Book Recommendations

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Book Recommendations

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Martial Arts Books

Rating	Image	Title	Style	Reviewer's Comments
Red Belt		The Way to Black Belt: A Comprehensive Guide to Rapid, Rock-Solid Results Lawrence Kane and Kris Wilder	Martial Arts	Alright, I'm biased about this one! After all, the authors used a very large quote from me and provided full credit! But seriously, this is one great book. I'm a fan of Lawrence Kane. A number of months ago, he contacted me about a post I made on another martial arts board. He asked permission to use it in a book that he and Kris Wilder were writing. It's out! With my name and narrative included! I have finished the first four chapters. I highly recommend it! The book will provide a great deal of insight into, not just into martial arts, but learning as well. Many business type concepts are included, enough to make this valuable for anyone even if they aren't martial artists!
Red Belt		Okinawan Karate: Teachers, Styles, and... Mark Bishop	Okinawan Karate Japanese Karate	From the moment I saw this one, I knew I needed to have it! Full of lineages, pictures and interviews, Mark Bishop has managed to fill this book with the historical context of the various styles from this pivotal island. Almost all Okinawan styles will find the name of someone that is pictured on their dojo wall within its covers. Sensei Miyahira and Iha, as well as many of the masters that were here for the 25th Anniversary can be found in this. (Mark)
Red Belt		The Bible of Karate: Bubishi Patrick McCarthy	Okinawan Karate Japanese Karate	This is a terrific book for those with an interest in any of the Okinawan or Japanese branches of Karate. It provides an excellent summary of the methods by which this key text arrived in Okinawa from China. The author, Patrick McCarthy, has written numerous books on Martial Arts History and is well respected for his thorough research and documentation.(Mark)
Black Belt		Karate's History and Traditions Bruce A. Haines	Asian Martial Arts	This is a great introduction to the history of the Asian Martial Arts. It covers a wide variety of styles by country and is a good starting point for those getting started. I use this is my starting point before moving on to more specific and indepth books about a style. It helps me to place the style in context with the rest of the arts.(Mark)
Not Yet Rated		Tales of Okinawa's Great Masters (Tuttle... Shoshin Nagamine, Patrick McCarthy (Translator)	Okinawan Karate Japanese Karate
Black Belt		Karate-Do: My Way of Life Gichin Funakoshi	Okinawan Karate Japanese Karate	This Autobiography of Gichin Funakoshi provides a great deal of background on the introduction of Okinawan Karate into Japan. (Mark)
Not yet rated		Okinawan Karate, The Secret Art of Tuite by Javier Martinez	Okinawan Karate Japanese Karate
Black Belt		Kodo Ancient Ways: Lessons in the Spiritual Life of the Warrior/Martial Artist by Kensho Furuya	General Martial Arts	Based on a series of articles, Furuya Sensei has used a narrative of experiences and ancient stories to share the heart of the martial arts. A bit repetative, but provides some solid concepts to think about. Easy to read a chapter at a time, even if it is weeks between opportunities. (Mark)
Black Belt		Karate-Do Kyohan By Gichin Funakoshi	Okinawan Karate Japanese Karate	One of the first published texts on Karate. This outlines some of the key basics with explainations and much of the history of early art. A good read and a great reminder of the sequence of kata. (Mark)
Black Belt		Ancient Okinawan Martial Arts: Koryu Uchinadi (Tuttle Martial Arts) by Patrick McCarthy	Okinawan Karate Japanese Karate	Patrick McCarthy has made some of the key historical documents available to those that aren't able to read the original Japanese. Not exciting reading, but certainly solid back ground and fascinating! (Mark)
Brown Belt		The Weaponless Warriors by Richard Kim	Okinawan Karate Japanese Karate	"An Informal History of Okinawan Karate" according to the cover. A collection of short stories with historical basis and some limited lineage charts. Footnotes and good bibliography. (Mark)
Rating In Progress - This will be at least Brown Belt!		The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do:... (Shorin-Ryu) Shoshin Nagamine	Okinawan Karate

More Martial Arts Books

Rating	Image	Title	Topic	Reviewer's Comments
Black Belt		Zen in the Martial Arts by Joe Hyams	ZEN	Excellent light reading serving as an introduction to the concept of Zen. Includes an inside look at some of the martial artists in Hollywood, including Bruce Lee. I find myself re-reading this one every couple of years. (Mark)
Red Belt		Bunkai Jutsu by Iain Abernathy	Application of Kata into Practice	If anyone ever doubts the value of kata, this book will change their mind! Filled with practical application of kata into combat situations, this is an easy to read and well illustrated volume.
Black Belt		Living the Martial Way by Forrest E. Morgan	Applying Martial Art to Life	I haven't finished this one, though I know Richard Royal has read this. It came highly recommended from other martial artists. So far very thought provoking. Starts so many different trains of thought that you have to go slow! (Mark)
Yellow Belt		The Martial Artist’s Way – Glen Doyle	Getting Started in the Martial Arts	Picked this up on a sale table. Includes a forward by Elvis Stojko. If you are already a martial artist, most of this will be irrelevant to you. If you haven't started your journey yet, this is worth a read.

Rating Explanation

	Outstanding! Top of the list, must have book for the style. If you don't have a copy, get one now!
	Excellent! Highly recommended for both reading and purchase.
	Good book that provides good historical knowledge or provides some good material for reflection. It may provide some excellent sources of new techniques to try. Well worth reading and adding to your library.
	The book provides some solid background history in addition to explainations of technique. Good reading and the skills can be helpful for students of the style. This catagory is a good starting place for those new to the martial arts and not ready for an indepth study.
	Books with this rating may be worth reading for those trying to learn a specific style or technique, but the historical value is limited. Most 'Welcome to Our School' brochures would contain as much historical info. Starting point for those thinking about getting into the Martial Arts.
	Borrow or skim a copy if you're really bored. Certainly not worth buying!

Other books in the Webmaster's Library that will get full reviews eventually:

The Karate Road to Power Kozuki	Okinawan Karate Japanese Karate
Karate - The Essentials Guide – Sanette Smit	Okinawan Karate Japanese Karate
Martial Arts Teachers on Teaching – Wiley, ed.	Teaching	(Excellent!) - I have not read all of the chapters, each written by a different instructor. I picked up a lot of useful tips on teaching children from one chapter!
The Classical Kata of Okinawan Karate McCarthy	Okinawan Karate Japanese Karate	(Looks good!)
The Book of the Samurai Hagakure	Japanese Martial Arts
Book of Five Rings Musashi	Martial Arts Other	(You should have it!) - Written by the sword master Musashi, this book provides an overview of tactics that can be applied in lif and business as well as the martial arts. Many versions and translations are available.

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