Recommended reading




KARATE - GOJU RYU BY "THE CAT" GOGEN YAMAGUCHI                        

Gogen Yamaguchi

A rare and hard to find book. The first English book by Master Yamaguchi Gogen, published in Japan by International Goju Kai. An autobiography of the author. A must for any Goju Kai collector.



  
GOJU RYU KARATEDO KYOHAN

Gogen Yamaguchi


Full of rare photos of Yamaguchi Hanshi himself doing katas as well as showing exercises, postures and throws. Hundreds of fine detail line drawings depicting the katas as well as complete analysis of each kata by the founder make this an invaluable asset in the learning of this style


  
THE HISTORY OF KARATE

Morio Higaonna


Higaonna Shihan has taken years of difficult research through Japan, Okinawa, China and South East Asia, and combined his findings in this one book.It co vers many of the subjects dear to the heart of practitioners of the Goju system, as well as insights into the culture and methodology of Okinawan Karate during its heyday, through the eyes of men who lived, and trained, with the old masters. This book is a window into a world we have previously only dreamed about, and I believe it is a vital part of any library on the Martial Arts

  
KARATE-DO MY WAY OF LIFE

Gichin Funakoshi


Wriitten by a man recognised as "the father of modern day karatedo, this book is a true must-have for any student of martial arts. Within Master Funakoshi guides the reader throughout his life and shares stories and information about his experiences. Master Funakishi's way of writing is humbling and enlightening and a delight to read. It cannot be recommended highly enough and all martial arts students, whether beginner or black belt, should read this amazing life story of a remarkable man


  
GOJU RYU KARATE-DO KATA TENSHO

Chris Rowen


This book gives a simple explanation of the basics that comprise this kata, which allows you to build up a working framework quite easily. Full of  rich and concise detail, it respects and acknowledges the ancient roots of kata Tensho with interesting philosophical and historical references, yet clarifies its effectiveness for use today with practical examples


  
THE KARATE DOJO

Peter Urban


Peter Urban was a pioneer in American karate and helped not only spread the art of goju ryu, but the ripple effect helped the promotion of other martial arts as well in the 60s and 70s. This book covers karate philosophy in its mid-twentieth century form and promotes the positive aspects of discipline and etiquette. The book deals with attitude and motivation of spirit. The second half of the book has "dojo stories" that help embody the essences of karate training


  
CHOJUN - A NOVEL

Goran Powell


Chojun is beautifully written, skilfully blending the real life of Chojun Miyagi with the fictional character of his student, Kenichi Ota. From fascinating insights into the beginnings of Goju Ryu karate to the horrors of WWII's Battle of Okinawa, Goran's meticulous research and powerful imagery transports you right into the heart of the story. If you love martial arts, historical fiction, or just a cracking good story, this book is for you

  
AUTUMN LIGHTNING

Dave Lowry


Lowry juxtaposes his singular experience as an adept student of kenjutsu (the art of  swordsmanship) under a Japanese teacher in St. Louis with a riveting account of the samurai tradition in Japan. Intertwining tales of the masters with reflections on his own apprenticeship in the samurai's arts, he reveals in their time-honored methods a way of life with profound relevance to modern times. The result is a fascinating, singular autobiography. Lowry
captures the sense of wonder and mystery that makes martial arts compelling to
so many practitioners. Even those who do not practice martial arts will delight
in this unusual coming-of-age story.


  
TRADITIONS - ESSAYS ON THE JAPANESE MARTIAL ARTS AND WAYS

Dave Lowry

Dave Lowry's earnest love and respect for the martial arts shine brightly through this collection of short essays that could serve as your dojo encyclopedia. Never dull nor preachy, Lowry Sensei speaks with the wisdom of an old teacher-- inspiring with every breath.



  

IN THE DOJO - A GUIDE TO THE RITUAL AND ETIQUETTE OF THE JAPANESE MARTIAL ARTS

Dave Lowry

This book is a simple and easy to read guide to the rituals and etiquette that surround the dojo and the Japanese martial arts. It is well written and a joy to read, bringing meaning to the traditions and rituals that we observe in the dojo.It is a collection of essays that deal with various aspects of the dojo:- The dojo space itself, the shinto shrine that we find in every dojo,its vistitors, the relationship between the student and teacher, the uniform, the training weapons, the martial language and bowing. It is a must for anyone who practices or has an interest in martial arts and desires understanding the traditions that they come upon during the time spent in the dojo




