A Book of Five Rings
By Miyamoto Mushashi

This classic guide to strategy was written in the seventeenth century by one of Japan’s most renowned Samurai. He was known to the Japanese as Kensai or “Sword Saint” , having fought over sixty contests by the age of thirty, and killing all of his opponents. Musashi then turned to formulating his philosophy of “The Way of the Sword” while living in a cave in the mountains of Kyushu a few weeks before his death in 1645. This book is a must for any practitioner of the martial arts from any style.

The Art of War
By Sun Tzu

Sun Tzu was a Chinese philosopher born in the fourth century, BC. He was one of the first to realize that war demanded study and analysis; his is also the first known attempt to formulate a rational basis for the planning and conduct of military operations. The martial arts practitioner will benefit from Sun Tzu’s belief that the skillful strategist should be able to subdue the enemy’s army without engaging it – in essence the best way to win is never having to fight in the first place.

The Tao of Jeet Kun Do
By Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee was one of the most popular Martial Artists in the world. His films made him famous, but his Martial
Philosophy made him great. The Tao of JKD is invaluable as an insight into his understanding of the Martial Way. “To understand you must study all of natural movement in all living things.” The book also contains many specific references to footwork, grappling, trapping and takedowns.

Zen in the Martial Arts
By Joel Hyams

Mr. Hyams began his studies of the Martial Arts at a late stage in his life and with some of the premier Martial Artists of our time including Bruce Lee, Bong Soo Han, and Ed Parker. Here he records his daily thoughts on “being in the moment” and how the Martial Arts has affected his daily life. Zen in the Martial Arts is an excellent book for the novice or advanced practitioner.