Books

Books worth a read if you have the time

One of the few books on martial arts that I whole heartedly agree with.

Avoidance of violence. Children learn how not to fight, but how to co-operate; how to resolve conflict in a positive way; how to make friends and avoid making enimies. The learn self-defence, but more importantly they learn self-confidence, self-respect and the path to self-discovery. in a world increasingly filled with stress and conflict , these lessons are survival tools for children of all ages.

Only for those prepared to look deeper.

Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere: An Illustrated Introduction (Tuttle Martial Arts) (Paperback)
by Adele Westbrook (Author), Oscar Ratti (Author)

Aikido neutralises aggression and renders attackers harmless. By controlling body position and harmonising their vital physical and mental powers, anyone - regardless of size, strength or weight - can fend off attacks using this sophisticated martial art. This classic text - now available for the first time in paperback- reveals the secrets which enable the stunning control practised in Aikido and is highly recommended as one of the finest books on martial arts available.

Taking the esoteric Shinto based beliefs of the Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, Saotome Sensei translates these ideas into Western terms using examples from natural science, physics, psychology, and mathematics. Not a technique book! This is the premier explanation of Aikido philosophy in terms comprehensible to the average Westerner.There are very few teachers who had more exposure to the Founder on a daily basis, training with O-Sensei for over fifteen years! If you only have one Aikido book, this should be it!

This book scores highly over other introductions to karate in three main areas: Firstly, it discusses the often neglected, but extremely important areas of warming up and stretching exercise. Not only will this prevent injury but it will also help the karateka's physical development. Secondly, it discusses, in some detail, the fundamentals of karate technique, which are often overlooked in books of this type. These first two points are linked by the physiological way in which the author discusses karate. Thirdly, it will be of use to the practising karateka for many years to come. Many karate books are purchased, read and discarded after a couple of readings; this book will be of continual use throughout one's lifetime. New karateka will find this an invaluable introduction to karate in general and Wado Ryu in particular. Experienced karateka will find much in this that will be of considerable use as they seek to perfect their art. Ohgami is an experienced and intelligent author and whilst the quality of print is less than perfect for some of the pictures, their usefulness is unaffected.

In this book Capra manages to encapsulate the true nature of existence. No mean feat. In an inspired act of synthesis, he demonstrates that both modern Western science and traditional Eastern spirituality reveal the same core truth: that the universe is one interconnected whole, a ceaseless flux of living energy of which we are all part.

What is more, he argues his case with clarity, conciseness and a total lack of spiritual mumbo-jumbo.

A good starter for understanding the interconnected relationship of all things. 

Copyright © 1996 by Shizenryu. All rights reserved.
Revised: 06 Feb 2010 14:56:51 -0000 .