Biographical

Karate-Dō: My Way of Life

This text presents the autobiography of the man who made karate an international martial art, in which he recalls his own teachers and of his efforts to define and spread knowledge about karate without compromising its spirit.

I was recommended this book by my Sensei and I am so glad I bought it. It is an amazing story about an amazing person who dedicated his life to Karate and without whom we - as students- may not be training in Karate today. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in martial arts and defy anyone not to be inspired and motivated by the book. Excellent reading, I couldn't put it down.

Kanazawa, 10th Dan: Recollections of a Living Karate Legend - The Early Years (1931-1964) by Dr. Clive Layton

At a recent seminar in the United Kingdom held by Sensei Kanazawa I obtained a signed copy of this book. For anyone who has had the honour of meeting Kanazawa this is a fascinating read, detailing his life, and his philosophy. Although not a martial arts manual as such, it is more of a biography. But a fascinating look at a fascinating man. And one who has had a great influence on the martial arts, and indeed on myself as one his followers. Great reading for any karateka, especially Shotokan. Even more so, if you have ever met the great man himself. Now in his 70s and 10th Dan.

In Funakoshi's Footsteps by John van Weenan

Twenty years after Britain's best selling karate book 'The Beginner's Guide to Shotokan Karate' first appeared, the author, John van Weenen, is publishing his amazing autobiography. In Funakoshi's Footsteps is a unique work and gives an honest, refreshing evaluation and insight into the 'not so idealistic world of Shotokan Karate', as seen through the eyes of a prominent British teacher. It 'pulls no punches' and exposes the myths surrounding many Japanese and British instructors, and offers a wealth of invaluable metaphors contained in more than two hundred individual stories. Above all, John's autobiography is filled with realism. Mistakes, (and there are plenty of those), humour, tragedy, compassion, romance, heartache and encounters and experiences with what resembles a 'Who's Who' of Japanese and English instructors since the death of Master Funakoshi.

Moving Zen - Karate as a Way to Gentleness by C W Nicol

Moving Zen: One Man's Journey to the Heart of Karate is a multifaceted work with ever-surprising depths. It is the story of a young man arriving in Japan to come to grips with an alien culture; his first two, hard years studying the technique of, and spirit behind, Karate; and, finally, the story of how he learned the art of gentleness through strength.

Twenty-two-year-old C. W. Nicol, born in Wales, a student of Judo since fourteen, the youngest pro wrestler in England, and a member of three arctic expeditions, arrives in Japan in 1962 to study Karate. He shortly finds that the study of this martial art engages his whole being and transforms his outlook on life. Joining the Japan Karate Association, he discovers that Karate, while being extremely violent, also calls for politeness and a sense of mutual trust and responsibility. He learns that the stronger the Karateka, the more inclined he is to be gentle with others. The dangerous ones are those who have gained a measure of skill but have not yet achieved spiritual maturity--a fact he observes not only in others but in himself. Studying kata, he comes to realize that these forms are, in essence, moving Zen and that the ultimate goal of all the martial arts is tranquility. Eventually C. W. Nicol, through the help of many wonderful teachers, gains his black belt. In the meantime he has taken a huge step forward in achieving the goal of tranquility.

Zen in the Martials Arts by Joe Hyams

"A man who has attained mastery of an art reveals it in his every action."--Samurai Maximum.

Under the guidance of such celebrated masters as Ed Parker and the immortal Bruce Lee, Joe Hyams vividly recounts his more than 25 years of experience in the martial arts. In his illuminating story, Hyams reveals to you how the daily application of Zen principles not only developed his physical expertise but gave him the mental discipline to control his personal problems-self-image, work pressure, competition. Indeed, mastering the spiritual goals in martial arts can dramatically alter the quality of your life-enriching your relationships with people, as well as helping you make use of all your abilities.

Beyond the Black Belt: Sectrets of Advanced Karate Ranks by Gary Purdue

Beyond Black Belt reveals why not all black belts are created equal. Using fascinating behind-the-scenes insights and anecdotes, Gary Purdue exposes the secrets of advanced karate ranks in this must read for anyone interested in the martial arts.

This is a good book. No pictures, just a fascinating exploration into the phases in training that the various degrees of black belt go through physically and psycologically. You don't need to be a black belt to read it. I opened the book in the morning and didn't put it down until I'd finished reading it. There are a number of amusing tales and the author clearly has the ability to make them amusing.

Aikido

Angry White Pyjamas by Robert Twigger

Adrift in Tokyo, Robert Twigger came to a revelation about himself: he had never been fit. Guided by his flatmates, he set out to cleanse his body and mind, getting involved in Japanese martial arts, and undertaking a course of "budo" training normally taken by the Tokyo Riot Police. In this book, he blends the ancient with the modern - the ultra traditionalism, ritual and violence of the "dojo" (training academy), with the shopping malls, nightclubs and scenes of everyday Tokyo life in the 1990s - to provide an entertaining glimpse of contemporary Japan.

Robert Twigger won the Somerset Maugham and William Hill Sports Book of the Year awards for Angry White Pyjamas.

