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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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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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.

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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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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 .

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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

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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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