Here are some recommended books that you might find highly intertaining.
The following books can be purchased securely on-line by clicking the title or book:
The Deer & The Cauldron - The First Book
By Louis ChaOne of the world's best selling books - 1998 International Book of the Year
The Deer and the Cauldron is the last martial arts epic by Yeung Jin (aka Yong Chin or Louis Cha), who is indisputably the greatest martial arts novelist ever to live. More Cha novels are being translated, and hopefully his complete opus will soon be available in English.
The story takes place during the reign of the penultimate emperor of China, who as a Manchu managed to maintain an uneasy peace. Many of the characters in Deer and Cauldron are real historical figures, and many events are fabricated around actual occurrences. The playful interaction with history explains something of Cha's resonance with the public as well as his popularity with critics.
Most importantly, this book is a great read, with an intricate plot, sympathetic characters, an awareness of history, a rich cultural setting, plenty of action, and much much comedy.
Note: like other Cha novels, Deer and Cauldron has been loosely adapted to film in a movie in two parts titled Royal Tramp and Royal Tramp 2.
Three Kingdoms: A Historical Novel (Volume I)
by Luo Guanzhong, Translated by Moss RobertsEditorial Reviews:
Patrick Hanan, New York Times Book Review
"A martial epic with an astonishing fidelity to history, which has been translated now into lively English by Moss Roberts. . . .National Post (Canadian daily)
"...all other historical novels suffer by comparison to Three Kingdoms, the great epic of the Chinese literary tradition."Book Description:
The empire, Long divided, must unite; long united, must divide. Thus it has ever been." With this characterization of the inevitable cycle of Chinese history, the monumental tale Three Kingdoms begins. As important for Chinese culture as the Homeric epics have been for the West, this Ming dynasty masterpiece continues to be read and loved throughout China as well as in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. The novel offers a startling and unsparing view of how power is wielded, how diplomacy is conducted, and how wars are planned and fought; it has influenced the ways that Chinese think about power, diplomacy, and war even to this day.
Three Kingdoms portrays a fateful moment at the end of the Han dynasty (206 B.C.-A.D.220) When the future of the Chinese empire lay in the balance. Writing more than a millennium later, Luo Guanzhong drew on often-told tales of this turbulent period to fashion a sophisticated, compelling narrative, whose characters display vivid individuality and epic grandeur.
Moss Roberts's new translation provides for the first time an authoritative, annotated English-language version of this great and enduring work of world literature.
Three Kingdoms: A Historical Novel (Volume I)
by Luo Guanzhong, Tran. Moss RobertsThree Kingdoms: A Historical Novel (Volume II)
by Luo Guanzhong, Tran. Moss RobertsThree Kingdoms: A Historical Novel (Volume III)
by Luo Guanzhong, Tran. Moss Roberts
Written in the early twentieth century, this indigenous Japanese novel recounts the life & times of old Japan's greatest swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi -- a man who began life as an over-eager and rather brutish young lout but who, through the discipline of Japan's "way of the sword," turned himself into a master of his chosen weapon and would write one of the most influential books ever, the Book of Five Rings.
The Journey: The Oral Histories of 24 of the Most Proficient American Kenpoists of Today
by Tom Bleecker, Joe Hyams
These 24 individuals are masters of the martial arts. This book is both inspirational as well as informative. There is also a chapter dedicated to the world's most famous Kenpoist - Elvis Presley. In addition to a founder's history chapter, the book contains over 300 historical pictures. "The Journey" received extremely favorable reviews in New York and Las Vegas where it debuted on 8/10/01. This title has the potential of attracting a substantial audience from crossover audiences.
Iron and Silk
by Mark Salzman
In 1982, Salzman flew off to teach English in Changsha, China. He writes of bureaucrats, students and Cultural Revolution survivors, stripping none of their complexity and humanity. He's gentle with their idiocies, saving his sharpest barbs for himself (it's his pants that split from zipper to waist whilst demonstrating martial arts in Canton). Though dribs of history and drabs of classical lore seep through, this is mostly a personal tale, noted by the Los Angeles Times for "the charmingly unpretentious manner in which it penetrates a China inaccessible to other foreigners."
Book Description
Salzman captures post-cultural revolution China through his adventures as a young American English teacher in China and his shifu-tudi (master-student) relationship with one of China's foremost wushu (martial arts) teachers.
The Laughing Sutra
by Mark Salzman
Iron & Silk, Mark Salzman's bestselling account of his adventures as an English teacher and martial arts student in China, introduced a writer of enormous charm and keen insight into the cultural chasm between East and West. Now Salzman returns to China in his first novel, which follows the adventures of Hsun-ching, a naive but courageous orphan, and the formidable and mysterious Colonel Sun, who together travel from mainland China to San Francisco, risking everything to track down an elusive Buddhist scripture called The Laughing Sutra. Part Tom Sawyer, part Tom Jones, The Laughing Sutra draws us into an irresistible narrative of danger and comedy that speaks volumes about the nature of freedom and the meaning of loyalty.
