Northern Shaolin Kung Fu

Forms, Fundamentals, and Complete History, Volume I

Shaolin Kung Fu traces its origins back to 8th Century China, making it the oldest and most complex martial art in the world. This book chronicles the historical unfolding of Shaolin Kung Fu from ancient China right up to today, while comparing and contrasting it to other martial arts styles. Included are practical guides, such as the difference between internal and external power, WuShu and Kung Fu, and how to determine a legitimate lineage and master.   
Also in this book is a complete beginner's guide to Shaolin Kung Fu, including how to execute:
* The 7 major stances
* 10 kinds of kicks, including aerials
* Hand positions
* 8 short but complex forms ("katas" in Japanese)
* 1 long form
* Complete stretches & strength building exercises

Order off Amazon now.

A Heart Broken Open
The Extraordinary Journey of Denis Kelly, Jun Po Roshi

Jun Po's life is fascinating by any standard.  Working-class Irish Catholic boy in the Midwest, soldier, LSD underground manufacturer kingpin, world traveler, federal prisoner, husband and father, and Zen monk, Denis Kelly finally became Jun Po under the Zen Master Eido Shimano Roshi. 

This book is the story of his Awakening, and how he came to found the revolutionary practice of Mondo Zen.  Along the way, he met Yogi's of phenomenal power and ability, confronted demons real and imagined, was nearly driven to insanity by the U.S. Army at the height of the Vietnam War, spent 7 years in a Zen monastery, survived Stage 4 throat cancer at the age of 64, and founded an entirely new school of Zen.  Jun Po is the very embodiment of a "Spiritual Warrior", and his life will provoke and inspire you.