In addition to the physical skills developed as a part of training, it is important to understand the background and philosophy behind the Martial Arts. This background puts into better focus the mindset and direction that our training should be taking us, and it also allows us the opportunity to view the thoughts and paths that others have taken in their journey within the Martial Arts.
Below are the books that are required reading for ranking in Gasan Ryu Kenpo set out by rank. For those books that require a book report, you need to get it to us at least 2 weeks before the belt test so the board has a chance to read them!
For the required reading list, there is the additional task of writing a book report. The book report should be written by you, typed and signed. The content should include your thoughts on how the book fits into your training. Did it give you a new understanding and perspective on your training in the martial arts? Did it interest you? Was it the most boring book you’ve read? Did the ideas in the book relate to you and the situations you find yourself in outside of the martial arts? Would you read it or find it interesting if you were not a martial artist? All these things are of interest. Once you have read the book please don’t write a “Cliff” or “Monarch Notes” version of the book…we have already read it! Of interest to your instructors is any insight or understanding or perspective that you have gained from the material. We hope you enjoy them!
The next section is suggested reading containing other classics in the field. These books are informative and are widely considered to be well written and have stood the test of time.
Lastly, are a short selection of books from a couple of authors that intertwine the martial arts and its philosophy in the action adventure genre. They each contain a valuable piece of the fabric of the Martial Arts. If you have read a book that you enjoyed or felt was suitable for this section please forward it to your instructor. Thanks again and enjoy your read!
Remember: reports are due two weeks before the test!
| White | |
| Blue CSSD Student Handbook by Dr. Nick Chamberlain, Chamberlain Studios of Self Defense Information on Kenpo, background history, terminology, school rules, principles of conduct, etc. This is also a “Who’s Who in the Zoo” book, containing information on many of the people that have played an important role in passing down the knowledge, history and traditions of Kenpo and the martial arts. This book is available at the dojo or call us! |  |
| Yellow | |
| Zen in the Martial Arts by Joe Hyams Stories from Joe Hyams about his experiences with some of his instructors over the years, including Ed Parker (Kenpo) and Bruce Lee (JKD) | |
| Orange | |
| Karate-Do: My Way of Life by Gichin Funakoshi From the man that started Japanese Karate along the track of character development and the founder of Shotokan Karate. | |
| Purple | |
| The Weaponless Warriors: An Informal History of Okinawan Karate by Richard Kim Anecdotes and exploits of the old Karate masters of Okinawa | |
| Blue | |
| The Master's Text by Professor Nick Cerio See Professor for a copy | |
| Green | |
| The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi Used by Harvard Business School as a text for today's world, this book retains it's meaning both in the Martial Arts and also in everyday life. | |
| Brown III | |
| Zen Way to the Martial Arts by Taisen Deshimaru A series of lessons, question-and-answer sessions, and koans (riddles or anecdotes that point out general principles) that provide practical wisdom for all students of the martial arts, as well as for the general reader interested in Zen. | |
| Brown II | |
| Meditations on Violence by Rory Miller Outstanding book on how your martial arts training applies to real life situations. Can be an eye opener! | |
| Brown I | |
| Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu Many of the sayings for "Grasshopper" in the TV series Kung Fu, were taken from this work. It forms the foundation for Taoism, "the way of virtue and reason". This is a philosophy not a religion. | |
| Black I (Shodan) | |
| Elective book report: discuss with instructor | |
| Black II (Nidan) | |
| Elective book report and project: discuss with instructor | |
| Black III (Sandan) | |
| Elective book report and project: discuss with instructor | |
| Black IV (Yondan) | |
| Elective book report and project: discuss with instructor | |
| Black V (Godan) | |
| Elective book report and project: discuss with instructor |