Suggested reading
This list is comprised mainly of books on the philosophical and historical background of martial arts of interest to all sincere Budoka. A few books on specific techniques are also included.
Amdur, Ellis, Duelling with O-sensei: Grappling with the Myth of the Warrior Sage. Edgework, 2000.
One of the best books on Martial Arts that I've read - Amdur not only covers the noble aspects of martial arts, mostly from an Aikido perspective, but also gets down to the darker aspects of martial arts, such as the teachers who use and abuse their students.
Amdur, Ellis, Old School: Essays on Japanese Martial Traditions. Edgework, 2002.
A thorough and well informed look at older styles, including sections on Naginata and Kusirigama as well as an in-depth look at several traditional ryu.
Chadwick, David, Thankyou and OK: An American Zen Failure in Japan. Viking Penguin, 1994.
An ideal antidote if you are feeling overly misty eyed about Japanese culture. Chadwick obviously loves Zen and Japanese culture, but he's not afraid to call a spade a spade. (How could a Zen adept (or even failure) do anything else?)
Dreager, Donn, Martial Arts and Ways of Japan: Vol 1, Classical Bujutsu. Weatherhill, 1973, reprinted 2000.
Dreager, Donn, Martial Arts and Ways of Japan: Vol 2, Classical Budo. Weatherhill, 1973, reprinted 2000.
Dreager, Donn, Martial Arts and Ways of Japan: Vol 1, Modern Budo. Weatherhill, 1973, reprinted 2000.
Drager's three volume series was for many years the only authoritive resource on traditional Japanese martial arts. The first two volumes are less useful in comparison to more recent works, but the third volume is probably the most useful today, since it gives a background and historical context to many contemporary styles.
Friday, Karl F., Legacies of the Sword. University of Hawaii Press, 1997.
An academic look at Kashima Shin Ryu. The book covers not only the techniques and structure of the ryu, but also attempts to get under the skin. It's not a "how to" book, rather a close study of one ryu used as an example to get to the heart of traditional styles.
Harrison, E.J., The Fighting Spirit of Japan. W. Foulsham & Co, 1955 (reprint overlook 1982).
An account of the authors study of Judo in Japan in the early years of the twentieth century. The tone is pleasantly antiquated and grandfatherly, but some of the information and attitudes are priceless.
Kudo, Kazuzo, Judo in Action: Throwing Techniques. Japan Publications, 1967.
Kudo, Kazuzo, Judo in Action: Grappling Techniques. Japan Publications, 1967.
I particularly like these two volumes since the dynamic photographs get to the heart of the techniques. Long out of print, they can still occasionally be found in second hand bookstores.
McCarthy, Patrick, Bubishi: the Bible of Karate. Tuttle, 1995.
Somewhat misnamed since it is really a translation of one of the essential works on Fujien White Crane. This work is especially valuable as there are few important primary sources available in English.
Miyamoto, Musashi, Go Rin No Sho (The Book of Five Rings). Various translations.
One of the most valuable primary sources, since Musashi, unlike his contemporaries, doesn't hold anything back, and gives us the benefit of his experience. What's important in reading the book is to look at the attitudes that shape Mushashi's words - there is the heart of budo! The Wilson, Cleary, Harris, and Nihon Services translations are all reasonable, but differ in their emphasis - it's not possible to translate feudal Japanese directly so every translator brings out different nuances. Beware some other translations that are worthless.
Mizukoshi, Hiro, Aiki Tessan Jutsu. ISBN4-7502-0235-5
Japanese language, but has plenty of pictures. The author takes us through the use of the fan and short stick in Daito Ryu. Most of the techniques will be familiar to Seishinkan students.
Mizukoshi, Hiro, Aiki Budo Kansetsuwaza Sosaku Ho. ISBN4-7502-0218-5
Japanese language, but has plenty of pictures demonstrating the wonderful variety of pinning techniques found in Daito Ryu.
Mol, Serge, Classical Fighting Arts of Japan, Kodansha 2001.
This book is certainly the best reference work on Koryu Jujutsu available in English, and includes substantial sections on most of the traditional styles. There is, however, very little material on Daito Ryu.
Mol, Serge, Classical Weaponry of Japan, Kodansha 2003.
The definitive work in English on the minor weapons of the samurai, including trick and concealable weapons, truncheons, short stick based weapons, sickles and so forth.
Reps, Paul, Zen Flesh, Zen Bones. Penguin.
Fragments of the flesh and bones of Zen (the essence is not found in words). Probably the only good book on Zen.
Sato, Hiroaki (trans.), The Sword and the Mind. Overlook, 1985.
Here are two important works translated from Japanese - The Yagyu family's Heiho Kaden Sho, and Takuan Soho's Divine Record of Immovable Wisdom. Both of these books are essential reading to understand the mindset of the Samurai, and the intersection of Zen and Budo.
Skoss Dianne (ed.) Koryu Bujitsu: Classical Warrior Traditions of Japan. Koryu Books, 1997.
Skoss Dianne (ed.) Sword and Spirit: Classical Warrior Traditions of Japan vol. 2. Koryu Books, 1999.
Skoss Dianne (ed.) Keiko Shokon: Classical Warrior Traditions of Japan vol 3. Koryu Books, 2002.
These three volumes of essays by various authors comprise an invaluable resource on Japanese traditional arts.
Twigger, Robert, Angry White Pyjamas: A scrawny Oxford Poet Takes Lessons From the Tokyo Riot Police. Harper Collins, 2000.
Lots of fun and a good read about the authors time in the Tokyo Yoshinkan dojo.
Ueshiba, Morihei, and Stevens, John (trans.), Budo. Kodansha 1991.
A priceless series of photographs of Ueshiba Sensei in has prime - showing us what Aikido is really all about.
Yoshikawa, Eiji, and Charles, Terry (trans), Musashi: An Epic novel of the Samurai Era. Kodansha, 1995.
Just remember that it's fiction! The legends and myths concerning Musashi are woven together with historical fact to make a darn good ripping yarn.