The 5 best fight books
Knowledge is power, and one of the best ways to acquire knowledge is from reading books. Lots of them. Most of my success in fighting and in business can be largely attributed to the many books that I have read or audio books that I have listened to. Your training does not have to end at the gym. Grab a book and do your homework to increase the rate at which you progress. Here is a list of my personal 5 best fight books that will surely help you with your muay thai and Brazilian jiu-jitsu journey:
A Fighter’s Heart: One Man’s Journey Through the World of Fighting
By Sam Sheridan
A man travels around the world to learn and train with the highest level coaches and fighters in an attempt to understand why we fight and what it means to be a fighter. Many fight disciplines are covered in A Fighter’s Heart including muay thai, boxing, jiu-jitsu, MMA and many more.
Great for aspiring fighters looking for inspiration and to learn about the different types of combat systems and what they entail.
Difficulty: Easy to read. Easy to listen to as an audio book.
PREVIEW HERE
The Fighter’s Mind: Inside the Mental Game
By Sam Sheridan
Sheridan continues his adventures abroad interviewing, training, and fighting alongside the best in the hurt business. Here he explores the psychology behind mental toughness and what it takes to be a world class fighter in the many different fighting arts (muay thai, boxing, jiu-jitsu, MMA, wrestling and more).
For those who want to toughen up and get that mental edge.
Difficulty: Easy to read. Easy to listen to as an audio book.
PREVIEW HERE
The Art of War
By Sun Tzu
The Art of War is an ancient Chinese military treatise by military strategist Sun Tzu. There are 13 Chapters, each covering different military strategy and tactics. These teachings in The Art of War have been adopted by the leaders of today to better understand many areas of life including martial arts, sports, and business.
This book will help you strategize for sparring and competition as well as give you a different mindset when confronting battle.
Difficulty: Hard (requires deep thought to grasp concepts and teachings). Read instead of listen on audio book to better absorb complex topics.
PREVIEW HERE
The Book of Martial Power
By Steven J. Pearlman
The Book of Martial Power explores fundamental principles and philosophies of combat that is translatable in all the varied martial arts including muay thai and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. It covers key concepts such as timing, footwork, angles, relaxation, distance management, economy of scale, the list goes on.
Another book that will aid with your sparring and competition.
Difficulty: Average to Hard (depends on how much analyzing you want to do)
READ SUMMARY HERE
Be Water, My Friend: The Teachings of Bruce Lee
By Shannon Lee
Lee’s daughter summarizes her father’s work including martial art concepts, principles, and philosophies in Be Water, My Friend. Shannon shows how one can overcome life challenges and self-actualize through the practice and understanding of Bruce Lee’s teachings.
A great book for all combat practitioners who appreciates the art and philosophy behind life and martial arts.
Difficulty: Average to Hard (does require some critical thought)
PREVIEW HERE
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These books all have a special place it my heart as they are greatly aided me in my fight training back in the days.
NOTE: Keep in mind that the more complex the subject matter, the more difficult it is to follow along on audio as you may need extra time to absorb the information thoroughly. I find reading as opposed to listening better for more in-depth, complex, and philosophical topics.