What are the best martial arts books currently available to purchase? This article attempts to give you some answers to guide you in the process of purchasing the best martial arts books to suit your needs. In our buying guide, we outline certain features to consider when buying martial arts books. It is important to take time and research before you commit to purchasing.
Best martial arts books
1. Jiu-Jitsu University
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Saulo Ribeirosix-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Championis world-renowned for his functional jiu-jitsu knowledge and flawless technique. In Jiu-Jitsu University, Ribeiro shares with the public for the first time his revolutionary system of grappling, mapping out more than 200 techniques that carry you from white to black belt. Illuminating common jiu-jitsu errors and then illustrating practical remedies, this book is a must for all who train in jiu-jitsu. Not your run-of-the-mill technique book, Jiu-Jitsu University is a detailed training manual that will ultimately change the way jiu-jitsu is taught around the globe.2. Bodyweight Training for Martial Arts: Traditional Calisthenics Techniques for the Modern Martial Artist
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Bodyweight Training for Martial Arts is the ultimate solution for the modern martial artist looking to maximize their potential without spending a lot of time, money and energy in a crowded gym. This unique progressive approach ensures you can work at your own level while also focusing on the essential functional assets you need as a martial artist. A lack of conditioning will always hold you back no matter how many kicks you throw or rounds you spar. The simple methods and routines in this book will ensure you won't be caught flat-footed in the ring or real life.3. Fight Like a Physicist: The Incredible Science Behind Martial Arts (Martial Science)
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Fight Like a Physicist The Incredible Science Behind Martial Arts Martial ScienceDescription
WINNER SPORTS USA Best Books Award 2015
Fight Like a Physicist provides an in-depth, sometimes whimsical look into the physics behind martial arts for sport and self-defense. Whether you are an experienced martial artist or a curious enthusiast, this book can give you an "unfair advantage" by unraveling the complex science of effective fighting techniques and examining the core principles that make them work.
In addition to breaking down the principles behind the punches, Dr. Thalken, a computational physicist with a long history of martial arts across various styles, applies the mind-set of a physicist to a number of controversial topics in the martial arts:
- Making physics your "unfair advantage," in the ring and on the street
- Examining center of mass, pi, levers, wedges, angular momentum, and linear momentum for martial artists
- Protecting the brains of fighters and football players from concussions
- Reducing traumatic brain injury in contact sports
- Exposing the illusion of safety provided by gloves and helmets
- Overturning conventional wisdom on compliance during an assault
- Busting Hollywood action myths
- Giving the mystical side of martial arts a much-needed reality check
Dr. Thalken invites readers to take a scientific approach to training and fighting, and provides all the tools necessary to get the most out of their experiences and make their training count.
4. Tao of Jeet Kune Do: New Expanded Edition
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Black Belt BooksDescription
Compiled from Bruce Lees notes and essays and originally published in 1975, this iconic volume is one of the seminal martial arts guides of its time. The science and philosophy behind the fighting system Lee pioneered himselfjeet kune dois explained in detail, depicted through hundreds of Lees own illustrations. With the collaboration of Lees daughter, Shannon, and Bruce Lee Enterprises, this new edition is expanded, updated, and remastered, covering topics such as Zen and enlightenment, kicking, striking, grappling, and footwork. Featuring an introduction by Linda Lee, this is essential reading for any practitioner, offering a brief glimpse into the mind of one of the worlds greatest martial artists.
5. The Book of Speed for Martial Artists: Everything That You've Never Been Taught About How To Develop Dominating Speed
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Speed you can put to work right now!No gimmicks, no bogus methods, no fluff, and none of the junk youve heard before.The Book of Speed for Martial Artists is the most comprehensive, informative, and practical book ever written about speed for the martial arts. Speed is covered in every aspect of martial art training.Hand speed and movement speed:Hand speed is extremely important. But dont stop there. Hand speed and movement speed is covered in more detail than ever before. From the science of fast movement to breaking habits that kill your hand speed and movement speed. Speed is much more than just hand speed and moving fast.Speed for martial arts is much more than hand speed and foot speed. In this book you will learn everything that you've never been taught about how to develop dominating speed. This book is detailed and in-depth but it is written in plain spoken language with a coach-like tone and an emphasis on achieving maximum results. There is useful speed on nearly every page that can be put to work in your sparring, competition, and self-defense right now. Then there are advanced concepts that can fuel a lifetime of speed development. What you get: The basics for beginners and intermediate ranks. Advanced concepts for those who are dedicated to speed. Explanations of the science behind maximum hand speed and movement speed. Making it happen sections that help you put the information to work right now. What this means to us sections after complex concepts are introduced. Skills on nearly every page that you can put to work right now. Coaching to break bad habits that rob you of your speed. Concepts that youve probably never heard before. Simple skills that make you faster now. Complex concepts that you can build on for a lifetime. Unapologetic countering of cherished beliefs that kill your speed. The Book of Speed for Martial Artists is primarily for stand-up fighters but it has tons of concepts that are useful for anyone who wants to move fast. The Book of Speed is packed with practical skills that you can put to work right now but theyre presented with an emphasis on the concepts involved so that you can easily adapt them to your body, your style, and your chosen martial art.6. The Anatomy of Martial Arts: An Illustrated Guide to the Muscles Used for Each Strike, Kick, and Throw
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The Anatomy of Martial Arts An Illustrated Guide to the Muscles Used in Key Kicks Strikes ThrowsDescription
With detailed anatomical drawings, this book precisely illustrates the inner workings of your body during key martial arts moves. Its color drawings, helpful photos and clear text make it easy to identify the specific muscles you need to train for maximum speed, power and accuracy. More than just an anatomy book, each section is accompanied by exercises and stretches to strengthen muscles, prevent injury and improve form.
Kicks
Strikes
Takedowns
Throws
The Anatomy of Martial Arts is designed for a variety of disciplines, including:
Hapkido
Jiujitsu
Judo
Karate
Kendo
Kung Fu
Muay Thai
Taekwando
7. Historical European Martial Arts in its Context: Single-Combat, Duels, Tournaments, Self-Defense, War, Masters and their Treatises
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Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) is based on reading source material to recreate the lost martial arts of Europe. While reading the treatises and performing depicted techniques helps understand HEMA, there is more to it. The sources were not written and illustrated in a vacuum, but rather in a rich and complicated world. Historical European Martial Arts in its Context places the sources in a time and place with details about single-combat, duels, tournaments, self-defense, war as well as the Masters and their treatises. Richard Marsden approaches the why behind the treatises and delves into Europes martial culture from the 14th through 18th century. HEMA is thus explored on the blood-soaked fields of battle, in the dark alleys of dangerous cities, and under the shade of trees where illicit duels might be fought.
8. The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program: The Complete Combat System