Some Recommended Books

Martial and Healing Arts

The Fighting Arts by Howard Reid and Michael Croucher, Simon & Schuster Publishing, ISBN: 0-671-47273-9 (an excellent source for a general cross-cultural history of various martial arts systems.

The Book of Five Rings: The Classic Guide To Strategy by Miyamoto Musashi, The Overlook Press, ISBN: 0-087951-018-8 (a must read for any serious martial arts student. Though based on the art of the sword, it provides guidance for effective strategy in both combat situations and for general life.)

Sun-Tzu: The Art of Warfare by Roger Ames, Ballantine Books, ISBN:0-345-36239-X (one of the most scholarly translations and understandings of Sun-Tzu's writings available. If you are going to read the Art of War, read this one!)

Soul Sword: The Way and Mind of a Zen Warrior by Vernon Kitabu Turner, 2nd ed, Hampton Roads Publishing, ISBN: 1-57174-151-8 (a wonderfully written book on discovering your spiritual center as a martial artist, and thereby unlocking the unlimited potential within you. Inspiration)

Chi Kung: Health & Martial Arts by Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming, YMAA Publication Center, ISBN: 0-940871-00-9 (a great introductory primer for basic qigong practice. Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming's book are highly recommended for knowledge of kung fu and qigong.)

Qi Gong: For Health & Longevity - The Ancient Chinese Art of Relaxation/Meditation/Physical Fitness by Simon Wang, M.D., Ph.D. & Julius L. Liu, M.D., the East Health Development Group, ISBN: 0-9641605-2-8 (a great qigong primer focusing on health and providing ancient qigong exercises for specific parts and systems of the body.)

Unlocking The Healing Powers in Your Hands: The 18 Mudra System of Qigong by Seifu A.S. Umar Sharif, MA, Scholargy Custom Publishing, ISBN: 0-9637036-3-3 (an excellent book for both practical and spiritual insight into qigong in particular and body-mind energy manipulation in general.) [preview]

Acupuncture Without Needles by J.V. Cerney, D.C., A.B., D.M., D.P.M., Prentice Hall Publising, ISBN: 0-13-080387-1 (a excellent book to learn the Chinese meridian system of qi flow, and how to effectively use this knowledge for self healing.)

Quantum Healing: Exploring The Frontiers of Mind/Body Medicine by Deepak Chopra, M.D., Bantam New Age Books, ISBN: 0-553-34869-8 (an excellent source of up-to-date research information on health and healing, as well as insight into the East Indian Healing System called Ayurveda (Ayur - Life; veda - Science) the Science of Life.)

The Art of Stretching & Kicking by James Lew, Unique Publications, Hollywood, California, ISBN: none available (an excellent book with advanced stretching techniques for martial artists and others.)

We also have a selection of books and video materials available in the PVC Library.