Living the Martial Way
By Forrest E. MorganOne book that I would highly recommend--regardless of the system of martial arts you study--is Living the Martial Way by Forrest E. Morgan. This book will change your whole outlook on how you study martial arts and will teach you how to develop attitudes based on ancient Asian martial arts. It is a manual for the way a modern warrior should think.
Hailed by many as the best book available on the subject, Living The Martial Way is a step-by-step approach to applying the warrior's mind-set to martial training and daily life.
This is one of the most influential books I have ever read. I sincerely recommend it as a "must read" for any student of martial arts or anyone interested in a noble way of living.
The Cat
by Gogen Yamaguchi
Ip Man - Portrait of a Kung Fu Master
by Ip Ching, Ron HeimbergerA Master’s gift to the world is his life. By seeing his life or at least by seeing the portrait of his life as painted in the stories of those who knew him, a Master’s life becomes a sketch of a path to Mastery.
From stories shared by his son, this book paints a portrait of the famous Wing Chun Grand Master, Ip Man, providing a set of fifteen principles as a guide to mastery. While there are broad lessons to be learned from this portrait, the details must be savored. Many of the great figures of history are shrouded in the mists of aggrandizement, but here the details, the fine strokes of the portrait, have remained to show the humble seeker something about the life of a Master.
Each chapter provides a principle or set of principles to contemplate. You will be richly rewarded if you seek to discern the principles and the man who strove to embody them.
These stories and the principles drawn from them are commended to you for your benefit and learning and enjoyment. Let them guide you in your journey, but do not look for them to tell you every step. In this portrait are great treasures for the taking—but not simply for the asking.
Abundant Peace : The Biography of Morihei Ueshiba, Founder of Aikido
by John Stevens
Focuses on the "how" and "why" of the quest of Morihei (the founder of Aikido-Japanes Martial Arts), concentrating on a discussion of the people, events, and ideas that most influenced the master.
John Stevens, Aikido teacher, Professor of Buddhist studies, and author has put together the first full biography of the life of Morihei Ueshiba, founder of Aikido. This book is an absolute must for any person wishing to understand the context in which Aikido was developed and see the art as the Founder himself saw it.
Only for Now
by Stephen Melillo, Lenny GreenmanOnly for Now is a fast-paced action-adventure. Told by his student and friend, Lenny Greenman, Only for Now is the story of how one individual stood tall in a world that tried to "kick him in another direction." Great enemies help forge great tales of daring. Amidst the divorce of his parents, the ridicule of back stabbing people who once called him a friend and the end of his first love, Stephen Rinaldi leaves for his first year of college. Highly skilled in the Chinese martial art, he inadvertently challenges another martial art teacher and school on campus. His life goes into the balance. Will love, friendship and hope prevail despite all the slaps in the face?
In Only for Now, one person collides with the forces of darkness. He faces formidable foes, inside and out, and literally goes "under cover"... but in the end Rinaldi emerges as a real-to-life Hero. Life is short, but very wide. Only for Now is a testament to those who believe that growing up need not mean "giving in."
Searching for the Way
by Nigel SuttonOver the past two decades, author Nigel Sutton has traveled throughout Asia in search of the martial arts, special skills, senior masters, and sacred knowledge. He spent decades in the company of masters, listening to their stories, learning their arts, and documenting their lives. He came away with much more than skills and knowledge; he discovered the Way. In this engaging work one can discover the inner lives of the world's leading martial arts masters and the secrets of their fighting arts.
The Martial Arts of Renaissance Europe
by Sydney AngloGlobe and Mail - "Fascinating."
In this extensively illustrated book a leading Renaissance historian provides the first complete study of the martial arts in Europe from the late fifteenth to the late seventeenth century. From stabbings and wrestling in tavern brawls to the balletic homicide of the dueling fields, Sydney Anglo explains the significance of the martial arts in Renaissance life and the social implications of one-to-one combat training.
Martial Arts of the World: An Encyclopedia
by Thomas A. GreenLibrary Binding - 800 pages 2 Vol. Set edition
Noted folklorist and anthropologist Thomas A. Green handpicked the best and brightest experts—both martial arts scholars and expert practitioners—to contribute the nearly 100 A-to-Z entries focusing on systems that exist outside contemporary military contexts.
Tales of Okinawa's Great Masters
By Patrick McCarthyGrand Master Shoshin Nagamine's Tales of Okinawa's Great Masters was published in Japanese a few years ago. The English translation, by Patrick McCarthy, recounts the lives and histories of ten of Okinawa's greatest masters. Nagamine Sensei spent a lifetime researching these masters and
either training with them or interviewing their families and students. Tode Sakugawa, Sokon Matsumura, Kosaku Matsumora, Anko Itosu, Gichin Funakoshi, Chotoku Kyan, Choki Motobu, Kanryo Higaonna and Ankichi Arakaki, are just a few of the luminaries profiled in the book.
