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.

Karate Dojo: Traditions & Tales of a Martial Art Book by Peter Urban

Karate Dojo: Traditions & Tales of a Martial Art Book by Peter Urban

Regular price $24.00 CAD
Regular price $29.00 CAD Sale price $24.00 CAD
Karate Kata Heian 5 Book by Masatoshi Nakayama (Preowned) - Budovideos Inc

Karate Kata Heian 5 Book by Masatoshi Nakayama (Preowned)

Regular price $56.00 CAD
Regular price Sale price $56.00 CAD
Karate Kata Heian 4 Book by Masatoshi Nakayama (Preowned) - Budovideos Inc

Karate Kata Heian 4 Book by Masatoshi Nakayama (Preowned)

Regular price $57.00 CAD
Regular price Sale price $57.00 CAD
Karate Kata Tekki 2 & Tekki 3 Book by Masatoshi Nakayama (Preowned) - Budovideos Inc

Karate Kata Tekki 2 & Tekki 3 Book by Masatoshi Nakayama (Preowned)

Regular price $43.00 CAD
Regular price Sale price $43.00 CAD
The Manual of Karate Book by EJ Harrison (Hardcover) (Preowned) - Budovideos Inc

The Manual of Karate Book by EJ Harrison (Hardcover) (Preowned)

Regular price $43.00 CAD
Regular price Sale price $43.00 CAD
Modern Karate & Kung Fu: Iron Poison Hand Training Book by James Yimm Lee (Preowned) - Budovideos Inc

Modern Karate & Kung Fu: Iron Poison Hand Training Book by James Yimm Lee (Preowned)

Regular price $281.00 CAD
Regular price Sale price $281.00 CAD
Karate Plus Combat Judo Book (Preowned) - Budovideos Inc

Karate Plus Combat Judo Book (Preowned)

Regular price $36.00 CAD
Regular price Sale price $36.00 CAD
Karate: Beginner to Black Belt Book by H.D. Plee (Preowned) - Budovideos Inc

Karate: Beginner to Black Belt Book by H.D. Plee (Preowned)

Regular price $19.00 CAD
Regular price Sale price $19.00 CAD
Karate: Art of Empty Hand Fighting Book by Hidetaka Nishiyama (Preowned) - Budovideos Inc

Karate: Art of Empty Hand Fighting Book by Hidetaka Nishiyama (Hardcover) (Preowned)

Regular price $19.00 CAD
Regular price Sale price $19.00 CAD
Karate: Oriental Self-Defense Book by James Yimm Lee (Preowned) - Budovideos Inc

Karate: Oriental Self-Defense Book by James Yimm Lee (Preowned)

Regular price $281.00 CAD
Regular price Sale price $281.00 CAD
Karate & judo exercises: physical conditioning for Oriental sport fighting arts Book by Bruce Tegner (Preowned) - Budovideos Inc

Karate & judo exercises: physical conditioning for Oriental sport fighting arts Book by Bruce Tegner (Preowned)

Regular price $56.00 CAD
Regular price Sale price $56.00 CAD
Basic Kata of 4 Major Schools of Karate Book & DVD by Rika Usami - Budovideos Inc

Basic Kata of 4 Major Schools of Karate Book & DVD by Rika Usami

Regular price $43.00 CAD
Regular price $56.00 CAD Sale price $43.00 CAD
Winning Karate Book by Kazuyoshi Ishii (Preowned)

Winning Karate Book by Kazuyoshi Ishii (Preowned)

Regular price $71.00 CAD
Regular price $126.00 CAD Sale price $71.00 CAD
Secret Fighting Arts of the World Book by John Gilbey (Hardcover) (Preowned) - Budovideos Inc

Secret Fighting Arts of the World Book by John Gilbey (Hardcover) (Preowned)

Regular price $22.00 CAD
Regular price $27.00 CAD Sale price $22.00 CAD
Dynamic Kicks: Essentials for Free Fighting Book by Chong Lee (Preowned) - Budovideos Inc

Dynamic Kicks: Essentials for Free Fighting Book by Chong Lee (Preowned)

Regular price $36.00 CAD
Regular price Sale price $36.00 CAD
Okinawa Shorin Book Taught by Okinawan Karate Master Tadashi Yamashita

Okinawa Shorin Book Taught by Okinawan Karate Master Tadashi Yamashita

Regular price $64.00 CAD
Regular price $70.00 CAD Sale price $64.00 CAD
Techniques in Free Fighting Book by Shin Duk Kang (Preowned) - Budovideos Inc

Techniques in Free Fighting Book by Shin Duk Kang (Preowned)

Regular price $36.00 CAD
Regular price $41.00 CAD Sale price $36.00 CAD
Gosoku Ryu Karate: Kumite 1 Book by Takayuki Kubota (Preowned) - Budovideos Inc

Gosoku Ryu Karate: Kumite 1 Book by Takayuki Kubota (Preowned)

Regular price $29.00 CAD
Regular price $41.00 CAD Sale price $29.00 CAD
From Kata to Competition: The Complete Karate Handbook by Alex Sternberg (Preowned)

From Kata to Competition: The Complete Karate Handbook by Alex Sternberg (Preowned)

Regular price $67.00 CAD
Regular price Sale price $67.00 CAD
The Art of Karate Weapons Book by George Parulski (Preowned) - Budovideos Inc

The Art of Karate Weapons Book by George Parulski (Preowned)

Regular price $29.00 CAD
Regular price Sale price $29.00 CAD