When you're in reading stance
Wednesday 29 June 2022
There's a lot of rubbish literature out there about martial arts. Beware of too many flying tigers, one-legged cranes and dragons. The truth is that martial arts is a noble sport, whose provenance is older than the Olympic Games. It is founded on the principle that the body is a reflection of the mind. This is why all the great masters had a philosophical basis to practising and explaining martial arts. So, when you're in reading stance, here are some top books that speak with authority and experience.
The Art of War, by Sun Tzu
This little book is an absolute classic, over 2,000 years old. Military leaders, politicians and corporate executives study it avidly. It's full of human psychology as well as battlefield strategy, and much values the art of overcoming your opponent before the fighting even begins!
Tao of Jeet Kune Do, by Bruce Lee
The Mohammed Ali of martial arts, this man was the real thing in every way. He explains the science and philosophy behind his fighting system, wholly based on practical experience and personal achievement. A favourite aphorism of his was "When you say something is impossible, you make it impossible".
The Book of Five Rings, by Miyamoto Musahi
Musahi was a Samurai warrior who walked this earth over 300 years ago. His book is a masterpiece on strategy and tactics to outwit your opponent. It explains the mindset and discipline a fighter needs to survive and win.
The Art of Peace, by Morihei Ueshiba
This addresses the paradox that a warrior is fundamentally a person of peace. First comes compassion, wisdom, fearlessness and a love of nature. Only with this foundation will a true martial artist fight. At Meiji, we have a similar attitude, which is why we ask you to leave your ego outside the Dojo door.
Hagakure, by Yamamoto Tsunetomo & William Scott Wilson
This is really a compendium of anecdotes and sayings, from many masters of Bushido - the Way of the Warrior. It's like a manual you can dip into at any time for inspiration, whether you have five minutes or five hours. Hagakure was for many years a secret text, now translated and accessible to all serious students.
Meditations on Violence, by Rory Miller
Another paradox, conflating meditation with violence. This comes from a man who understands and has experienced the reality and complexity of violence throughout his career, but who shows how martial arts deals with it in a controlled manner. It brings together two worlds, the camaraderie and safety of the Dojo, and outside on the street, in the jailhouse or the pub.