USMC (Ret.)
I've previously reviewed this work. Kyoshi Bill Hayes recounts his time spent on Okinawa during his hitch in The Corps training in the old-school way of traditional Shorin-ryu karate-do. Highly recommended. Copies of this future classic can be obtained directly from the author at oldstudent1@cox.net.
Martial Arts Madness — by Glenn Morris
Another previously reviewed selection. Cited as "field notes of an American ninja", Morris trained in a number of styles including Isshinryu karate with the late Sherman Harrill. If chi, psi abilities and psychic powers float your boat, this book is for you. A weird, fun read.
Classical Budo — by Donn Draeger
Budo - martial arts as a way of life - is Draeger's prescription for self-perfection and right living. The -do in Japanese budo can be equated with the Chinese Dao, or "path." Draeger starts with budo's historical settings in Japan, followed by its concept, rationale, and method. Many examples of the teacher-student relationship are exquisitely detailed.
Tales of Okinawa's Great Masters — by Shoshin Nagamine (translated by Patrick McCarthy)
Nagamine Sensei (1907 - 1997) was one of the most prolific authors on traditional karate and its history, in addition to being the founder of his Matsubayashi-ryu karate. Stories of character and courage are told concerning the lives of some of Okinawa's most famous karate men. Includes a section on tegumi, Okinawan wrestling.
On The Warrior's Path — by Daniele Bolelli
Bolelli, a Kung Fu San Soo practitioner, does a fine job describing warrior archetypes, Chinese tradition, and bridging martial arts philosophy with the advent of MMA. In particular the section on Internal Martial Arts — its history and certain misunderstandings which are clarified, make this a worthy read.
Living The Martial Way — by Forrest E. Morgan, Maj USAF
A must read for anyone thinking about embarking on the martial path. The author - relying on extensive experience both in the martial arts and military service - outlines the mindset and spirit necessary for the aspiring martial artist. Written with frankness and wisdom, Morgan maintains that training in the martial way is not for the hobbyist or those looking to rack up awards or titles. Sections include "The Secret of Personal Power" and "The Great Sham of Modern Martial Arts." Highly recommended.
Okinawan Karate: Teachers, styles and secret techniques — by Mark Bishop
Karateka and researcher Mark Bishop sheds light on all of the major Okinawan karate styles via interviews with select Okinawan masters. Historical tables, and a list of every Okinawan karate kata (and what styles they are affiliated with) can be found in the back of the book.
I was a bit disheartened to see the section on Isshinryu karate lacking in depth, unfortunately due to a rather terse exchange between the author and Kichiro Shimabuku, 10th dan (the founder's son).
Ouch. I guess it's true: the pen is mightier than the sword.
— — — — —
If anyone has a good title to add to this list, do share.
Book Of Five Rings — by Miyamoto Musashi
Many, many versions of this classic book are available. Some say translating it from the original Japanese leaves something to be desired. The copy I have was translated/interpreted by Steve Kaufman, a longtime instructor from New York. Musashi was a ronin (masterless samurai) that lived during Japan's feudal period. He was regarded as the kenshi (sword saint) of Japan, but by today's standards would be considered a sociopath. He killed his first man at age thirteen, was not above murdering children, despised bathing, supposedly had some wretched skin disease (probably from lack of bathing)... well, you get the idea. Five Rings is the martial arts classic treatise on strategy and psychological warfare.The Way of Kata — by Lawrence A. Kane and Kris Wilder
I actually chanced upon this gem at a used book store. Although written from a Goju-ryu karate perspective, this is a useful primer for those interested in what I consider the real nuts and bolts of karate: kata (forms) and its applications. Includes guidelines for deciphering martial applications and gives some background on kata's history, strategy and tactics.Zen In The Martial Arts — by Joe Hyams
Hyams was a celebrity Hollywood columnist from the fifties and sixties who was also a bit of a martial arts journeyman, training with the likes of Chuck Norris, Ed Parker and Bong Soo Han (who coached actor Tom Laughlin for his role in Billy Jack). Some interesting anecdotes to be found here, using Zen as a central theme. Overcoming everyday obstacles, difficulties in training and even how to deescalate a potentially violent altercation round out this reading.My Journey With The Grandmaster — by Major Bill Hayes USMC (Ret.)
I've previously reviewed this work. Kyoshi Bill Hayes recounts his time spent on Okinawa during his hitch in The Corps training in the old-school way of traditional Shorin-ryu karate-do. Highly recommended. Copies of this future classic can be obtained directly from the author at oldstudent1@cox.net.Martial Arts Madness — by Glenn Morris
Another previously reviewed selection. Cited as "field notes of an American ninja", Morris trained in a number of styles including Isshinryu karate with the late Sherman Harrill. If chi, psi abilities and psychic powers float your boat, this book is for you. A weird, fun read.Classical Budo — by Donn Draeger
Budo - martial arts as a way of life - is Draeger's prescription for self-perfection and right living. The -do in Japanese budo can be equated with the Chinese Dao, or "path." Draeger starts with budo's historical settings in Japan, followed by its concept, rationale, and method. Many examples of the teacher-student relationship are exquisitely detailed.Tales of Okinawa's Great Masters — by Shoshin Nagamine (translated by Patrick McCarthy)
Nagamine Sensei (1907 - 1997) was one of the most prolific authors on traditional karate and its history, in addition to being the founder of his Matsubayashi-ryu karate. Stories of character and courage are told concerning the lives of some of Okinawa's most famous karate men. Includes a section on tegumi, Okinawan wrestling.On The Warrior's Path — by Daniele Bolelli
Bolelli, a Kung Fu San Soo practitioner, does a fine job describing warrior archetypes, Chinese tradition, and bridging martial arts philosophy with the advent of MMA. In particular the section on Internal Martial Arts — its history and certain misunderstandings which are clarified, make this a worthy read.Living The Martial Way — by Forrest E. Morgan, Maj USAF
A must read for anyone thinking about embarking on the martial path. The author - relying on extensive experience both in the martial arts and military service - outlines the mindset and spirit necessary for the aspiring martial artist. Written with frankness and wisdom, Morgan maintains that training in the martial way is not for the hobbyist or those looking to rack up awards or titles. Sections include "The Secret of Personal Power" and "The Great Sham of Modern Martial Arts." Highly recommended.Okinawan Karate: Teachers, styles and secret techniques — by Mark Bishop
Karateka and researcher Mark Bishop sheds light on all of the major Okinawan karate styles via interviews with select Okinawan masters. Historical tables, and a list of every Okinawan karate kata (and what styles they are affiliated with) can be found in the back of the book. I was a bit disheartened to see the section on Isshinryu karate lacking in depth, unfortunately due to a rather terse exchange between the author and Kichiro Shimabuku, 10th dan (the founder's son).
...but as he [Shimabuku] was a 'very busy man' he could spare me only a little of his 'precious time'; consequently my notes on Isshinryu may seem to be lacking. Kichiro Shimabuku, being short, plump and bald with an effeminate squeaky voice, is not what most people imagine a karate teacher to be like.
Ouch. I guess it's true: the pen is mightier than the sword.
— — — — —
If anyone has a good title to add to this list, do share.
Labels: book review, Miyamoto Musashi
posted by John Vesia at 9/20/2010 10:00:00 AM
9 comments