Karate-Do: My Way of Life
By Gichin FunakoshiFor anyone who believes that they have made a lifelong commitment to the Martial Arts, you should read this book. Master Funakoshi intertwines the important spiritual and physical components of a life in "the way" with the story of his own personal life. If you are truly a student of the Martial Arts (whether it is Karate or not) this book belongs in your personal library.
Beyond the Known : The Ultimate Goal of the Martial Arts
by Tri Thong DangThis is an excellent glimpse into the internal portion of the martial arts. It is told through a story of a young master and his struggles much akin to our own, possessing egos and monkey minds. It is cleverly written to be much like the conundrums of Asian tales, but is obvious enough to be something most can relate to. A highly recommended book to anyone who trains martial arts and wants to deepen their commitment to becoming a better person and martial artist.
The Secrete Power Within
By Chuck NorrisChuck Norris explains how the ancient system of Zen--the core philosophy behind the martial arts--can help each of us achieve spiritual tranquillity and self-confidence.
The Secret Power Within is both a highly accessible lesson in Zen philosophy as well as the compelling story of Chuck Norris's own remarkable success.
Chuck Norris explains his beliefs about Zen and everyday life, describing his acting career and martial arts training and sharing his Zen-based philosophies regarding stress, overcoming failure, achieving self-confidence, and becoming spiritually rich.
"This book is about what I've seen and understood by looking through Zen. It's about my life and the lives of people I've known, about real-life experiences that are in some way related to Zen or that make a special kind of sense when looked at in Zen terms."
--Chuck Norris
Karate's History and Traditions
By Bruce HainesA Classic Text treasured by Martial Artist for over twenty years, Karate's History & Traditions was long recognized as the most authoritative source on martial arts history and technique. Now Bruce Haines, historian and martial artist, has updated this rich source to reflect changes that have taken place in the last two decades.
A Book of Five Rings
By Masamoto MusashiSince the publication of its first English translation in 1974, The Book of Five Rings has become an underground classic in the American business community, where it is studied as a text on Japanese management techniques. Here are timeless principles of craft, skill, timing, and spirit from a great samurai warrior--plus background on Zen, Bushido, Heiho, and Musashi's life.
The classic text on samurai strategy--that changed the American way of doing business--provides principles of craft, skill, timing, and spirit which result in victory.
The Weaponless Warriors
By Richard KimRichard Kim is a master story teller, a karateka must read.
Master Kim recounts stories of Okinawan martial arts masters bringing the past to life along with important lessons for living in today's world.
Strike Like Lightning: Meditations on Nature for Martial Artists
by C. V. RhoadesStrike like Lightning is a book about meditating on nature and exploring the natural world through the eyes of a modern day warrior. Martial artists of all styles can learn how to learn from nature to increase the benefits of their training. Discover how watching nature and animals can enhance your mental and physical development.
Ba Gua : Hidden Knowledge in the Taoist Internal Martial Art
by John BracyThis book provides a history of Ba Gua Zhang (also spelled Pa Kua Chang)-- a rare, mysterious, and powerful form of Chinese Gung fu--covering its nature and meaning, and the metaphysical and symbolic aspects of the discipline.
In Ba Gua: Hidden, aspects of the Taoist (Daoist) Internal Martial Art is traced from second century Taoists searching for physical immortality to mountain-dwelling Taoist monks during the last days of the Ching (Qing) dynasty and nineteenth century intellectuals searching for the secret of "stillness in movement."
Clasical Man
by Richard KimA collection of stories as told by Richard Kim makes this a very popular book with everyone. Now in its sixth printing this book is entertaining as well as informative with lots of insights. A popular gift item for any martial artist.
Martial Musings : A Portrayal of Martial Arts in the 20th Century
by Robert W. Smith
In every century there are unique individuals whose fate makes them standing symbols of unique merit and accomplishment. Robert W. Smiths Martial Musings stands out as the sole literary work which offers readers a special perspective of martial arts as they evolved during the 20th century.
Smith has practiced, taught, and written on the Asian martial arts for more than fifty years. From his late teens he trained under eminent Western boxing and wrestling coaches and later immersed himself in judo and finally the Chinese martial arts under celebrated masters. He taught many students in the latter arts in the Washington D.C. area where he worked as an intelligence officer for the CIA.
In short, Martial Musings introduces the reader to the individuals who shaped martial arts in the 20th century. The hardbound book has 400 pages and over 300 illustrations with a full-color cover and two-color text pages.
Read it! It will be to your advantage. ~ Richard Bowen, Vice-President, The Budokwai
Way of the Peaceful Warrior, A Book That Changes Lives
by Dan MillmanWay of the Peaceful Warrior has become one of the most beloved spiritual sagas of our time. Shared among friends and family, this million copy word-of-mouth best seller has inspired men and women of all ages in twenty languages worldwide.
