What to read?

As somebody new to Martial Arts can you advise on some books that would be worth reading? As well as being interested in self protection and MMA I would like to read some general interest books on the histories and philosophies of the various forms.

Thanks,

Matt

It just depends what you want to learn about mate!

Alot of the time books are great reference points but if you actually want to learn psyicall martial arts the best thing is to actually get to a class!

If your interested in learning about real self defense i would recomend readin 'The Gift Of Fear' by Gavin De Becker.

It is a great book that doesn't teach you about psyical but mental self defence.

It shows you how to use all the skills you already have within you and be aware of your surroundings at all time.

This guy is awesome and has alot of experience! He has had alot of experience with real criminals and works with the FBI alot

Check it out and let me know what you think!!

Louis

Thanks for the note Louis,

It is now on it's way.

No problem mate! You will really enjoy it!!!

watchmen graphic novel!
trust me on this!!
mick x

I'm currently reading th Watchmen again at the moment! It's very cool.

Form a Martial Arts perspective heres a few that I really like:

Lee Morrison's - Street Safe
G. Thompson's - Dead or Alive (any of GT self help books)
Jamie O'keefe's - Dogs don't know kung Fu

I am reading watchmen at the moment and it is awesome but not something i would reccomend for martial arts! a great reall all thesame though

Sorry guys i did not realise you were looking for MA specific books
obviously anything by GT is a given also for a historical overview try Lee Morrisons "from pankration to present" I ended up having to give my copy to the legendary Guro Rick Faye.On the subject of MA history its up there with the best!
mick x

In Total Defence of the Self by Richard Dimitri is well worth a read. It is available via Senshido website.

Also check out Jamie O'Keefes New Breed books. Good selection there by the likes of Jamie, Kevin O'Hagan and a few other. Lee Morrisons books are also available through Jamie.

Thanks again Gents,

I can't seem to track a copy of 'Pankration to Present'. It is not on the New Breed site either, any ideas?

Hi matt,
i had mine given to me by GT,I think if you ask Lee he can help you.I need a copy now too!
Mick x

Hi Matt,
Take a look at my Q&A section and you will see loads of books as it was a question I had to answer earlier this week
Tony. T

Just finished the 'The Gift Of Fear' by Gavin De Becker it was a great read so thanks for the heads up.

I would recommend it so if anybody wants a copy I now have one floating around. Nisa, Helen, Esther - give me a shout if you would like it, you can have first dibbs

From a personal perspective I think some of the most important parts of the book dealt with the difference between anxiety, worry and fear so I will probably follow this aspect up with further reading.

I will need something lighter now so will go for Watchmen and then definately take a look at the others listed here and within Tony's list.

Stay safe

Jonathan Livingston Seagull, by Richard Bach

You can read this book in an hour. A great little motivational book.
One of my absolute favourites.

"We choose our next life through what we learn in this one. Learn nothing and our next world will be just the same as this one"

Brilliant

I quite like the following:

On Combat by Lt. Col. Grossman
The fighting edge by James Lafond
Medieval swordsmanship by John Clements

I have also nearly finished reading Edward de Bono's Six thinking hats which is not really about martial arts but is interesting never the less.