The Best Books to learn Shotokan Karate

When it comes to learning Karate, there are numerous styles and disciplines to choose. From Kyokushin, to Wado-ryu, to Shotokan there is a good choice to look through. Here, we shall primarily be focusing on the best Shotokan books so if you train Shotokan, then you’re in luck.

Of course, the beauty of Karate is that all styles ultimately blend into each other. With this said, even if you train a different style, then reading about Shotokan can really help add more moves and techniques to your arsenal. Because of this, it could be argued that these Shotokan books are just as valuable to their own art, as they are to other areas of Karate. The criteria for this list is based on price, quality, and how good the teaching is. In short, if you want to learn by reading books then you’ve come to the correct place.

The Shotokan Karate Bible by Ashley P. Martin

This book aims to speed up the learning process and take you from a white belt to a black belt in the most efficient way possible. Usually, this takes around 4 years on average, but maybe far less after reading this. Learning is enhanced by a number of diagrams that help break down techniques in further detail.

In brief, the book is divided into three areas; kata, kumite and gradings and goes into great detail on how to maximize your time during each activity. Author Ashley P. Martin is also an experienced Karateka who runs his own Karate gym, so he knows what he’s on about.

Shotokan Karate by Joachim Grupp

With over 500 photos, this book is literally devoted to Shotokan Karate and is perfect for visual learners. Specifically, a lot of this book also looks at katas Heian 1-5, Tekki 1 and Bassai-Dai so if you’re into those then you’re in luck. What’s also nice about this book is that it’s literally suitable for all. Sometimes books are geared towards newbies or advanced practitioners with little in between. Thankfully, that isn’t an issue here as all levels are addressed.

The Essential Karate Book by Graeme Lund

At over 250 pages, The Essential Karate book is like a mini encyclopedia that covers just about all aspects of Karate. For instance, it even covers areas on weapons as well as MMA training. Not only this but it even looks at the history of Karate and how to behave using the correct etiquette.

Because of this, it offers a bit of something for everyone and is very broad in its approach. If you’re after specific details then more niche books may be more suitable. Nonetheless, for beginners this book is excellent.

Shotokan Karate: Its History and Evolution by Randall Hassell and Jose Fraguas

This book is based on the historic details of Shotokan Karate and is not suited if you’re looking to learn moves of techniques. However, for historians amongst us – it is ideal. Here, the authors go into great detail about the origins and developments of Shotokan and the culture that surrounds it. Interestingly, it also features rare photos that are apparently never-seen-before. Because of this, it’s very interesting and is something a bit different.

Introduction to Karate-do by Michael Mantz and Tom Muzila

Introduction to Karate-do is based purely on Shotokan and goes over a bit of everything. Not only is it based on kata and acquiring techniques, it also delves into the philosophical slant of Karate. In other words, it is a true martial artists book that also looks at the spiritual side of things.

This book is also beginner friendly and uses language and terms that everyone can understand. As a result, it has a strong take on the fundamentals that will set up your learning forever.

Complete Shotokan Karate by Robin L. Reilly

At over 230 pages in length – this is effectively two books in one. The first part is based on Karate in a historic sense, and tries to trace its origins. Although it has long been associated with Japan, according to Reilly it could have stemmed from India, China or even Greece.

However, the second part is completely different and focuses on learning techniques. Here, Reilly uses over 600 photos and diagrams to clearly outline how to perform moves effectively.

Shotokan Mysteries by Kousaku Yokota

Sometimes, Shotokan is referred to as ‘the forgotten art’ which is where Yokota tries to trace and outline the roots of Karate. In other words, this book is a cultural take on Karate, more than one based on learning moves or training. Taking a historian’s perspective, Yokota addresses key issues about the mysteries of Shotokan.

He also has a separate book called Shotokan Myths which also dispels some of the falsehoods surrounding the art. This would make a nice gift for someone who is interested in learning the finer details of the art.

Shotokan Karate: Practical Combat Karate For The Street by Joseph Truncale

Unlike the other books on this list, this is based solely on self defense and street fighting by using Karate techniques. Obviously, that is what Karate was made for and some would argue it has lost its way in modern times. Here, Truncale goes over an array of techniques, from strikes to throws – all the hand-to-hand combat moves are shown here.

He also has a section on how to defend against weapons, as well as use them yourself. For those aware of Kobudo, you will know that Karate has a long and rich history based on weapons. With this in mind, this book should hopefully teach you how to successfully block and disarm weapons under the cloak of Shotokan.

The Advanced Shotokan Karate Bible by Ashley Martin

Ashley Martin expands on his previous Shotokan Karate book with one that is suited for experienced practitioners. In short, if you’re new to Karate or inexperienced then this book may not be for you. Instead, it is aimed towards those who have been training for years as the sub-title puts it, ‘black belt and beyond’.

A good feature about this book is that it also outlines how to pass grading exams. Sometimes even the best Karateka can fail grading ceremonies if they’re unprepared or nervous. Here, Martin will put you at ease and explains everything in a calm and concise manner.

Shotokan Karate kata vol.2 by Joachim Grupp

This book does a great job going through all of the 26 katas that are used in Shotokan Karate. Here, Grupp compliments these techniques by using over 600 photos to aid his teachings. As the title suggests, this book is devoted to kata. If you’re looking to learn about the history of Shotokan, or you’re looking at kumite then this book isn’t suited for you.

In other words, it’s perfect for those who simply want to drill moves. Especially for those wanting to learn alone, this book is ideal and is packed full of useful insight.