Karate Books

Karate, a traditional Japanese martial art, is renowned for its disciplined approach to self-defense, physical conditioning, and personal development. With roots dating back centuries, Karate embodies a rich history steeped in tradition, philosophy, and the pursuit of mastery.

The origins of Karate can be traced to the island of Okinawa, where indigenous fighting techniques were developed and refined over generations. Influenced by Chinese martial arts, particularly Fujian White Crane, these early Okinawan martial arts were practiced clandestinely and passed down through oral tradition and practical application.

It was during the Ryukyu Kingdom era (14th to 19th centuries) that these indigenous martial arts began to coalesce into what would later be recognized as Karate. The integration of Chinese martial arts techniques with Okinawan combat systems laid the foundation for Karate's distinctive principles of striking, kicking, blocking, and movement.

With the annexation of Okinawa by Japan in the late 19th century, Karate underwent further development and standardization. Japanese martial artists and educators, including Gichin Funakoshi and Kenwa Mabuni, played pivotal roles in promoting and popularizing Karate on the Japanese mainland and beyond.

Gichin Funakoshi, often referred to as the "father of modern Karate," introduced Karate to Japan in the early 20th century, where it gained recognition and acceptance as a martial art and a means of physical and mental development. Funakoshi's emphasis on the philosophical aspects of Karate, particularly the principles of respect, humility, and self-discipline, helped to shape Karate into not just a fighting system but a way of life.

Today, Karate is practiced and taught worldwide, with a multitude of styles, schools, and organizations dedicated to its study and preservation. Shotokan, Wado-Ryu, Shito-Ryu, and Goju-Ryu are among the most well-known and widely practiced Karate styles, each with its unique emphasis on technique, kata (pre-arranged forms), and training methods.

Karate training encompasses a wide range of skills and practices, including kihon (basic techniques), kata (forms), kumite (sparring), and bunkai (application of techniques). Training emphasizes physical conditioning, mental focus, and character development, instilling values such as perseverance, integrity, and indomitable spirit.

Our store offers a curated selection of Karate books that delve into its history, techniques, and philosophy. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or new to Karate, these books provide invaluable insights into the rich and diverse world of this ancient martial art. Explore our collection and deepen your understanding and appreciation of Karate's timeless legacy and enduring relevance.

Okinawan Karate: Teachers, Styles & Secret Techniques, Revised & Expanded Second Edition: Master Version Book by Mark Bishop

Okinawan Karate: Teachers, Styles & Secret Techniques, Revised & Expanded Second Edition: Master Version Book by Mark Bishop

Regular price $32.95 USD
Regular price $39.95 USD Sale price $32.95 USD
Zen Odyssey, An Okinawan Karate & Martial Arts Journey Book by Mark Bishop

Zen Odyssey, An Okinawan Karate & Martial Arts Journey Book by Mark Bishop

Regular price $33.95 USD
Regular price $39.95 USD Sale price $33.95 USD
Okinawan Weaponry, Hidden Methods, Ancient Myths of Kobudo & Te Book by Mark Bishop

Okinawan Weaponry, Hidden Methods, Ancient Myths of Kobudo & Te Book by Mark Bishop

Regular price $42.95 USD
Regular price $49.95 USD Sale price $42.95 USD
Okinawan Te (Martial Art of Kings & Nobles) Revealed, Second Edition (Revised & Expanded) Book by Mark Bishop

Okinawan Te (Martial Art of Kings & Nobles) Revealed, Second Edition (Revised & Expanded) Book by Mark Bishop

Regular price $29.95 USD
Regular price $39.95 USD Sale price $29.95 USD
Karate: The Art of Empty Hand Fighting: The Groundbreaking Work on Karate Book by Hidetaka Nishiyama

Karate: The Art of Empty Hand Fighting: The Groundbreaking Work on Karate Book by Hidetaka Nishiyama

Regular price $18.95 USD
Regular price $22.95 USD Sale price $18.95 USD
Super Dynamic Kicks Book by Chong Lee

Super Dynamic Kicks Book by Chong Lee

Regular price $39.95 USD
Regular price $49.00 USD Sale price $39.95 USD
Advanced Explosive Kicks Book by Chong Lee (Preowned)

Advanced Explosive Kicks Book by Chong Lee (Preowned)

