I believe in principle based study over technique, although some of the recommendations that will follow will be books on techniques but for me it is always what is underneath the technique that I value. So, let me start this section off with a book totally on principles: “The Book of Martial Power: The Universal Guide To The Combative Arts” by Steven Pearlman.
You don’t have to agree or accept all the universal principles presented in this book but each of them is deserving of deep study and contemplation.
The book covers a large number of principles and most of them very well. Most of them will be applicable regardless of style or system you study – which is why they are universal principles.
The author covers principles of theory, physiokinetic principles, principles of technique, principles of philosophy and ends with a sample of techniques. A strong coverage of excellent principles.
Principles can make what you are already doing work better, work more efficiently and work more effectively. This book is very worthy of study.