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Recommended Books & DVD's
I’m sometimes asked about further reading/viewing by those wanting to increase their understanding of martial arts & self protection. I therefore recommend the books and DVD’s below. I have actually met and trained with (and in some cases interviewed) some of the authors and can honestly vouch that they know their stuff. The books/DVD’s are linked to Amazon and I do get a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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BUNKAI JUTSU
By Iain Abernethy, who I have had the pleasure of training with several times & undoubtedly one of the very best at applied Karate. Unfortunately this book is out of print now so getting a bit expensive, but well worth a read.
FROM SHOTOKAN TO THE STREETS
How to make your training fit for real world self protection (not just for sport). Despite the title, I’d recommend it for all styles. For more info:-
Interview with author Andi Kidd.
WHEN THE FIGHT GOES TO THE GROUND
By Iain Abernethy, who I have had the pleasure of training with several times & undoubtedly one of the very best at applied Karate. Unfortunately this book is out of print now so getting a bit expensive, but well worth a read.
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SHOTOKAN’S SECRET
This is the only book I’ve ever read cover to cover, then gone back and read a second time straight away. It’s that good. It gives a detailed historical background to the Okinawan Kings bodyguards; looks at what the challenges they faced & what would be their requirements for a fighting system. Then discusses how Shotokan very closely fits that requirement. A real eye opener. Some background at this post on Why Karate Developed Linear Technique .
SHOTOKAN MYTHS
A very insightful look by a Japanese master, at Karate myths that have been passed down and accepted through the years without really being examined. Refreshingly open and honest.
For more info:-
Interview with author Shihan Kousaku Yokota and
Review of Shotokan Myths
PSYCHO-CYBERNETICS
Not a martial arts book, but one of the best self-development books I’ve ever read. Naturally it has many overlaps with martial arts, which inspired me to write 2 posts, Part 1 and Part 2.
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FACING VIOLENCE
Looks the reality of violence by a man who has faced it many times in the line of duty. And it’s nothing like how most train in the Dojo! A must for anybody interested real self protection.
LOGIC OF VIOLENCE
A detailed look at the different types of violence, which demographic is likely to face which type of violence, the “logic” of how the perpetrator justifies it to themselves & how they select their victims. A real insight into the criminal mind showing you what your up against in the street.
KATA BASED SPARRING
Develop important defensive skills like wrist locking, trapping, clinch fighting and more. Skills that are so often over-looked are covered here with some great exercises for developing them so that they can be applied just as naturally as your punches and strikes.