Recommended martial arts book

[KeithBell]

Birthdays coming, I keep getting asked about presents, and i've decided I need to increase my martial arts book collection.

to be honest, I have only ever read , or I should say looked at / skimmed through a few martial arts books which were specific to grappling and ground fighting.

I want to increase my knowledge of martial arts philosophy or history, so are there are any books people would really recommend?

Please don't say 'white to black belt in ryukanjukwondo' -I won't waste my pennies on that sort of thing.

Cheers guys

[ashley]

Have you tried Zen in the martial arts?

A truelly inspirational book for any martial artist - a must read for anyone, especially anyone interested in martial arts.

[Katy]

Although it's not strictly martial arts, it still applies here (based on what kind of book you are looking for).

It's a must read, and it's The Art of War, by Sun Tzu



Seriously, get this book and read it - don't let it sit on your shelf for years. You won't regret it - literally worth it's weight in gold.

[Alanwright]

I read the Art of War sometime ago, it's one of those books everyone should read in their life, however in todays world, im not sure how much of it is practical.

[Ken Hewson]

Have you read ~ Miyamoto Musashi: His Life and Writings

Definately give this a read if you get time.

[wing chun]

This is a very informative book for those intrested in the art of Wing Chun , Master Cheng shows Basic & Advanced Techniques as well as a complete sequence of photographs showing the Wooden Man Training sequence , i highly recommend this book.

[Medway Tai Chi Society]

I would definately recommend:

Esoteric Warriors - Alex Kozma

The Power of Internal Martial Arts - Bruce Kumar Frantzis

Ziranmen and the Taoist Fighting Arts - Alex Kozma

[clouddragon]

Dan explains fully the Tai Chi Classics in a practical way with use of explanation and photos. He also talks and shows illustrations from General Qi Ji-Guang's Classic of Boxing. Oh if you can't see the picture I have downloaded (limited computer skills/novice), the book is called Decoding The Classics For The Modern Martial Artist by Dan Docherty.

[clouddragon]

I read the Art of War sometime ago, it's one of those books everyone should read in their life, however in todays world, im not sure how much of it is practical.

Well the advice about avoiding what is hard and attacking where the opponent is weak is very good advice for a start. I hit a guy in a self defence situation (a large not so gentle man with road rage) in the head and my hand swelled up to twice its usual size. I very quickly changed my tactics to resolve the situation .

I quite enjoy "The Art Of Peace " Morihei Ueshiba", have you read it?

[clouddragon]

Here is another excellent read, Chinese Boxing Masters and Methods Robert W. Smith. Great Fun this one!