Favorite or most useful martial arts related book and why?

SensibleManiac

Black Belt
Joined
Jun 6, 2007
Messages
556
Reaction score
14
What your favorite or most useful martial arts related book and why?

Let's say you had one to recommend, which one would it be and why.
 

Marginal

Senior Master
Joined
Jul 7, 2002
Messages
3,276
Reaction score
67
Location
Colorado
Probably Living the Martial Way. I don't agree with all of it, but it does a good job of painting a good mindset.
 

tallgeese

Green Belt
Joined
Jun 27, 2009
Messages
133
Reaction score
6
Location
McHenry County, Il
Living the Martial Way would be a good choice. I too don't agree with everything he has in there, bit it's still a solid read.

Another along those lines in On Combat by Dave Grossman. It's a good read on the physiological aspcets of fighting as well as theh psycological ones. It's a must read on proper mindset.
 

Bruno@MT

Senior Master
Joined
Feb 24, 2009
Messages
3,399
Reaction score
74
The Art of War.

Because fighting is one thing, but strategy is quite another, and at least as useful. You can use these strategies to avoid fights and get away or turn things to your advantage.

The principles making up this book are also very useful in business. I have been a software programmer for 10 years, working as a consultant. Business is like a war or complex political game. I can honestly say that keeping to the core principles has saved my bacon a couple of times.
 

stickarts

Senior Master
MT Mentor
MTS Alumni
Joined
Jul 6, 2003
Messages
3,902
Reaction score
60
Location
middletown, CT USA
I have recommended different books to different people! It really depends upon what they are looking for more info on or need the most help with. Some books are required reading in our school for advancement. As a beginners book I like Zen in the martial arts. Great ideas are explained in an easy to understand way.
 

sgtmac_46

Senior Master
Joined
Dec 19, 2004
Messages
4,753
Reaction score
189
'The Tao of Jeet Kune Do' by Bruce Lee Not really a linear book, but more of a collection of ideas and concepts......but some very good ideas and concepts.

And of course as already mentioned, Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War'. Myamoto Musashi's 'Book of Five Rings'. Dave Grossman's writings were a good mention.

A lot depends on what one is seeking. A general martial mindset, specific martial skills. If one is looking for a good outlook on martial mindset, I recommend anything by the late Col. Jeff Cooper......though not a 'traditional martial artist', he was a warrior who had been there and done that, and had a perspective on conflict that probably needs to be read by anyone who thinks they want to prepare themselves for that eventuality.

Actually my bookshelf is full of excellent books, i'll have to browse through.
 

Jade Tigress

RAWR
Lifetime Supporting Member
MTS Alumni
Joined
Mar 11, 2004
Messages
14,196
Reaction score
153
Location
Chicago
The Art of War.

Because fighting is one thing, but strategy is quite another, and at least as useful. You can use these strategies to avoid fights and get away or turn things to your advantage.

The principles making up this book are also very useful in business. I have been a software programmer for 10 years, working as a consultant. Business is like a war or complex political game. I can honestly say that keeping to the core principles has saved my bacon a couple of times.

QFT. 100% agreed.
 

Joab

2nd Black Belt
Joined
Dec 8, 2008
Messages
763
Reaction score
9
"Kill or Be Killed" By Rex Applegate, as it teaches you pretty much all you need to know. "Get Tough" by W.E. Fairbairn is a good one, as is "Weapons at hand" by Greg Anderson. All three books follow the same line of thinking.
 

ap Oweyn

Brown Belt
Joined
Jun 30, 2005
Messages
401
Reaction score
36
Location
Loudoun County, Virginia
Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts by Donn Draeger and Robert Smith. For the simple reason that I'd turn to books for cultural and historical insight more than technical know-how. I like the context that comes with a good historical book. And, while I've heard complaints about the legitimacy of some of Draeger and Smith's claims, I thought that book was really excellent in terms of breadth and detail. Good read.


Stuart
 

James Kovacich

Senior Master
Lifetime Supporting Member
Joined
Dec 4, 2002
Messages
2,900
Reaction score
51
Location
San Jose, Ca.
Grandmaster Helio Gracie's "Gracie Jiu-Jitsu" and for simplistic reasons. The basics are found everywhere as is everyones "twist' on the subject. But to get it from the one who "set it off" alone sets it apart.
 

Milt G.

Purple Belt
Joined
Jul 11, 2009
Messages
340
Reaction score
7
Location
Hillsboro, OR.
What your favorite or most useful martial arts related book and why?

Let's say you had one to recommend, which one would it be and why.

Hello,

I have always enjoyed "Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts" by Donn Draeger and Robert W. Smith. A great work on the basic history of many martial arts in one volume. Well written and thought out, IMO. I "grew up" in the arts reading that. :)

I also enjoyed "Martial Arts, Traditions, History, People" by John Corcoran and Emil Farkas. It has basic information on many martial arts and a nice biography section on many of the prominent martial artists of the time. I have the 1983 edition, which has many of the 70's interests and "luminaries" included. A pivotal time in the martial arts in this country, I think? I know they have an updated edition from the early 90's, but would like to see an even more recent edition published.

There are many wonderful texts out there. I could spend hours describing the ones I have read and found useful. The above two were the first that came to mind.

Good subject, thank you.
Milt G.
 

still learning

Senior Master
Joined
Nov 8, 2004
Messages
3,749
Reaction score
48
Hello, A flavorite choice and the most modern written materials?

Is books by Loren Christensen...worth reading and owning!!

Aloha,
 

Josh Oakley

Senior Master
Supporting Member
MT Mentor
Joined
Aug 15, 2006
Messages
2,226
Reaction score
60
Location
Seattle, WA
The Book of 5 Rings, by Miyamoto Musashi

A great book on mindset and strategy and the only one I've read at least once a year since I was 12
 

Cirdan

Senior Master
Joined
Jan 31, 2006
Messages
2,494
Reaction score
441
Location
Oslo, Norway
Any of:

The Bubishi
The Art of War
The Book of Five Rings

I learn something new every time I open one of them.Or at least i learn to ask a new question.
 

Ninebird8

Blue Belt
Joined
Jun 17, 2008
Messages
238
Reaction score
14
As others have mentioned, the Art of War and Book of Five Rings. Particularly, in the Art of War there is theory I love: Retreat is a tactic, never a surrender! And, in the Book of Five Rings I love the page that describes Musashi's Ways of the Warrior Traveling Alone, the 22 precepts of practice by one's self! Also, love the Tai Chi Classics, and of course books by two of my three masters, Leung Shum and by proxy Dr. Yang Jwing Ming, whose senior Jeff Bolt is one of my three teachers. I like Bruce Lee's books, as they do tend to free the mind and make you consistently look at the effectiveness of your "styles" and the evolution of your own skill.
 

celtic_crippler

Senior Master
Joined
Jan 15, 2006
Messages
3,968
Reaction score
137
Location
Airstrip One
IMHO no person studying American Kenpo should be without the "Encylopedia of Kenpo." It lists and defines all the major principles taught and applied in the art. It's a great reference for any student and a great tool for any instructor.

Of course, no self-respecting Kenpoist would be without the 5 volumes of "Infinite Insights" either! LOL
 

shaolin-warrior

White Belt
Joined
Apr 15, 2007
Messages
17
Reaction score
2
Location
Connecticut
Warriors, More on living with Courage, Discipline, an Honor edited by Loren Christensen. It giveS the modern day warriors perspective on what it takes to sacrafice, train and even to kill if necessary.
 

Latest Discussions

Top