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.

The Complete Martial Artist Vol 2 Book by Hee Il Cho (Preowned)

The Complete Martial Artist Vol 2 Book by Hee Il Cho (Preowned)

Regular price $19.95 USD
Regular price Sale price $19.95 USD
Basic Formal Exercises of Book by Motokatsu Inoue (Preowned)

Basic Formal Exercises of Book by Motokatsu Inoue (Preowned)

Regular price $89.95 USD
Regular price Sale price $89.95 USD
Karate's Universal Codeword: The Mysterious Origins, Meaning & Usage of the Word OSS in the Martial Arts Book by Toshinori Ohmori

Karate's Universal Codeword: The Mysterious Origins, Meaning & Usage of the Word OSS in the Martial Arts Book by Toshinori Ohmori

Regular price $14.99 USD
Regular price $19.95 USD Sale price $14.99 USD
Solo Training: The Martial Artist's Home Training Guide Book by Loren Christensen

Solo Training: The Martial Artist's Home Training Guide Book by Loren Christensen

Regular price $19.95 USD
Regular price $24.95 USD Sale price $19.95 USD
Solo Training 2: The Martial Artist's Guide to Building the Core Book by Loren Christensen

Solo Training 2: The Martial Artist's Guide to Building the Core Book by Loren Christensen

Regular price $18.95 USD
Regular price $24.95 USD Sale price $18.95 USD
The Way of Sanchin Kata—The Application of Power Book by Kris Wilder

The Way of Sanchin Kata—The Application of Power Book by Kris Wilder

Regular price $19.95 USD
Regular price $24.95 USD Sale price $19.95 USD
Karate for Everyone Book (With QR Codes) by Eiji Takigawa

Karate for Everyone Book (With QR Codes) by Eiji Takigawa

Regular price $26.95 USD
Regular price Sale price $26.95 USD
Introduction to Ryukyu Kobudo Bojutsu Book by Katsumi Murakami (Preowned)

Introduction to Ryukyu Kobudo Bojutsu Book by Katsumi Murakami (Preowned)

Regular price $49.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $49.00 USD
Freestyle Kyokushin Karate Book & DVD by Akira Masuda (Preowned)

Freestyle Kyokushin Karate Book & DVD by Akira Masuda (Preowned)

Regular price $99.00 USD
Regular price $199.00 USD Sale price $99.00 USD
Boys Karate Book by Mas Oyama (Preowned)

Boys Karate Book by Mas Oyama (Preowned)

Regular price $149.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $149.00 USD
Okinawa Karate Shohei Ryu 2 Book Set (Hardcover)(Preowned)

Okinawa Karate Shohei Ryu 2 Book Set (Hardcover)(Preowned)

Regular price $179.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $179.00 USD
Okinawa Goju Ryu KARATE-DO Book by Eiichi Miyazato (Preowned)

Okinawa Goju Ryu KARATE-DO Book by Eiichi Miyazato (Preowned)

Regular price $599.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $599.00 USD
Rentan Goshin Karate Jutsu Book by Gichin Funakoshi (Preowned)

Rentan Goshin Karate Jutsu Book by Gichin Funakoshi (Preowned)

Regular price $799.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $799.00 USD
Budo Nippon Book 2 by Tetsuro Morikawa (Preowned)

Budo Nippon Book 2 by Tetsuro Morikawa (Preowned)

Regular price $299.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $299.00 USD
Goju Ryu Karate Book by Gogen The Cat Yamaguchi (Hardcover) (Preowned)

Goju Ryu Karate Book by Gogen The Cat Yamaguchi (Hardcover) (Preowned)

Regular price $999.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $999.00 USD
New Theory of Kyokushin Karate Book & DVD by Noriyasu Hamai (Preowned)

New Theory of Kyokushin Karate Book & DVD by Noriyasu Hamai (Preowned)

Regular price $69.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $69.00 USD
Goju Ryu Karate Book 2 by Gosei Yamaguchi (Preowned)

Goju Ryu Karate Book 2 by Gosei Yamaguchi (Preowned)

Regular price $49.95 USD
Regular price $69.00 USD Sale price $49.95 USD
Master Wado Ryu Karate Book by Hironori Otsuka

Master Wado Ryu Karate Book by Hironori Otsuka

Regular price $22.95 USD
Regular price $39.00 USD Sale price $22.95 USD
Secrets of Chinese Karate Book by Ed Parker

Secrets of Chinese Karate Book by Ed Parker

Regular price $14.95 USD
Regular price $19.95 USD Sale price $14.95 USD
The Book of Wing Chun Book 2: Dummies & Weapons by Chu Shong Tin

The Book of Wing Chun Book 2: Dummies & Weapons by Chu Shong Tin

Regular price $149.00 USD
Regular price $199.00 USD Sale price $149.00 USD