The Art of War, Sun Tsu
A Book of Five Rings, Musashi
Famous book on sword strategy by the most famous Japanese swordsman.
The Unfettered Mind, Takuan Soho
This book is written by the Zen monk who was Musashi's adviser. It is an exceptionally clear description of the state of mind necessary for effective practice of martial arts.
The Zen Way to the Martial Arts, Taisen Deshmaru
Good description of the state of mind necessary for the practice of martial arts.
Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts, Donn Draeger and Robert Smith
Classical Budo, Donn Draeger
Classical Bujitsu, Donn Draeger
Modern Budo and Bujitsu, Donn Draeger
These books give a good, general description of the history and practice of all Asian fighting technique.
Deadly Karate Blows, Brian Adams
Description of the physiology of various strikes.
The Fighting Spirit of Japan, E. J. Harrison
An older book describing martial arts experiences in the early 1900's.
The Sword and the Mind, Yagyu Munenori (trans. by Hiroaki Sato)
Sword manuals of three generations of family masters who were contemporaries of Musashi
Kodokan Judo, Kano
THE text on judo technique.
Zen in the Art of Archery, Eugen Herrigel
Description of a European's study of archery
The Sword and the Brush, Lowry
Very nice description of the meaning of common martial arts terms.
The Way and the Power, Lovret
Zen and the Way, Trevor Legget
These books are in print and may be specially ordered at any bookstore
I get mine from Goodenough Books in Livermore CA, 925 443-4354
Support your local bookstore. They can order any book that the net stores do and you can talk to a person and look at the books.
If I have left out your favorite book please Email , Richard H Howell at rhowell@yoshinjitsu.com and send me the author and title.