4 out of 5 Ninja Stars for "Letters of the Dragon," Edited by John Little

In the interests of disclosure, I was given this book for review purposes.

Title: Letters of the Dragon
Editor: John Little
Publisher: Tuttle
Format: Softcover
Pages: 184
Price: $12.95 $9.07 (US)

Bruce Lee is always going to be a fascination for most martial artists.  He embodied a change that was coming to martial arts in the US, and eventually the world.  Most people know the movie man, and see the action hero.  Some of those who delve deeper know he was a philosophy major in college.  He loved delving into Chinese philosophy and culture.  Some people who go even farther into his biography start to get a better idea of who Bruce Lee was as a man.  When the cameras were off, what was he like?  How did he develop his philosophy of life and marital arts?  This book gives you glimpse into the head of the master, when he wasn't trying to impress people, just being himself.

Content

    This book is a collection of letters written by Bruce Lee from the time just before he left for America, until his untimely death.  These include letters to his wife, his friends and fellow martial artists, and to his business partners.  The letter also include some of his drawings, both for martial arts, and for some pieces of equipment that he was having made.

Pros

    The first thing that jumps out at me after reading this book is his relaxation.  Whenever I've seen him in movies, or in interviews, I always got the feeling that he was "on."  Which I'm not blaming him for.  He was an action/martial arts star.  People expected a certain aspect of you, and Bruce was glad to show you that aspect.  These letters seem to give you a more relaxed view of him.  There is still a very steady, strong flow intention and ambition to the writings, especially as his movie career starts to build up.  but because of the media, and the intended audience, there is a more personalized feel to the writings.  

Cons

    I don't think this should be the first, or even possibly the second book you read on Bruce Lee.  If you're a martial artist, Tao of Jeet Kun Do should be first.  In some ways, that's starting with the finished product first, but I think that's the most applicable.  The second book you should read be a more rounded biography.  To get the gist of what's happened to him.  This book then will further add in some details, and fill in the human part of Bruce Lee, rather than just the action star.  

Conclusion

    I enjoyed this book, and would easily recommend it to any of my fellow martial artists, or anyone who's looking for another piece of the mystery that was Bruce Lee.  I easily give it four out of five ninja stars.  It was a good read, and I read it really quickly, because I couldn't put it down.  I enjoyed the personal glimpse behind the curtain to see more of the man behind the martial arts star.  However, as I stated before, if you're just starting out your research into the life and times of "Saint Bruce, the patron Saint of Martial Arts" then this probably shouldn't be the first book you add to your collection.  But if you're looking to add a unique aspect to your knowledge of Bruce Lee, this is definitely a nice piece to add.

4 out of 5 stars for Wisdom of Taiji Masters by Nigel Sutton

In the interests of disclosure, I was given this book for review purposes.

Title: Wisdom of Taiji Masters: Insights into Cheng Man Chings
Author: Nigel Sutton
Publisher: Tambuli Media
Format: Softcover
Pages: 167
Price: $21.95 (US)

"If you say that you only pay attention to the health aspects of the art then it not gongfu, it is merely exercise.  This is wrong."
                                                                    -Shifu Tan Ching Ngee

    For the longest time, I had an misinformed idea of what taiji (Tai Chi) was.  Granted, the only version I had ever really seen was the old people in the park version of it.  It took me years to realize what taiji was, and how it could be an effective martial art. Funny part is, being an aikidoka, I should have seen that coming.  There is a lot of similarities in taiji and aikido.  Which, I think is why I was able to get so much out of this book.

Content

    This book delves into the heroes/instructors of one particular branch of taiji, Cheng Man Ching's taijiquan.  This is a branch of the Yang Style taiji.  From what little I know, Yang style still is a martial art, as opposed to be just a health practice, as some of the other taiji has become.  Shifu Cheng Man Ching taught for a long time in Malaysia, where his system flourished under constant physical scrutiny from other local martial artists, i.e. they challenged him often.

Pros

    One thing I really liked about this book is that it looks more at the philosophy of taijiquan rather that the techniques.  As I am not a taiji practitioner, I don't know how helpful that would have been.  However, when you talk about the philosophy, the practices, and the stories of a martial art, then it becomes more widely useful.  As an aikidoka, I found so much in common with the ideas and ideals of taiji.  I think everyone, regardless of style can pull some information from this book to add to their own knowledge.

