Curriculum: Gasan Ryu Kenpo

Required, Suggested and Fun readings

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. 

The next section is suggested reading containing other classics in the field. 

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. 

 

White	Yellow	Orange	Purple	Blue
Chamberlain Studios of Self Defense Student Manual
Information on Kenpo, background history, terminology, school rules, principles of conduct etc	Stories from Joe Hyams of his experiences with some of his instructors over the years including Ed Parker (Kenpo) and Bruce Lee (JKD)	From the man that started Japanese Karate along the track of character development and the founder of Shotokan Karate	Anecdotes and exploits of the old Karate masters of Okinawa	Great book on the philosophy of the Martial Arts
Green	Brown III	Brown II	Brown I	Shodan
				Chamberlain Studios of Self Defense Elective Reading and Founders Report
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 book is donated by James Hutcheson in memory of his son Warren who passed away 01-01-2008.  See Shihan for your free copy when you get to Sankyu.	Description of the meaning behind the kanji used to write the terms in martial arts.  Gives a better understanding of what we are doing and why.	Outstanding book on how your martial arts training applies to real life situations. Can be an eye opener!	For Shodan you hand in 2 (two) papers, one on a book of your choice and one on a master and founder of a martial arts system.

Suggested Reading:
 

Technique
This text covers the history, use and techniques of the traditional Okinawan weapon.  It includes the form Shushi-No-Kon-Sho which is a part of our curriculum	A good book on the history and usage of this Okinawan weapon.  Includes the kata Kanegawa-No-Nichougama which is a part of our curriculum at brown belt.	An introduction to traditional Jiu-Jitsu by a skilled Master of the art.  Well diagrammed and laid out, easy to read and follow, a good resource for your training.	The definitive text by one of the most famous martial artists of all time.  His thinking and impact has been extensive.	By the founder of Small Circle Jiu-Jitsu, this book offers a great look at the Master's system.  Regarded as a leading figure in the Martial Arts.
Strategy
	Frequently used in colleges as a text in Philosophy classes, this book gives insights into why we keep training!		Considered the greatest Military strategist.  This new translation offers the reader a clearer understanding of the Master's ideas.	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.
Fun Reading - Martial Arts in Fiction:
#1 Eisler	#2 Eisler	#3 Eisler	#4 Eisler	#5 Eisler
#6 Eisler	#1 Hearn	#2 Hearn	#3 Hearn	#4 Hearn
#5 Prequel, Hearn	The classic by James Clavell	The boxed set
	"The Masters Text" Professor Nick Cerio $34.95 Direct from the website NickCeriosKenpo.com
	Professor Cerio’s last published book before his death in 1998.  This book contains most of the katas, weapons and self defense techniques from his system, many of which are a part of Gasan  Ryu Kenpo.

To see video clips of Kenpo Techniques go here

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