Just from wandering around the forum and having a brief look in the archives there doesn't seem to be a thread dedicated to martial arts books(for reviewing or a reading list). If there is one already feel free to correct me. My own searches for martial arts books has continually proven to be disappointing. As a rule of thumb bookstores are not to be trusted. Do you have a number of books that you would recommend for reading for your chosen art? Websites or videos too if possible. Unfortunately I don't have anything to suggest for the list. If you've got a few books that you'd like to share, fire away. A short synopsis or review wouldn't be out of place either.
I have a 'few' martial arts books - my only advice would be to only buy books that you can read - I have books in French, Malay, Chinese and one in Hungarian - and I only read English... Hmmm guess I am a bit of a martial arts book junkie
I finally got some time to get some Japanese military history/history books. Are martial arts a direct subject? In some yes, but even when it isn't having the background in which these arts were created and evolved is important in its own right. The first I was able to read was Japanese Castle 1540 - 1640 by Ospery publishing. Granted its not applicable to martial arts, but it does give a good introduction to Japanese castle design and siege craft. It gives a decent description of what it was like to defend or attack these castles. As the book only serves as an introduction it is quite general and its only able to refer briefly to castles and sieges, so if you are looking for a detailed work, it isn't here. However after the conclusion the author gives a suggested reading list and a bibliography(for the book) is a good reference.
Taizu, You might find these a good read. Samurai, Warfare And The State In Early Medieval Japan. Karl Friday. Legacies Of The Sword: The Kashima-Shinryu and Samurai Martial Culture. Karl Friday. Koryu Bujutsu: Classical Warrior Traditions of Japan Vol 1. Edited by Diane Skoss. Sword & Spirit: Classical Warrior Traditions of Japan Vol 2. Edited by Diane Skoss. Keiko Shokon: Classical Warrior Traditions of Japan Vol 3. Edited by Diane Skoss. Old School: Essays on Japanese Martial Traditions. Ellis Amdur. Katori Shinto-ryu: Warrior Tradition. Risuke Otake.
Hoping that this isn't a violation of TOS - but I have a 'recommended books' page on my Practical Karate website which is linked in my signature. That has links to a large number of books relevant to generic martial arts training methods and self protection in addition to Karate books. I agree that as a rule of thumb - bookstores are not good for specialist interests. You are far better getting recommendations on martial arts websites and forums plus doing word searches in amazon and reading the reviews.
You must not have looked very hard, just a few threads down from this one is a thread titled What martial arts books are in your collection? And on page two: Top 10 Books In Your MA Library...
Haakon thanks for the correction. Dean Winchester and jwt, thanks for the suggestions I'll certainly have a look.
