So, want to increase your knowledge and understanding of Karate and Martial Arts?

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Or perhaps you’re an advanced student who is already familiar with the fundamentals, in search of more advanced techniques to learn.

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Karate training is not just a regimen that will strengthen the body and teach you excellent self-defence, it also has a strong foundation in "Zen Buddhism” that will help you train your body and mind. Nearly everyone wants to improve themselves–they want to be stronger, more agile, sharper.

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Either way, the information included below will be a great help to you on your martial arts journey

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Criteria for Evaluating the Best Karate Books

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First: The Authors credentials

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Karate-Masters: These are persons generally highly ranked in the “dan” system and come from respected styles and traditions. They have taught many students and the schools at which they teach are well respected.

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Belt rankings: Generally, a work that has been written by anyone less than a 5th Dan above is a sign that they haven’t had the years of experience necessary to be an authority about the topic on which they’re writing.

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Lineage Founders: These are perhaps the best people whose work you should be reading. As the founders of their lineage, they are the primary expert on the topic.

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Second: Topics Covered

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Forms and Techniques: This is perhaps the most basic kind of book that you’re going to come across. It will have pages filled with different kinds of techniques and forms. These works are usually heavily illustrated and filled with many different photographs to demonstrate the forms.

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Some works delve into the Spirit & Philosophy that underlays the martial art. To some students, this may seem boring and unimportant. However, for anyone truly wishing to become a master and understand the sport to its core, these kinds of works are essential reading.

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An Autobiography tells the story of someone’s life, from their own perspective. Sometimes they will contain a bit of information about techniques, but this is not usually their goal

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Ideally, before picking up a book, you will do some investigating to figure out the credentials of the writer. There are many things you can do, the first and least of which is reading the small blurb on the book jacket. You will want to see who the author studied under, what their belt ranking is, and if they are a “Dan” of any level. Keep an eye out to see if you recognize any famous or notable teachers in their lineage–this is usually a clue that they are highly skilled and well-trained.