At the A.K.E.A., we believe that the Warrior and the Scholar work together and help each other. One without the other is incomplete.
For white belt/black stripe, students are required to read and write a report on Zen in the Martial Arts by Joe Hyams.
Under the guidance of such celebrated masters as Ed Parker and the immortal Bruce Lee, Joe Hyams vividly recounts his more than 25 years of experience in the martial arts. In his illuminating story, Hyams reveals to you how the daily application of Zen principles not only developed his physical expertise but gave him the mental discipline to control his personal problems-self-image, work pressure, competition. Indeed, mastering the spiritual goals in martial arts can dramatically alter the quality of your life-enriching your relationships with people, as well as helping you make use of all your abilities.
This book is available for purchase on Amazon.
For orange belt, students are required to read and report on Living the Martial Way by Forrest E. Morgan.
A step-by-step approach to applying the Japanese warrior’s mind-set to martial training and daily life. It combines a knowledge of fighting with an exploration of the culture of the warrior. Morgan carefully guides the reader from The Way of Training, through The Way of Honour to The Way of Living, constantly finding applications both inside and outside martial arts.
This book is available for purchase on Barnes and Noble.
For orange belt/black stripe, students are required to read and report on Mental Training of a Warrior by Dr. John LaTourrette.
Street combat survival training for professional warriors & advanced martial artists.
This book is available for purchase at a discount by emailing Mrs.Barnette.
For yellow belt/black stripe, students are required to read and test on Secrets of Speed Kicking by Dr. John LaTourrette.
How to kick him before he sees your foot move.
This book is very difficult to obtain, but we do have a limited number in stock. It is available for purchase by emailing Mrs. Barnette.
For green belt/black stripe, students are required to read and test on Escrima Basics – The Foundations of Self-Defense by Craig Moore.
Escrima is the name of one of several martial art systems that originated in the Philippines. It is practiced by thousands of practitioners across the world, though many outside the martial arts world still aren’t familiar with it. While best known as a stick and knife fighting system, it is also a complete martial art which utilizes empty hands, kicking and grappling. One of the goals of the A.K.E.A. is apply the effective combat principles of Escrima to its student’s self-defense skills.
This book is designed to supplement the training students are receiving in their private and group lessons. It tries to explain some of the basic concepts and principles that students must master in order to become proficient in the art of Escrima as taught by the A.K.E.A. With well over 300 pictures this book is designed to help students of Escrima to understand the concepts and motions the need for self-defense. – Craig Moore, Sandan, Sensei
This book is available for purchase by emailing Mrs. Barnette.
For purple belt, students are required to read and test on American Freestyle Karate: A Guide to Sparring by Dan Anderson.
American Freestyle Karate is the tag Dan Anderson gave this method of instruction to convey the idea of a non-oriental approach to karate. Rather than the idea of a set style which is passed from master to senior student, Anderson likens his studio and training method to that of a boxing gym headed by a particular trainer.
This book is available for purchase on Amazon.
For purple belt, students are required to read and test on Warrior’s Guide to Knife Fighting by Dr. John LaTourrette.
Fighting with a knife is one of the most feared types of combat known. To overcome this fear, the knife fighter becomes a unique blend of knife, brain, and body. This book will hone your fighting skills to a razor’s edge.
This is another book that is almost impossible to obtain. We do have a limited number in stock. It is available for purchase by emailing Mrs. Barnette.
For Shodan, students are required to read and report on Moving Zen by C.W. Nicol.
A classic story of one man’s confrontation with the self through Karate.
This book is available for purchase on Amazon.
Additionally, we recommend that students read Secrets of Kenpo Karate by Dr. John LaTourrette and Safe in the Streets by Sandra Merwin.
Both of these books are available for purchase by emailing Mrs. Barnette.
Our junior brown belt students are required to read, write, and test on Heart of a Warrior: 7 Ancient Secrets to a Great Life by James Langlas.
The inspiration for this book comes from the ancient Korean history of the Hwarang— young student-warriors who worked to strengthen their spirits as well as their fighting skills. Author Jim Langlas, an educator and Taekwondo master, presents seven principles that are rooted in the long tradition of Taekwondo and are also tied to modern character education: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, indomitable spirit, community service, and love. Breaking each of the principles into four fundamentals, Langlas explores them through a mix of storytelling from the Hwarang and writing from his own former students, describing ways in which they’ve applied these principles to their own lives and inspiring readers to do the same. Rounding out the narrative are questions to spur reflection, discussion, and action. A background or interest in Taekwondo or other martial arts is by no means necessary for readers to understand and benefit from this engaging book. Its storytelling aspect—and especially the enduring appeal of traditional master/student tales—will resonate with teens of varying interests and backgrounds.
This book is available for purchase on Amazon.
Our junior students required to read excerpts and answer questions for their mental training as well. While we provide their reading material as part of their training manual, we hear time and time again, “I LOVED that story!” If your child would like to read the whole book from which these excerpts are taken, here is the list:
Karate Kick by Matt Christopher 
This book is available for purchase on Barnes and Noble.
The Peaceful Way – A Children’s Guide to the Traditions of the Martial Arts by Claudio Iedwab and Roxanne Standefer 
This book is available for purchase on Amazon.
Legends of the Martial Arts Masters by Susan Lynn Peterson
This book is available for purchase on Amazon. 
A Bundle of Sticks by Pat Mauser McCord
This book is available for purchase on Amazon. 
Zen in the Martial Arts by Joe Hyams
This book is available for purchase on Amazon.