Recommended reading for the martial arts. This is my personal library list. I practice Okinawan Te or "Ryukyu Ti." My system is derived from two others, one being the main influence of Shorin-ryu and the second Goju-ryu. The branch under Shorin-ryu is Isshin-ryu as developed by Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei.

I wanted to create a library reference blog where I can provide a listing of the books I have in my library, present and past (past in that some have been lost in transit over the years). I will provide a graphic, if available, a short description, if available, and the bibliography. When possible a link to Amazon will be provided.

"Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider..." - Francis Bacon


Reader's of this Blog

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Martial Arts Spiritual Dimension

Bibliography:
Payne, Peter. "Martial Arts: The Spiritual Dimension." Crossroad. New York. 1981.

Review: This particular book has many benefits to include the insight of the author. There are some sections that don't seem to fit a philosophical view and don't seem as clear as I understand and would like but it is worth the funds just the same.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

The China Study

Bibliography:
Campbell, T. Colin and Campbell, Thomas M. II. "The China Study: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted and the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss, and Long-term Health. BenBella Books, inc. Texas. 2006.

Review: This book is important not just for martial artists but for any human being who desires to maximize their potential, both health and martial, through fueling the body and mind with proper foods, etc.

This one was earth shaking for me. I had an incident a few years back and was told to go on medications, etc. and I refused. I already knew there had to be some way around those recommendations and all they would subject to my mind and body as to complications, etc.

I changed my diet but even then it was not enough even when the specialist said diet would not do it. Now, today, I have come to the conclusion that I would refuse both bypass heart surgery and/or angioplasty, etc. along with the drugs and am moving to the diet explained in the China Study. I am almost totally on a plant based diet except for fish. I am going to move away from fish as well and get what I need and what the body truly desires from a plant based whole food diet.

This is something I believe wholeheartedly and the first time I have seen the facts and figures in print that say, this stuff is meant to be how I nourish my body. The stories involved are inspiring and bring me great hope for a long, healthier and happier life way into the hundreds. I want to be a karate-ka who exceeds the hundred ten years mark.

This book is a must read for everyone. You can read some of the stories within the pages and come to understand that this study is earth shaking news and changed my way of seeing my health, fitness and well-being.

ADDENDUM dtd May 18, 2012: I have read this book and find it illuminating yet at the same time I believe that unless you read it with an open mind you will find it ...... it is earth shattering, earth shaking and confirms my growing suspicions about our medical and food industries.  I have changed my diet, I have joined the Dr. McDougall web site and I will live a long and healthy life because I have been presented the information which I CHOOSE to incorporate into my life as my wife will do as well. Thank you Dr's Campbell and Dr. McDougall for going the distance, stepping up to the plate and attempting to do what no one else has the intestinal fortitude to do - create a healthy lifestyle.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

The Key [鍵]: Opens [開く] the Door [戸] to Potential

Often I think to myself what it is I am trying to do here on the blogosphere. Am I trying to teach a dogma that is mine regarding martial systems? Am I preaching the gospel according to Charles? Am I forcing my perceptions and beliefs on those who read my mindless meanderings?

No, what I am trying to accomplish is to give a esoteric gift to those who read my stuff. The gift is a key. This key is to open the door of each person's potential. It is to open the mind so it will think for itself.

I don't want folks to follow anything I provide here or in practice but rather to assimilate all that I have to offer and then decide on their own as to its validity and to its value to that individual, that person, YOU!

I am not saying that anything I provide is either true or false, fact or fiction, or good or evil but rather information that may be or at least seems to be "different." It is not right or wrong, good or bad, true or false - just different.

The sages of China teach that a cornerstone of any great structure is the knowledge gained in its building, creation and foundation. It has to be the kind that is subject to reflection and change as to the moment, the person and the environment, etc.

I hope all who read this and my output are discovering the key and using it to open their door to their potential.

Force Decisions

Bibliography:
Miller, Rory. "Force Decisions: A Citizen's Guide." YMAA Publications. NH. 2012.

Review: I ordered this book yesterday, the 31st of April 2012, and look forward to the read.

This is another "hit" for Rory Miller. In light of the recent news hoopla on the Florida Trayvon and Zimmerman case this is one book every single person who shouted out their indignation toward the police handling things should read, read, and read again.

Mr. Miller provides a lot of information on how Police, generally speaking, work and handle things, i.e. force situations, etc. and does so in a format easy for anyone not a police person can understand.

This is another one for the required reading and understanding rule of any self-protection system including the various forms of martial arts. 

The modest price on Amazon makes this must read book very easy to acquire - get it and read it soonest. :-)

p.s. I just finished Rory Miller's new book. I can state, "When I read of an officer using force I have a better understanding of the circumstances that drove it and the rules, fundamentally, the officer works under. "