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.

Revealing the Secret of One Strike Kills Book by Takahiro Kondo (Preowned)

Revealing the Secret of One Strike Kills Book by Takahiro Kondo (Preowned)

Regular price $49.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $49.00 USD
Nihon Budo Jiten: Illustrated Dictionary of Japanese Martial Arts Book (Hardcover) (Preowned)

Nihon Budo Jiten: Illustrated Dictionary of Japanese Martial Arts Book (Hardcover) (Preowned)

Regular price $59.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $59.00 USD
Busen Arakawa 11 Book Set (Nunchaku, Bo, Tonfa, Budo Spirit) (Preowned)

Busen Arakawa 11 Book Set (Nunchaku, Bo, Tonfa, Budo Spirit) (Preowned)

Regular price $799.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $799.00 USD
Goju Ryu Karate Senbukan Dojo Correspondence Course 5 Book Set with Certificate (Preowned)

Goju Ryu Karate Senbukan Dojo Correspondence Course 5 Book Set with Certificate (Preowned)

Regular price $499.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $499.00 USD
Speed Kicking for a Fighting Chance: How to Kick Him Before he Sees Your Foot Move Book by John La Tourrette

Speed Kicking for a Fighting Chance: How to Kick Him Before he Sees Your Foot Move Book by John La Tourrette

Regular price $49.95 USD
Regular price Sale price $49.95 USD
Goju Ryu Karate Do: Fundamentals for Traditional Practitioners Book by Motoo Yamakura

Goju Ryu Karate Do: Fundamentals for Traditional Practitioners Book by Motoo Yamakura

Regular price $24.95 USD
Regular price Sale price $24.95 USD
Shotokan Karate Katas Book 1: Kanku-Dai by Hirokaza Kanazawa (Preowned)

Shotokan Karate Katas Book 1: Kanku-Dai by Hirokaza Kanazawa (Preowned)

Regular price $39.95 USD
Regular price Sale price $39.95 USD
Wansu Kata of Isshin Ryu Book by Steve Armstrong (Preowned)

Wansu Kata of Isshin Ryu Book by Steve Armstrong (Preowned)

Regular price $89.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $89.00 USD
Naihanchi Kata of Isshin Ryu Book by Steve Armstrong (Preowned)

Naihanchi Kata of Isshin Ryu Book by Steve Armstrong (Preowned)

Regular price $89.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $89.00 USD
Dynamics of Isshin Ryu Karate Book 2: Blue & Green Belt by Harold Long & Allen Wheeler

Dynamics of Isshin Ryu Karate Book 2: Blue & Green Belt by Harold Long & Allen Wheeler

Regular price $29.95 USD
Regular price Sale price $29.95 USD
Masao Kawasoe, 8th Dan: Recollections of a Shotokan Karate Master the Early Years (1945-1975)

Masao Kawasoe, 8th Dan: Recollections of a Shotokan Karate Master the Early Years (1945-1975)

Regular price $49.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $49.00 USD
Isshin Ryu Karate: The One Heart Method Book by Steve Armstrong

Isshin Ryu Karate: The One Heart Method Book by Steve Armstrong

Regular price $89.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $89.00 USD
Motobu Choki Karate - My Art Book (Revised Edition)

Motobu Choki Karate - My Art Book (Revised Edition)

Regular price $39.95 USD
Regular price $49.95 USD Sale price $39.95 USD
Shito Ryu Karate Do Vol 1 Basics Book by Keiji Tomiyama (Preowned)

Shito Ryu Karate Do Vol 1 Basics Book by Keiji Tomiyama (Preowned)

Regular price $69.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $69.00 USD
What is Karate Book by Mas Oyama (New Edition)(Hardcover)(Preowned)

What is Karate Book by Mas Oyama (New Edition)(Hardcover)(Preowned)

Regular price $149.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $149.00 USD
Conversations With the Master: Masatoshi Nakayama Book by Randall Hassell (Preowned)

Conversations With the Master: Masatoshi Nakayama Book by Randall Hassell (Preowned)

Regular price $49.95 USD
Regular price Sale price $49.95 USD
Tonfa: Karate Weapon of Self Defense Book by Fumio Demura (Preowned)

Tonfa: Karate Weapon of Self Defense Book by Fumio Demura (Preowned)

Regular price $24.95 USD
Regular price Sale price $24.95 USD
The Book of Five Rings Showa 5 Book Set by Mas Oyama (Hardcover) (Preowned)

The Book of Five Rings Showa 5 Book Set by Mas Oyama (Hardcover) (Preowned)

Regular price $169.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $169.00 USD
Fumio Demura in his Own Words Book by Jose Fraguas

Fumio Demura in his Own Words Book by Jose Fraguas

Regular price $29.95 USD
Regular price $39.95 USD Sale price $29.95 USD