Cons

    The one thing I think I would have liked to see better, which is only a small flaw, is that the author writes as though the audience has a basic understanding of taiji, which I don't.  However, with a quick youtube search, I can find demonstrations of the ideas he's describing.  For example, I didn't know what "pushing hands" was.  So I went and found several different versions of the practice and was able to keep reading.
    I also was not as in awe of the subjects of these books, as I gather the author was.  That's due to my lack of familiarity rather than any fault of his or theirs.  Again, its due to my lack of knowledge about taiji and taiji practitioners and masters.

Conclusion

    Overall, I have to give a very high 4 out of five ninja stars.  I really enjoyed the stories about the masters and their abilities.  Their theories of martial arts, despite the softer reputation of taiji, were soundly practical, and I can appreciate that .  As an aikido practitioner, I got a lot out of this book.  Aikido suffers much of the same stigma of the new-age, health aspect that I think taiji does as well.  I was able to take many ideas and quotes and substitute the word "aikido" for "taiji" and write it in my journal.  I truly believe that anyone who reads this book regardless of style will be able to take something useful from it and grow as a martial artist.

Episode XLVIII-The Plea to Podcast Fallacy

Episode XLVIII-The Plea to Podcast Fallacy

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Intro Music: Theme from "Enter the Dragon" by Lalo Schifri

Introduction
  Recorded On: 8/14/2016
  Harvard Museum of Natural History
  Begging for Review on iTunes
  Episode VI- What to look for in a martial art school
  Episode XLI-Chris Olech Interview
Interlude Music: Too Close by Alex Clare
  
Interview: Jeff Westfall of The Martial Brain
The Martial Brain Podcast
Tai Lung Gung Fu
The Rising Phoenix Martial Arts Academy
Dan Innosanto
Jun Fan Gung Fu/Jeet Kun Do
Majapahit Martial Arts
Peter Lee-Epee Champion
Skepticism
The Power of Doubt Parts I, II, and III
The Skeptics Guide to the Universe
Evan Bernstein
Hiyaa! Episode 59 Interview with Reed Kuhn (MMA Statistics)

Movies
  Bloodsport
  Enter the Dragon
  The Karate Kid
  Fumio Demura
  Pat Morita
  The Raid, The Raid 2
  Star Trek: Enterprise
Books
  The Tao of Jeet Kun Do
  The Art of War
  The Book of Five Rings
  Stephen Barnes
  Larry Niven
  Street Lethal
  Steve Perry
  The Matador Series

    Contacts 
    rpmartialarts.com
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Interlude Music: Black Moth by Bigelf

This Week in Martial Arts: Summer Olympics in Rio 2016

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Email: martialthoughts@gmail.com
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Outro Music: Voodoo Chile-Jimi Hendrix / Gayageum ver. by Luna

4 Ninja Stars for The Ultimate Guide to Unarmed Self Defense by David Erath Jr.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from the publisher for review purposes

Title: Functional Self Defense: The Ultimate Guide to Unarmed Self Defense

Written By: David Erath Jr.

Publisher: FunctionalSelfDefense

Format: Softcover

Pages: 237

Cover Price: $29.95 (US) Softcover/$19.99 E-Book

    I'm inherently cautious of any book with the word "Ultimate" in the title.  There's just something wrong about claiming any book will be "the only book you'll ever need."  There's an underlying braggadociosness that seems unnecessary and, quite frankly, is usually wrong.
    That all being said, Mr. Erath does a good job in his book of not coming off that way.  He writes in a very matter of factly way, that is not trying to get you to buy anything, or even sample the free kool-aid.  

Content

    The layout of the book, I think, is one of its strong suits.  The book has 10 chapters.  The first is entitled "Self-Defense vs. Martial Arts."  I think this is one of the most important topics when addressing self-defense, especially to people that are martial artists.  The first 66 pages go through the logic of what self-defense is, and what is required.  The second section, is interesting.  Its called "The MMA Base" which goes through the rough, easily learned techniques which are found in MMA, and why they're there.  Hint: It's because they work most of the time.  The rest of the book goes through sample techniques, and preventative measures such as fitness, diet, and the value of meditation.  The last section, is a FAQ which I found particularly useful in that it answered specific questions I had.

Pros

    I really liked the simple layout of this book.  It covers all the ideas in a logical and thought out manner.  It does good job of talking about why martial arts is not really self defense without being condescending or abusive.  It also talks about how a couple modifications can be used to take what you already know, and turn your martial arts into self defense.  I think that's a really important part.  The author is not saying, "abandon all you have learned."  He's saying "Incorporate this INTO what you have learned."  Mr. Erath also describes all the aspects of self-defense, and how to train them, not just mention them in passing as many other books have done.  Be Aware, and here's how to be more aware.  I also liked that he keeps in some of the other aspects of martial arts, like the meditative aspects of it.  