THE KARATE WAY

Dave Lowry


If you spend a great deal of time wondering "why do I wear a pair of white canvas pajamas in mid winter?" Then this book gives an excellent insight into the history traditions of traditional Karate Do. If your serious about Karate or any of the traditional japanese/ Okinawan Martial arts then this book is a must have. A motivational book for any one who has ever stood in a dojo and asked questions like " whats with all the bowing?" to " why do we have a shinto shrine at the front of the Dojo?" Humorous, incisive and in-depth , and something that you'll want to read over and over again




MOVING TOWARDS STILLNESS

Dave Lowry


If you study martial arts to become mentally strong and approach that "zen" state, this is the book for you. The chapters are like short lessons; each can be read independently and out of sequence. David Lowry does a great job emphasising martial arts is not about being better than everyone in your dojo or becoming an ultimate fighter, there is an art and a "way" to be gained by studying martial arts.






THE ESSENCE OF BUDO

Dave Lowry

The study of budo, or the Japanese martial arts for self-cultivation, is a lifelong path toward perfection of character. Here, Dave Lowry, a sword master who has practiced and taught budo for over forty years, addresses the myriad issues, vagaries, and inconsistencies that arise for students of karate-do, judo, kendo, kenjutsu, aikido, and iaido as their training develops.





THE BEST OF DAVE LOWRY

Dave Lowry

Dave Lowry started writing for Black Belt over 20 years ago, sharing his traditional take on the martial arts in a monthly column called "Karate Way". Lowry's entertaining, sometimes controversial voice is evident throughout his columns, gathered here for the first time. Whether examining the origins of the tonfa or the popularity of mixed-martial arts tournaments, Lowry consistently provides a unique historical and philosophical take on his subjects.




MOVING ZEN - KARATE AS A WAY TO GENTLENESS

C. W. Nicol


A classic story of one man's confrontation with the self through Karate. In 1962 at age twenty-two, C. W. Nicol left Wales to study Karate in Japan.  Moving Zen is the multifaceted story of a young man who arrived in Japan to study the technique of, and spirit behind, Karate. Joining the Japan Karate Association, Nicol discovered that Karate, while extremely violent, also called for politeness and a sense of mutual trust and responsibility. He learned that the stronger the Karateka, the more inclined he was to be gentle with others. Those who have gained a measure of skill but have not yet achieved spiritual maturity are the dangerous practitioners. Studying kata, Nicol came to realize that these forms are, in essence, moving Zen and that the ultimate goal of all the martial arts is tranquility.




ANGRY WHITE PYJAMAS

Robert Twigger


The true tale of a geeky oxford scholar a drift in Japan taking part in probably the most intense martial arts course in the world is enough to make your sides hurt. Twigger's literature skills show in his amusing descriptions of everyday life in Japan, sharing a 5 square meter room with a hairy Israeli paratrooper, dealing with blood stained dogi and abusive instructors makes the book difficult to put down. I recommend this book to anyone as he describes his ordeal on the 'senshusei course' in terms which the non martial artist can understand.




MEDITATIONS ON VIOLENCE

Sgt. Rory Miller


Miller has a great writing style and the hard-won information he presents is imparted in way that is very easy to digest. The student in the martial arts can run in to the problem of being given dangerous misinformation by people with no idea of what a real situation involves. There are also those who understand the realities of violence, but are unable to communicate it effectively. Sergeant Rory Miller is one of the rare, and much needed, instructors / authors who has both "been there" and is also able to effectively communicate what the unforgiving world of real violence truly demands. To get to the point, this in an outstanding book that all martial artist need to read.




SHOGUN

James Clavell


A gripping tale of personalities and politics in the Japan of 1600. Scenes of great adventure mingled with musings on Eastern and western culture elevate it beyond the ordinary. Very worth a read. This Novel gives an insight to Feudal Japan with all its vivid detail - gripping from the first page to the last





OLD PATH WHITE CLOUDS

Thich Nhat Hanh


Old Path White Clouds presents the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha. Drawn directly from 24 Pali, Sanskrit, and Chinese sources, and retold by Thich Nhat Hanh in his inimitably beautiful style, this book traces the Buddha's life slowly and gently over the course of 80 years, partly through the eyes of Svasti, the buffalo boy, and partly through the eyes of the Buddha himself. Old Path White Clouds is destined to become a classic of religious literature. ''I have not avoided including the various difficulties the Buddha encountered, both from his own disciples and in relation to the wider society. If the Buddha appears in this hook as a man close to us, it is partly due to recounting such difficulties.