Kenjutsu

Autumn Lightning - Education of an American Samurai by Dave Lowry

Blending autobiography and history, one of the only non-Japanese to have trained in a certain school of swordsmanship, recounts his experience as a teenage student of a Japanese master in St. Louis and traces the history of the samurai.

Ostensibly the autobiography of an American bugeisha (practitioner of Japanese martial arts, in this case kenjutsu, "sword techniques"), this book is much more as it delves into an easily-read discussion of different bugei (Japanese martial arts), zanshin (the state of "continual mind"), special skills and hidden methods, the precursors of jujutsu, warrior monks, Zen Buddhism, seppuku and much more. Even if you do not practice a martial art, you are likely to find this a fascinating read, and if you do practice a martial art, this book will inspire you no matter what your own art is.

Persimmon Wind - A Martial Artist's Journey in Japan by Dave Lowry

Persimmon Wind; follows on (many years later) from autumn lightning. A moving account of the journey of a martial artist, or "bugeisha". It is the author's own story of his continuing growth as he walks along the trail that leads to fulfilment, and faces the challenge of integrating the cultural streams of East and West.

Lovers of fine biographies, martial arts enthusiasts, folks interested in Japanese culture--all will enjoy "Persimmon Wind." The biographical aspect of this work is entertaining. Dave Lowry's understanding of classical martial arts and ways is superb as well. He makes a point of explaining these arts in such a way that both experienced practitioners and the general public will be able to get something out of the text. And "Persimmon Wind" will evoke fond memories from anyone that have ever been to Kyoto, and it will fascinate those that have always dreamed of visiting the Japanese island nation.

Other Martial Arts

Okinawan Karate - Teachers, Styles and Secret Techniques by Mark Bishop

Interestingly this book starts with a useful insight into the failings of many schools of karate to cater for a more holistic approach in the tutelage of martial arts. Mark Bishop lived the martial arts life for 15 years on the Ryukyu Islands off Japan before returning to the UK in 1990. As a result he gained an extensive and expert knowledge in a cross section of oriental self- defence, meditative and manipulation techniques from Karate to Shiatsu. The book delivers a fascinating insight into the origins of karate as a necessary aid of self-defence in an era some five centuries ago when weapons were outlawed in an effort to stop feudalism. An important point that readers with a background in Shotokan karate may be unaware of is that of lineage. Using historical tables the book painstakingly tracks the progress from the earliest practising masters of various schools of karate that lead to the emergence of the unique Okinawan style.

A revised edition which includes historical tables and vital striking point charts, as well as information on the past and 20th century karate, kobudo and ti (or te) scene in Okinawa. From their roots in China, the historical development of each karate and kobudo system can be traced, via the teachers who formulated them, into the many fragmented styles practised today throughout the world, from Shotokan to Goju-ryu.

Diary of the Way - Three Paths to Enlightenment by Ira Lerner, Yukiso Yamamoto, Lily Siou and Andrew Lum

Diary of the Way is an exploration of Three Paths to Enlightenment. It finds contemporary relevance in the lives and beliefs of three modern masters of Aikido, Chi Kung, and Tai Chi Chuan. The book combines extraordinarily intimate and revealing photography of the masters in action and repose with the pure and simple message of their teaching. Yukiso Yamamoto was a Rokodan in judo before undertaking in middle age to become master of Aikido -a martial art seeking to unify mind and body and promote the flow of spiritual energy. Lily Siou has degrees in Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture, and a doctorate in the I Ching. She is now a teacher of Chi Kung in Hawaii.Andrew Lum a graduate of the University of Hawaii, is a master and teacher of Tai Chi Chuan and of the Tao style-two Oriental disciplines of spiritual awareness.

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Ancient Okinawan Martial Arts 1- Taira Shinken: The Father of Modern Kobudo

Patrick McCarthy is, at 7th dan, hanshi, the highest ranking Westerner in the Dai Nippon Butokukai, Japan’s elite traditional martial arts organization. A well-known historical researcher, instructor, and former tournament champion, McCarthy has written several books, including Tuttle’s best-selling (10,423 copies) Bible of Karate: Bubishi. His writing has appeared in The Journal of Asian Martial Arts, Inside Kung Fu, Black Belt, Karate International, Australasian Martial Arts, Fighting Arts International, and Budo Dojo.

Volume 1 comprises Taira Shinken's Ryukyu Kobudo Taikan: An Encyclopedia of Ancient Ryukyuan Martial Arts and McCarthy's commentary .

Ancient Okinawan Martial Arts 2 - Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: The Mabuni Kenwa Story

Featuring original writings by the founders of some of the world's most popular karate styles, this volume includes McCarthy's "Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: The Mabuni Kenwa Story", the "Dai Nippon Butokukai" and "Karatedo: Development, Essence, Aims". This book will be of great interest to all those who wish to understand more about the art of karate. Included in this volume are a biography of Kenwa Mabuni (founder of shinto-ryu), a translation of Chojun Miyagi's (founder of goju-ryu) Karatedo Gaisetsu (outline of karate-do), a transcription of the 1936 meeting of the masters and a excellent article on the development, essence and aims of karate-do by Patrick McCarthy himself. For those who wish to understand their art in greater depth I strongly recommend buying a copy of this collection of previously untranslated material