Karate Books

Karate, (空手) 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.

Secrets of American Kung-Fu: Art of the Warrior Book by John La Tourrette (Preowned)

Secrets of American Kung-Fu: Art of the Warrior Book by John La Tourrette (Preowned)

Regular price $49.95 USD
Regular price Sale price $49.95 USD
Shotokan Karate of America: The First Twenty Years Book by Tsutomu Ohshima (SIGNED) (Preowned)

Shotokan Karate of America: The First Twenty Years Book by Tsutomu Ohshima (SIGNED) (Preowned)

Regular price $399.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $399.00 USD
Goju Ryu Karate Senbukan Dojo 6 Month Correspondence Course 7 Book Set with Certificate (Preowned)

Goju Ryu Karate Senbukan Dojo 6 Month Correspondence Course 7 Book Set with Certificate (Preowned)

Regular price $499.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $499.00 USD
Okinawa Kempo: Karate-Jutsu on Kumite Book by Choki Motobu (Preowned)

Okinawa Kempo: Karate-Jutsu on Kumite Book by Choki Motobu (Preowned)

Regular price $149.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $149.00 USD
Karate: A Master's Secrets of Uechi Ryu Book by Ihor Rymaruk (SIGNED)

Karate: A Master's Secrets of Uechi Ryu Book by Ihor Rymaruk (SIGNED)

Regular price $59.00 USD
Regular price $49.00 USD Sale price $59.00 USD
Karate: A Master's Secrets of Uechi Ryu Book by Ihor Rymaruk

Karate: A Master's Secrets of Uechi Ryu Book by Ihor Rymaruk

Regular price $49.00 USD
Regular price $49.00 USD Sale price $49.00 USD
How to Master Bruce Lee's Fighting System Book by Joe Lewis (Preowned)

How to Master Bruce Lee's Fighting System Book by Joe Lewis (Preowned)

Regular price $59.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $59.00 USD
The Deep Meaning of Kata Book

The Deep Meaning of Kata Book

Regular price $26.95 USD
Regular price $39.00 USD Sale price $26.95 USD
Fundamental Iron Skills: Tempering Body and Limbs with Ancient Methods Book by Dale Dugas

Fundamental Iron Skills: Tempering Body and Limbs with Ancient Methods Book by Dale Dugas

Regular price $24.95 USD
Regular price $29.95 USD Sale price $24.95 USD
The Heart of Karate-Do Book by Shigeru Egami (Hardcover) (Preowned)

The Heart of Karate-Do Book by Shigeru Egami (Hardcover) (Preowned)

Regular price $79.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $79.00 USD
The Way of Karate: Beyond Technique Book by Shigeru Egami (Hardcover) (Preowned)

The Way of Karate: Beyond Technique Book by Shigeru Egami (Hardcover) (Preowned)

Regular price $109.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $109.00 USD
Master of Martial Arts: The Secrets and Physics of Judo, Karate, Kenpo, and Aikido Book by Kunio Yasue

Master of Martial Arts: The Secrets and Physics of Judo, Karate, Kenpo, and Aikido Book by Kunio Yasue

Regular price $49.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $49.00 USD
Karatedo Articles Book by Gichin Funakoshi

Karatedo Articles Book by Gichin Funakoshi

Regular price $24.95 USD
Regular price $29.95 USD Sale price $24.95 USD
Karate Basic Principles Book by Albrecht Pfluger (Preowned)

Karate Basic Principles Book by Albrecht Pfluger (Preowned)

Regular price $9.95 USD
Regular price Sale price $9.95 USD
25 Shotokan Kata Book by Shojiro Sugiyama (Revised Edition)

25 Shotokan Kata Book by Shojiro Sugiyama (Revised Edition)

Regular price $139.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $139.00 USD
Legend of the Fist Book by Patrick McCarthy

Legend of the Fist Book by Patrick McCarthy

Regular price $39.95 USD
Regular price $49.00 USD Sale price $39.95 USD
Kenpo Karate The Law of the Fist and the Empty Hand Book by Ed Parker (1st Edition) (Preowned)

Kenpo Karate The Law of the Fist and the Empty Hand Book by Ed Parker (1st Edition) (Preowned)

Regular price $179.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $179.00 USD
My Journey in Karate: The Sabaki Way Book by Joko Ninomiya (Preowned)

My Journey in Karate: The Sabaki Way Book by Joko Ninomiya (Preowned)

Regular price $14.95 USD
Regular price $24.95 USD Sale price $14.95 USD
Be Like Water: Practical Wisdom from the Martial Arts Book by Joseph Cardillo

Be Like Water: Practical Wisdom from the Martial Arts Book by Joseph Cardillo

Regular price $14.95 USD
Regular price $19.95 USD Sale price $14.95 USD
Mu Tau the Modern Greek Karate Book by Jim Arvanitis **SIGNED** (Preowned)

Mu Tau the Modern Greek Karate Book by Jim Arvanitis **SIGNED** (Preowned)

Regular price $99.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $99.00 USD