Martial Arts Books
There are many reasons to take up Tae Kwan Do, Tai Chi, Judo, Karate, or Kung Fu etc. These sports are good for fitness, self-defense and mental well-being. Martial Arts books are an excellent way of exploring the different disciplines, whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner. They may help to make your mind up if you're undecided which sport to pursue. Instructors too, enjoy these books and find them useful. There is always something new to learn and Martial Arts books are entertaining as well as informative.
Zen in the Martial Arts by Joe Hyams looks at the spiritual side of the subject. The author discusses how to apply Zen principles to all aspects of life. A Martial Arts Master, Hyams is enthusiastic about the positive effects of his hobby. This is a fascinating insight and non-Martial Arts practitioners will enjoy the book too.
The Way of the Warrior: Martial Arts and Fighting Skills from Around the World by Chris Crudelli is a comprehensive Martial Arts book in an encyclopedia format with illustrations. All the major styles are included and well-known exponents are listed, along with their regular training schedule. Entries on the philosophy, history, main moves and weapons are included.
101 Games and Drills for Martial Arts by David Lee and Elizabeth Lee is used by instructors of different levels of experience. The book shows how to plan easy to follow lessons that are suitable for adults and children. To advance in these sports, you need to maintain a good fitness level and Ultimate Fitness Through Martial Arts by Sang H. Kim and Marc Yves Regis is the ideal Martial Arts book, with a series of conditioning exercises and illustrations. The authors point out that practitioners need power, flexibility and balance and they need to know the correct drill needed for those qualities.
The Fighter's Body: Your Guide to Diet, Nutrition, Exercise and Excellence in the Martial Arts is written by Loren Christensen and Wim Demeere. This is a very good book for anyone seeking guidance on improving their diet and there is a section on vitamins, supplements and protein shakes. Harmful diets, that should be avoided, are also discussed, along with information on how to lose weight safely or how to put on muscle.
The Dummies series of books cover many different subjects and they are easy, step-by-step guides. The Martial Arts for Dummies shows the basic technique of different styles and there is a helpful glossary of foreign language terminology. Other sections include goal setting, clothes, shoes and equipment, how to prevent being injured, the world of competitions, weaponry and meditation and breathing techniques. There is also a Tai Chi for Dummies edition.
