Administrator

July 07, 2009 16:15

I'm not a big reader at all, I often struggle to finish the few books that I do start but the one martial arts related book I would recommend to people is The Book of Five Rings. Musashi seems like the kind of guy you'd want on your side and the book has a lot of simple concepts that I think are still very useful in martial arts today...

Has anyone read it? If so what did you think?

Any other martial art type books you would recommend?

Now slightly more bruised than before.

Member

July 07, 2009 17:23

I got OCTAGON the other day . Has photos from UFC photographer Kevin Lynch ..... .Great Photos

The minute i engage and were within hand distance , im thinking about finishing you - because the only way i can secure my own saftey is if your unconscious on the ground.Thats just my mentality about it ....

Member

July 09, 2009 20:43

The Book of Five Rings, is a great book. If you like it is worthwhile looking for different translations, there are a few out there, and each brings something different.

Another good book, even if you struggle to finish books, is Zen in the Martial Arts by Joe Hyams. It is some of his training experiences with some notables, such as Bruce Lee, Ed Parker, and Bong Soo Han. It is about 30 chapters, with each chapter only 2~5 pages long, and each is a separate little story.

Administrator

July 10, 2009 07:54

Thanks, I might have to look it up.

The version of The Book of Five Rings I've got is translated by William Scott Wilson. Might see if I can find some other interesting versions...

Now slightly more bruised than before.

Member

September 25, 2009 07:02

Go Rin No Sho is a wicked book, nice one to mull over when you can't sleep or waiting for a train or something. I used to get a train to the place I was training at but the closest one I could get got me there 40 minutes before class, so I'd read and ponder.

I think a must read for anybody studying martial arts for self defence is Dead or Alive: The Choice is Yours by Geoff Thompson. A brutal read that'll dispell any illusions you might have about real violence (Not meaning to sound condescending, I assume most know better, but trying to give an idea of what the book is) before you have to find out the hard way.

I recently read a book called Be Like Water, I forget the author's name, that discussed how to apply martial arts lessons like blending and flow and mushin to daily life. Quite good for those who are into martial arts for other reasons.

Howdy btw

When the student is ready, the master will appear

Administrator

September 25, 2009 07:51

Cool, they all sound like interesting reads. I'll have to look them up. Thanks Panda.

Now slightly more bruised than before.

Member

September 25, 2009 08:18

Hi guys,

For my thoughts one of the most informative and intriguing books on the martial arts mind and practical capabilities I cannot go past 'Bruce Lee's - The Tao of Jeet Kune Do'. It was first published in 1975 by OHara Publications, Incorporated, California and by 1996 was in its 41st printing, wow!

It was written just prior to his death when he was incapacitated with a serious back injury he attained doing his own stunts on a movie jumping over a large wall ( don't know which one, but I have seen the stunt and where it went wrong, can anybody help?).

He spent I believe about 6 months in traction and put his mind to work with this book.

The book is a bit funny because it has copies of Bruce's own handwriting and drawings so is not technologically advanced in that regards, but some of the fighting and psychological aspects are exceptional.

I thoroughly recommend this book to all martial artists. I have 2 copies, 1 that I read and 1 that I keep in pristine condition for the future. I got my second copy from Ebay for about $20. Go for it - you will not be disappointing.

I need to get a copy of the book of 5 rings soon.

Another that is an awesome strategic book is 'Sun Tzu's - The Art of War', for those who have read it I am sure you will agree that a book that has lasted over 2000 years and is tried and tested in actual warfare and is still being used in all aspects of life still today is pretty remarkable. It is used in Boardrooms, and by major players everywhere. Colin Powell, 1 of the architects of both Iraqi wars lists it as 1 of his favorites, and it has also been mentioned within 'Star Trek' and other TV shows including the movie 'Wall Street, with Micheal Douglass. Thoroughly recommended as there is some beautiful artwork that accompanies this book as well.

All the best.

CK

If its to be, it's up to me!

Member

September 25, 2009 14:10

I've just ordered the following books from Amazon, waiting on there delivery. Thanks for the review CK, looks like I'll be in for an interesting read.



Hope they are interesting to read.

Member

September 27, 2009 22:08

A great read for martial artists or otherwise is The Way Of The Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman. I know people who've never done any training who just find it a great story. Well worth picking up.

Pencak Silat
Hapkido
Gongkwon Yusul

Member

September 27, 2009 22:36

I can see that this thread is going to get very expensive for me. I've already placed all suggestions on my amazon.com wish list so might have to send that to family and tell them to just get me items off this list. =D

My order of books was delivered on Friday night and I've already started reading the Tao of Jeet Kune Do. I gotta say that this book is really starting to get really compelling. Some of the items discussed really take you back and start thinking about it.

I was unprepared for one thing though. The book on Hapkido was some 1100 pages and is Really thick. I'd say that it's as thick as half the height of soft drink can. It looks very intense.

Member

November 18, 2009 12:50

Yes Michael I agree The Book of Five Rings is a must. Mushashi sure would have been an interesting character to meet - not on a dark night though ..
My main text is The Art Of War, I treat it as my guide book to life and certainly running a martial arts business.

with respect,
Scott Cheasley
Tactical Zen Self Defence Systems.
www.TacticalZen.com

Member

December 04, 2009 13:02

Originally posted by Michael Little

I'm not a big reader at all, I often struggle to finish the few books that I do start but the one martial arts related book I would recommend to people is The Book of Five Rings. Musashi seems like the kind of guy you'd want on your side and the book has a lot of simple concepts that I think are still very useful in martial arts today...

Has anyone read it? If so what did you think?

Any other martial art type books you would recommend?

I want to buy the book of 5 rings i seen it at the book store for about $25.00 thats good value.
At the moment I am reading a book called The Way Of The Warrior by Chris Crudelli it’s a beautiful book with lots of information about different types of martial arts and it also has lots of nice pics as well.

Jason
Kempo

My twitter @best6

Member

December 04, 2009 13:23

Recently read a book called Moving Zen by something or other Nicol. Excellent book, moving, touching, inspiring, amusing, and sometimes shocking. Then there's Zen in the Martial Arts by Joe Hayam, which is all of the above as well.

When the student is ready, the master will appear

Administrator

December 07, 2009 16:54

What's the gist behind Moving Zen? I'm intrigued...

Now slightly more bruised than before.

Member

December 07, 2009 20:03

It's sort of an autobiography by a Welsh dude who went to Japan to study martial arts in 62, but it's limited only to his time there. Goes into social and cultural clashes, choosing a school (he decides on karate,) and details what the training was like and how he adapts to Japanese life. Excellent book, tis

When the student is ready, the master will appear

Member

December 07, 2009 21:05

I read Moving Zen years ago, and from memory, it was a great book. If I recall correctly C.W. Nichol, the author, studied with such luminaries as Donn Draeger.

Member

December 07, 2009 21:51

You remember correctly on both counts In the UK I got a £5 off discount voucher for signing up with a store that sold it so I got the book for £3, total score

When the student is ready, the master will appear

Member

December 09, 2009 09:47

I'm off to the book shop this afternoon. Based on what other's have recommended I might see if they have the book of 5 rings.

Member

March 29, 2010 12:30

I can't recomend any books in particular; but if your in Melbourne there is a great book shop dedicated purley to martial arts books. Couple minutes from Bourke...but i just get martial arts books from torrents & read them as ebooks, alot cheaper. :-)