Discipline and strength: the best books on Karate
Karate —also pronounced karate— is a traditional martial art that combines some styles of Chinese martial arts and postures that originated on the Japanese island of Okinawa. Today, this discipline is mainly characterized by the use of punches, blocks, kicks and open-hand strikes. The names of the techniques are given according to the part of the body to be defended or attacked.
Both the birth of Karate and its evolution and subsequent expansion throughout the world have generated much interest from historians and martial artists alike, who have done an exceptional job creating texts that document the history of this noble discipline. In this list we present the best books that have been written on the subject.
But first: a brief historical context on Karate
Origins
According to historians, Karate has its origins during the 16th century in the native martial arts of the Ryukyu Islands, a place that is now known as the Blue Zone of Okinawa. This practice was originally created out of a need by the island's native warriors, the Pechin, to protect Shō Tai, the last king of the place, and themselves from abuses perpetrated by the samurai.
As time passed, The art spread and began to be taught systematically in Japan after the Taisho era in the 20th century. The cultural exchange between the Japanese and the inhabitants of the Ryukyu Islands strengthened the discipline, enjoying unifying elements such as strength, speed, breathing, balance, pressure and relaxation, precision and other bases that we will see below.
These are the best books to learn about Karate
Karate-Do, my path: Autobiography (2017), by Gichin Funakoshi
Master Gichin Funakoshi, founder of the Shotokan style, shares his life and philosophy through an intimate and thoughtful narrative. From his childhood in Okinawa to his key role in spreading Karate in Japan and the world, Funakoshi recounts his experiences with a humility and wisdom that reflects his years of practice.
Throughout the book, the author not only describes his training and the development of modern Karate, but also conveys the lessons of discipline, perseverance, and self-improvement that guided him. More than just an autobiography, This work is a testimony to the essence of karate-do as a way of life., where technique and spirit intertwine to form a martial art based on respect and self-discipline.
Gichin Funakoshi quotes
- «Karate begins and ends with «Rei» (Greeting – Courtesy)».
- "In Karate there is no first attack, nor first offense."
- "Karate must be on the side of justice."
- "Before trying to know others, know yourself."
- "Spirit is more important than technique."
Karate complete kata manual (2011), by Hirokazu Kanazawa
In this seminal work, renowned master Hirokazu Kanazawa, one of the most influential figures in Shotokan karate, presents a comprehensive guide to katas, sequences of movements that encapsulate the essence and technique of traditional KarateThe author creates a detailed and clear structure, where he provides instructions on the execution of each kata.
His explanations are accompanied by illustrations of their meaning, applications and tactical principles. Kanazawa He not only shares his deep technical knowledge, but also the philosophy and discipline that underpins the practice. of Karate as a path of personal development and physical improvement.
Hirokazu Kanazawa quotes
- "When a Samurai says he will do something, it is as if it were already done. Nothing on this earth will stop him from carrying out what he has said he will do. He does not have to give his word or promise. The mere act of speaking has set in motion the act of doing."
- “To be a good instructor you need to understand your students. I have to understand my students and understand the different kind of culture we have. I have tried to take the best of these two worlds, balance it and teach it to my students.”
Bubishi: the karate bible (2001), by Patrick McCarthy
This is an essential work for students of Karate and traditional martial arts. In this book, renowned historian and karate master Patrick McCarthy presents a translation and analysis of the Bubishi, an ancient Chinese manuscript that profoundly influenced the development of the discipline in Okinawa.
El Bubishi It contains knowledge on combat tactics, vital points, traditional medicine, strategy and martial philosophy. McCarthy not only translates the original text, but enriches it with commentaries and explanations that help the reader understand its historical and practical importance.
Patrick McCarthy Quotes
- «I have always had a natural affinity for kata and was drawn to it early in my training during the 1960s.»
- «An integral part of being able to protect oneself is the ability to sense and/or identify behavior commonly associated with hostile intent.»
Kyokushin: evolution without forgetting tradition (2021), by Shihan Fernando Pérez
Shihan Fernando Pérez explores the legacy and evolution of Kyokushin Karate, one of the most demanding and respected styles within the martial arts. Through a detailed analysis, The author delves into the history, fundamental principles and philosophy of this discipline, created by the legendary Mas Oyama.
The book addresses the importance of balance between tradition and modernity, showing how Kyokushin has evolved over time without losing its essence. With technical explanations, anecdotes and reflections on the training and mindset of the karateka, this work becomes a valuable reference for both practitioners and instructors seeking to understand the depth and spirit of this martial art.
Quotes by Shihan Fernando Perez
- «In order for there to be competitors, instructors have to be involved. The classes that students receive in the dojo are not enough; extra classes have to be held with them.»
- «Karate has given me a lot, even on a personal level. I like training, I do it every day, it helps me to have a mental disconnection from work, from the pressure that you have on a daily basis.»
Karatejutsu. Okinawan Boxing: On partner work (2020), by Motobu Chôki
In this work, the legendary master Motobu Chôki, one of the most influential figures in Okinawan Karate, presents a unique and practical vision of karatejutsu, the martial art in its most combative and effective form. The book delves into duo training methods, essential for developing the real application of techniques in combat.
Through detailed explanations and illustrations, The text explains the importance of kumite as a learning resource, investigating defensive tactics, counterattacks and strategies based on the experience of Motobu himself, who was noted for his realistic approach to Karate.
Karate-Do Kyohan (2010), by Gichin Funakoshi
Considered the definitive manual of traditional Karate, Karate-Do Kyohan is Gichin Funakoshi's masterpiece. In this book, Funakoshi meticulously presents the fundamentals of karate-do, covering everything from posture and technique to the execution of katas and the practical application of combat.
Through detailed explanations, illustrations and photographs, the master describes the mechanics of the movements and transmits the philosophy that underpins this martial art: the search for self-control, discipline and respect. Beyond being a technical manual, This text is a whole methodology that allows us to understand karate-do as a way of seeing the world and life itself..
Complete Treatise on Karate (1984), by Hermenegildo Camps
It is a fundamental work for those who wish to acquire a deeper and more structured understanding of art. Written by Hermenegildo Camps, The book offers a detailed and methodical approach to the technical, tactical and philosophical principles of Karate, becoming an indispensable reference for both beginners and advanced practitioners.
Throughout its pages, the author addresses everything from the history and foundations of Karate to the execution of techniques, katas and combat strategies. In addition, Key aspects such as mental discipline, physical preparation and practical application are examined of movements in real situations.
