There are so many martial arts books. Where to start the search when you are not that into the topic? Which book to choose to gift to someone who likes Martial Arts very much?
We have created the only list of martial arts books you need. The list includes of must-read and must-have classical works on martial arts and military strategies. These books are not so technical, but largely philosophical and full of wisdom. They are definitely a must-have as readers return to them all the time.
The list contains only well-known, popular, and useful martial arts books, with nice covers, that would make a great addition to a Martial Arts practitioner’s library.
Hagakure: The Book of the Samurai by Yamamoto Tsunetomo
Written by a samurai in the 18th century, then forgotten for some time and rediscovered in the 20th century. This is a great intro to Japanese culture and history, but also to Zen and bushido. It’s a samurai manual for living and still one can find a great value to in it and apply some of the pearls of wisdom in today’s life.
The Seven Military Classics of Ancient China
It contains seven ancient texts, out of which only Sun Tzu’s Art of War is widely famous. The additional six texts are: Wuzi, Wei Liaozi, Taigong’s Six Secret Teachings, The Methods of the Sima, Three Strategies of Huang Shigong, and Questions and Replies Between Emperor Taizong of Tang and General Li Jing. As this is a pretty recent translation, these 6 texts are not so famous in the Western world, although they have been a required reading in China for military officers, since the 11th century.
The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi
This book has been written in the 17th century by a renowned Japanese swordsman. It covers tactics, strategy, philosophy of martial arts, and life. It has recently been widely popularized and there are several editions, together with interpretations. Here are a few hardcover and illustrated editions that would definitely make martial arts practitioners very happy, in the range of $13-$27: slip-case-edition, hard-cover-edition, binded-edition
Bubishi: The Classic Manual of Combat
Although a Chinese classic on Martial Arts it has been popularized by its Japanese name – Bubishi. It was compiled by Mao Yuanyi in the 17th century and since then it has been widely known as the “Chinese Military Encyclopedia” and the “Bible of Karate“. It covers tactics, strategy, medical information, weapons, maps, etc.
The hardcover edition is available on Amazon for $50, and paperback for $16.
Bushido: The Soul of Japan by Inazō Nitobe
Bushido – The Way of the Warrior is a beautiful blend of practical and moral guides for warriors and Japanese traditional culture. It’s a 400-year-old wisdom for lovers of martial arts and Japanese culture.
A beautiful hardcover and binded edition is available on Amazon for $32.
The Life-Giving Sword: Secret Teachings from the House of the Shogun by Yagyu Munenori
This book represents samurai’s teachings on Zen sword fighting. Yagyu Munenori was a sword instructor to two Tokugawa shoguns and he was regarded as the finest swordsman in Japan by Miyamoto Musashi. The book, although an instruction manual, it’s also a very spiritual work.
An illustrated paperback edition is available for $15 on Amazon.
Tao of Jeet Kune Do by Bruce Lee
This one is not as old as the books above, but since it was written by Bruce Lee – it’s definitely a classic and a must-have. It’s an amazing manual of Bruce Lee’s techniques, strategies and, most importantly, an amazing window into Bruce Lee’s mind. This man influenced so many people all over the world and was a hero for many of them.
The Art of Peace by Morihei Ueshiba
This great piece was written by the Aikido founder – Morihei Ueshiba. It recently gained popularity after being featured in “The Walking Dead“. Along with the rest of the books listed here, this one is also a great guide for life, in a practical and philosophical sense that deserves a place on the bookshelf.
Here’s a nice hardcover edition for $32 on Amazon.
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