Budo/Martial Arts Book Recommendations

[Anime12478]

Lately, I've been reading a few books that are related to martial arts and some of the philosophies that are surrounding it. Currently, I'm reading through Kendo is my Philosophy by Masataka Miyazaki, which I'm enjoying for the most part. I also read through Illuminated Spirit: Conversations with a Kyudo Master by Dan and Jackie Deprospero and I also own The Book of Five Rings, translated by William Scott Wilson (if there's a better translation out there, I'd like to know). All of these books go over elements of martial arts philosophy and I was wondering if there might be any other books out there of a similar vein that you guys might be able to recommend reading.

And so that I don't have to make another thread, I was wondering what you guys thought about the book Kendo Kata: Essence an Application. I've thought about getting this book, but I was wondering if it is more than just a how-to book for doing kata. I already know how to do them, and if I needed some sort of reference, I have books that already show me that, and I can get visuals from YouTube. What I would like is a resource to have so I can begin to understand what I'm doing. I know the how, I would like to know the why​.

[Anime12478]

I should add that, while texts in English are preferable, I might be able to slog through Japanese texts if it isn't too advanced. Spanish is also another alternative I might be able to handle.

[hl1978]

The below has some kendo discussion as well with respect to kizeme. They note how this is found among kendo as well as karate.


http://www.amazon.com/Way-Martial-Arts-Kenji-Tokitsu/dp/1570629986/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1312546825&sr=1-1


The next one is an interesting read, but not a how to book. I recomend borrowing it from someone instead of purchasing it due to cost. I picked the japanese version up cheap at a used bookstore in japan. It is interesting for the stories, more so than any insight on how to utilize aiki in weapons or emptyhand. The stories may sound fantastic, but a teacher I train with in japan can replicate the same things talked about in this book.

http://www.amazon.com/Transparent-Power-Tatsuo-Kimura/dp/1893447103

Ellis Amdur's books are a pretty good read as well, if you are interested in history/transmission. Again not a how too, but as we all tell newbies you can't easily learn from a book.

http://www.edgework.info/buy-books-on-martial-arts.html

Dave Lowry's books can be somewhat interesting. His japanese covers are hilarious though.
http://www.amazon.com/Dave-Lowry/e/B000AQ53P6/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1


japanese covers:

http://bookweb.kinokuniya.co.jp/imgdata/large/4760128581.jpgp

http://images-jp.amazon.com/images/P/476012859X.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

[pgsmith]

I've also enjoyed Flashing Steel by Shimabukuro Masayuki, and Karl Friday's Legacies of the Sword.

[Shinsengumi77]

Hagakure is pretty interesting. Little tidbits on the proper mindset of a warrior and a retainer, as well as small anecdotes and fables, all garnished with a few good, old-fashioned samurai herbal remedies.

[Electronegative]

I don't have my book with me now, but I remember there are few recommended readings list in "Kendo Definitive Guide"

[Anime12478]

Thanks for the suggestions! I almost want to order those two books with the Japanese covers just because they make me giggle, but alas, English is much easier for me to read. I'll take a look at the books you gusy recommended and just take things from there.

Has anyone bought Kendo Kata: Essence and Application? I've been looking for reviews on the book, but I haven't found any.

[turboyoshi]

Has anyone bought Kendo Kata: Essence and Application? I've been looking for reviews on the book, but I haven't found any.
I hesitated to say anything, since I'm not sure I could give a useful review to you as I'm just mudansha. I have this book, as well as Looking at a Far Mountain. I like Essence and Application better as I think it provides more details, with regard to both technical and mental preparation. I'd recommend it to others trying to learn the kata but I'm not sure it's useful if you already have good reference materials and background. If you're going to be at Nationals, I could let you have a look at my copy and you could make your own determination about buying it.

[babayaga]

Classical Warrior Traditions of Japan, Vol. 1-3, Diane Skoss, Ed.

Lots of different points of view; lots of interviews with some venerable teachers of different arts.

-Beth

[Gilligan]

I have kata essence and application. While it is a good book packed with info, dunno if it is just me but it puts me to sleep in five minutes flat. The minute I try to find something or read through a kata, zzzzzz.. I also have looking at a far mountain, although I have not looked at it for over 10 years (its back home) at the time I thought it to be the best source for kata info bar far. I also remember it being a joy to read not a slog. But I havnt seen them side by side, and I guess the Essence and Application book might be
a little more updated???

Another book you might want to check out is the unfettered mind, by takuan soho (the yellow japanese pickle is named after him)
translated by William Scott Wilson. like the book of 5 rings you can read it over and over..