Cons

    This book is incomplete in that it doesn't contain anything to do with weapons.  However, he states very clearly that weapons was a big enough idea that it required its own volume, which is also available at the website.  

Conclusion

   Overall, most of the information in this book I've seen other places, there isn't much "new" here, but the collection of all the information into one place and the organization is superior to what I've seen before.  If you are a martial artist who, like I was, is trying to figure out how your martial art fits in with the ideas of self defense, then this is a great book.  You should start with this book, and then perhaps branch off into others.  That's why I give this book 4 out of 5 Ninja Stars.  Its really well put together, and deserves to be many people's first reading choice for self defense.

Episode XLVII-By the Power of Podcast

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Intro Music: Theme from "Enter the Dragon" by Lalo Schifri

Introduction
  Recorded On: 7/4/2016
 Martial Arts Weekend in Vermont

Interlude Music: Magic Man by Heart
  
Interview: Scott Pribyl
http://www.miraclemanscott.com/
Miracle Man

    Contacts 
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Interlude Music: Another Way to Die Performed by Jack White and Alecia Keyes

This Week in Martial Arts: July 3rd, 1946 

David Yeung

Bolo Yeung

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Email: martialthoughts@gmail.com
Atemicast Youtube Channel
www.thinkingmartial.blogspot.com
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Outro Music: Voodoo Chile-Jimi Hendrix / Gayageum ver. by Luna

Episode XLVI-Take a Bite out o' Podcast

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Intro Music: Theme from "Enter the Dragon" by Lalo Schifri

Introduction
  Recorded On: 6/13/2016
 Martial Arts Weekend in Vermont
    Coupon Code: Wilson15

  iTunes Reviews Contest
  Jermey Lesniak from Whistle Kick Martial Arts
  noSweat Shirt from Whistlekick (Check out the Prizes)

Interlude Music: Breaking the Law by Judas Priest
  
Interview: Joe Bertoni
  www.yawarastick.com
    Contacts    Facebook

Interlude Music: Blindfold Performed by Whispered

This Week in Martial Arts: Tribute to Muhammad Ali
  and Kimbo Slice

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Outro Music: Voodoo Chile-Jimi Hendrix / Gayageum ver. by Luna

4.5 Ninja Stars for Chanpuru by Garry Parker

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from the publisher for review purposes

Title: Chanpuru
Written By: Garry Parker
Publisher: Tambuli
Format: Softcover

Pages: 124
Cover Price: $21.95(US)

  If you've read my reviews before, you know that I fully believe that mood and specific temporal interest feed what I (and I believe others) think and feel about a book (or any piece of art for that matter).  It is in that vein, that I want to say how much I loved this book.  It hit me in the right mood at the right time.  If I read this book on a different day, who knows, my opinion could have been different.  Either way, I'm recommending this book to any martial artist, not just those who practice karate.

Content

This book is a collection of stories and observations by Garry Parker a karateka who started his practice in Okinawa.  He fills the book with short essay-ish stories about his training, his time in Okinawa, the starring of his school back in the US, and all through the stories, the figure of Takamiyagi sensei resides overall of it.  Maybe I watched to many 80's martial arts movies, but that is kinda the way I thought martial arts should be.  Obviously, this is a special situation, and should be recognized as such.

Pros

I really like the overall feel of the book.  I like the short, almost anecdotal feel of the stories.  They do come together to paint an overarching illustration of his training history and subsequent creation of his own dojo, including how he litterally built it in his backyard.  You really get the feeling of who Mr. Parker is, and what his karate, and martial arts training has meant to him.  He describes all the traditional values associated with martial arts, and how they were exemplified by his training, and by Takamiyagi sensei.

Cons

I do have to find faults in a couple small aspects of this book.  Because the stories were not written as part of an overall narrative, there are a couple of things that seemed to repeat, as the ideas presented were based on similar principles.  Also, I wanted the book to be longer.  I wanted there to be more stories.  Perhaps, and expanded edition?  Maybe Mr. Parker can be convinced to write more?

Conclusion

All in all, this book was exactly what I was looking for when I started reading it.  I wanted a book that showed the value in the traditions of martial arts.  I wanted a book that described a sensei in the way Takamiyagi sensei seems to have been.  As I said, there was a little bit of repeat in the book, but that was mainly due to the essay-like format of the stories.  As a result, I'm going to give this book a 4.5 out of 5 ninja stars.  Even though I don't practice karate, I got a lot out of this book.  I think anyone who is looking for more in a martial art than just kicking and punching, should read Chanpuru and will enjoy it as much as I did.