Recomended Reading List

This is the beginning list (in recommended order).

* Funakoshi, Gichin. Karatedo: My Way of Life.

Van Horne, Wayne. Journal article: The History, Principles and Precepts of Sakugawa Koshiki Shorinji-Ryu Karate-Do.  

* Cauley, Thomas. The Universality of Karate and Kempo. (Ask your sensei about availability.)

* Nitobe, Inazo. Bushido: The Soul of Japan.

Leggett, Trevor. Zen and the Ways.

Jones, David. Martial Arts Training in Japan: a Guide for Westerners.

Van Horne, Wayne. Journal article: Ideal Teaching: Japanese Culture and the Training Of The Warrior.  

Shimabukuro, Masayuki. Katsu Jin Ken - Living Karate - The Way to Self-Mastery

Further readings.

Budo Culture and Philosophy

* Kapleau, Phillip. The three pillars of Zen.

* Musashi, Miyamoto. A book of five rings.

Suzuki, D. T. Zen and Japanese culture.

Suzuki, Shunryu. Zen mind, beginner's mind.

* Tsunemoto, Yamamoto. Hagakure.

Watts, Alan. The way of Zen.

Wilson, W. S. Ideals of the samurai.

Related Philosophy

Trungpa, Chogyam. Cutting through spiritual materialism.

* Mishima, Yukio. Sun and steel.

* Sun-tzu. The art of war.

Autobiographies

History and Technique

Bishop, Mark. Okinawan karate.

* Funakoshi, Gichin. Karatedo kyohan: The master text.

Draeger, D. The martial arts and ways of Japan (in three volumes).

Funakoshi, Gichin. Karatedo nyumon: The introductory text.

Haines, Bruce A. Karate's history and traditions.

McCarthy, P. Ancient Okinawan Martial Arts : Koryu Uchinadi (in two volumes).

McCarthy, P. The Bible of karate: Bubishi.

Nagamine, Shoshin. Essence of Okinawan karatedo.

Nakaya, T. Karatedo: History and philosophy.

Nakayama, Masatoshi. Best karate (in multiple volumes).

Oyama, M. Advanced karate.


* Cauley Kyoshi’s Shorinji Ryu reading list; others are additional readings.