Regular price $19.95 USD
Regular price Sale price $19.95 USD
Kicks for Competition Book by Chong Lee (Preowned)

Kicks for Competition Book by Chong Lee (Preowned)

Regular price $24.95 USD
Regular price Sale price $24.95 USD
Dynamic Nunchaku Book by Tadashi Yamashita (Preowned)

Dynamic Nunchaku Book by Tadashi Yamashita (Preowned)

Regular price $29.95 USD
Regular price Sale price $29.95 USD
The Complete Art of Breaking Book by Richard Byrne (Preowned)

The Complete Art of Breaking Book by Richard Byrne (Preowned)

Regular price $29.95 USD
Regular price Sale price $29.95 USD
Advanced Dynamic Kicks Book by George Chung & Cynthia Rothrock

Advanced Dynamic Kicks Book by George Chung & Cynthia Rothrock

Regular price $36.95 USD
Regular price $49.95 USD Sale price $36.95 USD
The Weaponless Warriors: An Informal History Of Okinawan Karate Book by Richard Kim

The Weaponless Warriors: An Informal History Of Okinawan Karate Book by Richard Kim

Regular price $36.95 USD
Regular price $49.95 USD Sale price $36.95 USD
Classical Kata of Okinawan Karate Book by Patrick McCarthy (Preowned)

Classical Kata of Okinawan Karate Book by Patrick McCarthy (Preowned)

Regular price $49.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $49.00 USD
Japan's Complete Fighting System: Shin Kage Ryu Book by Robin Reilly (Hardcover) (Preowned)

Japan's Complete Fighting System: Shin Kage Ryu Book by Robin Reilly (Hardcover) (Preowned)

Regular price $59.95 USD
Regular price Sale price $59.95 USD
Bo: Techniques, Forms, and Partner Practices of Ancient Okinawan Fighting Traditions (Ryukyu Bugei - Ancient Martial Arts of the Ryukyu Islands Book 6)

Bo: Techniques, Forms, and Partner Practices of Ancient Okinawan Fighting Traditions (Ryukyu Bugei - Ancient Martial Arts of the Ryukyu Islands Book 6)

Regular price $19.95 USD
Regular price $24.95 USD Sale price $19.95 USD
Oni Oshiro: Hero of Okinawan Martial Art (Ryukyu Bugei - Ancient Martial Arts of the Ryukyu Islands Book 5)

Oni Oshiro: Hero of Okinawan Martial Art (Ryukyu Bugei - Ancient Martial Arts of the Ryukyu Islands Book 5)

Regular price $13.95 USD
Regular price $19.95 USD Sale price $13.95 USD
Matsumura Sokon: The Seven Virtues of Martial Arts (Ryukyu Bugei - Ancient Martial Arts of the Ryukyu Islands Book 4)

Matsumura Sokon: The Seven Virtues of Martial Arts (Ryukyu Bugei - Ancient Martial Arts of the Ryukyu Islands Book 4)

Regular price $13.95 USD
Regular price $19.95 USD Sale price $13.95 USD
A Stroll Along Ryukyu Martial Arts History (Ryukyu Bugei - Ancient Martial Arts of the Ryukyu Islands Book 3)

A Stroll Along Ryukyu Martial Arts History (Ryukyu Bugei - Ancient Martial Arts of the Ryukyu Islands Book 3)

Regular price $18.95 USD
Regular price $29.95 USD Sale price $18.95 USD
My Art and Skill of Karate by Choki Motobu (Ryukyu Bugei - Ancient Martial Arts of the Ryukyu Islands Book 2)

My Art and Skill of Karate by Choki Motobu (Ryukyu Bugei - Ancient Martial Arts of the Ryukyu Islands Book 2)

Regular price $23.95 USD
Regular price $29.95 USD Sale price $23.95 USD
Okinawan Samurai: The Instructions of a Royal Official to his Only Son (Ryukyu Bugei - Ancient Martial Arts of the Ryukyu Islands Book 1)

Okinawan Samurai: The Instructions of a Royal Official to his Only Son (Ryukyu Bugei - Ancient Martial Arts of the Ryukyu Islands Book 1)

Regular price $23.95 USD
Regular price $29.95 USD Sale price $23.95 USD