No decent MA library exists without the numerous works of Confucius, Tao Te Ching, Art of War and The comprehensive guide to the asian fighting arts. China is where it all began and where a good library should begin. There is a taoist saying which I believe Bruce Lee quoted and it goes; To understand the root is to understand all it's blossoming.

I suggest to add Chris Kent's: Jeet Kune Do A to Z

 

and The complete Idiot guide to KickBoxing.

The Gracie Way by Kid Peligro

 

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1931229287/qid%3D1071542080/sr%3D11-1/ref%3Dsr%5F11%5F1/102-0343268-2988124

 

Just so you guys can mix it up.

The Western Bubushi - Rand Cardwell

 

https://www.combatkyusho.com

Personally, I would add

 

Brazillian Jiu Jitsu: Theory and Technique by Royler and Renzo Gracie

 

Brazillian Jiu Jitsu: Black Belt Techniques by Jean Jaques Machado

 

Passing the Guard: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Details and Techniques by Ed Beneville, Tim Cartmell

 

For just general martial arts, the Tao of Jeet Kune Do, even though its been said, the book is required reading.

 

I was also intrigued by Paul Vunak's Anatomy of a Streetfight, but I haven't read it thoroughly, just skimmed it.

For technical mannuals I sugguest:

 

Aikido The Dynamic Sphere

 

Kodukan Judo ,Jigaro Kano

 

Dynamic Karate

Lets also add:

 

The Karate Dojo, by Peter Urban. A great collection of tall tales, but it does allow insight into the way martial arts were seen in their early years in the US. In a similar vein, Ed Parker's "Secrets of Chinese Karate" is also good, although long out of print (I paid almost $150.00 for it on ebay.).

 

Jose Fraguas' interview compilations are also useful:

 

Karate Masters, The Masters Speak, and Kung Fu Masters (although the last one is heavily Wing Chun oriented.).

Some George Dillman Pressure point books are entertaining to read. Books by Chinese Martail artist Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming are excellent a good author. Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming I would highly recomend. His books are highly informitive. With theory, history and as well as techincal advince. George dillman's books are interesting as far as Pressure points go.

 

The book by Royler and Renzo Gracie is outstanding. I Haven't gotten that book yet. I am going to do. I looked through it at the book store. Very imforitive and good advice on technical aspects of the ground game.

 

My library right now since I am in Korea back in the states I have a few books. But out here in Korea. I have just video tape. Which all consists of a bunch of Pride FC CD's, UFC greatest KO's and UFC's Greates subs, as well as 2 HnS video's. KOTC's greatest hits. As well as 2 Abu dhabi cd's. One Mario Sperry instructional series and seminar Chris Brennan instructed in Hawaii.

 

As you can tell mine right now is MMA library. -Jeff

More on Hagakure:

 

Reading McClain's Japan: A Modern History ( New York , Routledge 2002), which should also be put on the list.

 

Apparently Yammamoto's work was roundly criticized upon publication for the same reasons it has been criticized here;namely the obsession with death and anti-educational stance of the author. It would appear to haev receieved little circulation outside of the Saga familiy's lands. With the advent of the "new militarism" in the early twentieth century the work was plucked from obscurity to serve the needs of the "Imperial Shinto" cult promulgated by the bellicose cabinet.

 

So, it would seem that the work itself is minor, and probably not as important to the practitioners of Budo as it has been made out to be.

ive not read to many books in my time but theres one book that intrigued me and could not put it down its not a reference book my like a one to one i took so much inspiration from it when i was leading upto my nidan grading the book im refering to is Dan Millman way of the peacefull warrior which he followed up with the sacred journey of the peacefull warrior 2 very good books....

 

as anyone else read them it if so what did you think