recommended reading 3

Here is the latest installment of my list of books I found entertaining, useful, or enlightening.

1) The Essential Guard - Kid Peligro & Rodrigo Medeiros : I think this is the best BJJ book yet written. Very clear, good detail, and the basics to formulate your own gameplan. The fact that it extensively covers replacing the guard is enough on its own to recommend it.

2) Jiu-jitsu Unleashed - Eddie Bravo : the second best BJJ book out. Has a unique feel to the book, yet is very easy to learn from and actually put into use.

3) The Relaxtion Response - Herbert Benson : Rodney King turned me onto this book. It is the first one I have ever seen that teaches "meditation" from a purely physical perspective that is easy to understand and implement. It has nothing to do with "enlightenment" or any meta-physical mumbo jumbo. It justs teaches you how to combat modern stress with a simple tool that might help ease problems such as high blood pressure. I don't know yet how well it works, as I have only been doing it for a couple of weeks. But it is easy to do. I figure it is worht a shot!

4) Freakonomics - Steven Levit : An interesting book that tries to explain many social issues through a different point of view. I don't agree with every conclusion (the author falls victim to something he critisizes others for; looking for a solution only from one area of expertise), but he still presents a lot of things that make you think. And that is a valuble thing.

5) Some Danger Involved - Will Thomas : a fiction thriller that is basically what if Sherlock Holmes knew martial arts. It is fun to kill a few hours with. The first book in an ongoing series.