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: all reports are due 2 weeks before the test!
* The “Kenpo Report” will be the first “book” report you will write and it will be due before the first test you complete as a leadership student. For example: if you join the leadership team as a Blue Belt, then for your Blue with Stripe test, you will write a Kenpo Report instead of the other book options.
Once in the Leadership Program, the curriculum requirements will include assisting with classes for the younger kids/ lower ranks. See here for more information about the Chamberlain Studios Junior Black Belt Leadership Program.
| White | |
| Student Manual by Dr. Nick Chamberlain, Chamberlain Studios of Self Defense | |
| Orange | |
| 3 Ninja Pigs by Corey Schwartz Corey Rosen Schwartz serves up a fun combination of smart-aleck dialogue and tongue-in-cheek rhymes that'll have kids howling, and rising star Dan Santat's spunky illustrations are sure to pack a punch! | |
| Yellow | |
| Do Unto Otters by Laurie Keller In her smart, quirky style Laurie Keller highlights how to be a good friend and neighbor—just follow the Golden Rule! | |
| Purple | |
| Write the "Kenpo Report" | |
| Blue | |
| Night of the Ninjas by Mary Osborne A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park * Kenpo Report | |
| Green | |
| The Little Eagle by Chen Jiang Hong A magnificant, spiritual Kung Fu picture book. | |
| Brown III | |
| Zen in the Martial Arts by Joe Hyams Under the guidance of such celebrated masters as Ed Parker and the immortal Bruce Lee, Joe Hyams vividly recounts his more than 25 years of experience in the martial arts. | |
| Brown II | |
| The Weaponless Warriors by Richard Kim A rare book: an informal history of Okinawan karate and its growth, told through vignettes about its most famous practitioners. | |
| Brown I | |
| Write the "Founders Report" |