Self-Defense Secrets Revealed: 15 Must-Read Martial Arts Books
Martial arts have become increasingly popular in recent years as more people recognize the benefits of training for self-defense, physical fitness, mental discipline, and personal growth.
From traditional arts like karate, judo, and kung fu, to modern systems like Krav Maga and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), there is a diverse range of martial arts styles to choose from.
Books provide a great way to learn about different arts, techniques, history, and philosophy from the convenience of your home.
This comprehensive guide will explore the 15 best books to enhance your knowledge and training in martial arts and self-defense.
The practice of martial arts and self-defense has countless benefits beyond just protection. Regular training develops balance, coordination, flexibility, strength, and overall physical conditioning.
The mental aspect is equally important, helping to build focus, self-confidence, stress management, and self-mastery. Martial arts teach humility, and respect for others and provide a sense of community.
From a practical self-defense viewpoint, training enables you to defend against various types of assaults and protect yourself or loved ones from harm. Books allow you to learn techniques and strategies used by experts in the field.
This guide is organized by chapters, with each chapter focusing on a specific martial art and recommended books to learn them.
We will cover fundamental concepts for beginners, advanced techniques for experienced practitioners, fighting strategies, and training methods.
Books on martial arts philosophy will also be included to develop the holistic mindset critical for true mastery. Read on to discover the best martial arts and self-defense books to progress along your journey.
Fundamentals of Martial Arts
To build a solid foundation in any martial art, you first need to learn the basic concepts and techniques.
This chapter will introduce core principles common to most martial arts and recommend books that provide step-by-step guidance for beginners.
Martial arts generally involve the use of strikes, blocks, and stances. Strikes like punches, kicks, knees, and elbows are offensive techniques to hit an opponent.
Blocks defend against strikes by protecting target areas like the head and torso.
Stances are the positions adopted to maintain balance and mobility. Books that clearly explain these fundamentals using photos, illustrations, and detailed instructions are ideal for establishing martial arts groundwork.
Book Recommendations for Mastering the Fundamentals
1. “Isshin Ryu Karate: Training Manual” by Bryan C. Winkelman
This heavily illustrated manual provides excellent guidance for beginners on foundational karate techniques. It covers proper stances like front, back, and cat stance, and a variety of punches, blocks, and kicks. Useful tips are included such as generating power from the hips.
2. “Karate: A Comprehensive Guide to Traditional Japanese Karate” by Graeme Lund and Morne Swanepoel
The authors explain the core concepts and techniques of traditional karate in a well-organized, easy-to-follow format. Chapters on stances, etiquette, basic strikes, and blocks make this a great book for beginners. Photos depict the proper form.
3. “History of Karate and the Masters Who Made It” by Mark I. Cramer
Combining history and practical technique, this book traces karate’s origins and evolution. Early chapters provide a solid overview of fundamentals including stances like kiba-dachi (horse-riding stance), and foundational blocks and strikes.
The Art of Self-Defense
Knowing how to protect yourself in dangerous situations is a key benefit of martial arts training. This chapter focuses on books that teach effective, reality-based self-defense techniques and strategies.
The priority in self-defense is awareness — recognizing potential threats and avoiding dangerous situations. If confrontation is unavoidable, techniques that inflict damage and facilitate escape are essential.
Books that cover situational awareness, psychology of violence, and simple but high-impact techniques are recommended for self-defense.
Book Recommendations for Practical Self-Defense Strategies
1. “The Gift of Fear” by Gavin de Becker
This bestselling book teaches how to spot pre-incident indicators and trust your instincts to avoid potentially violent encounters. Essential reading to develop a self-defense mindset.
2. “Fighting Chance” by Loren W. Christensen
Christensen provides easy-to-learn, highly effective techniques for women’s self-defense in real-world scenarios. Also covers common sense strategies for avoiding and defusing violence.
3. “The Little Black Book of Violence” by Lawrence A. Kane and Kris Wilder
This concise manual focuses on high-efficiency techniques for damaging opponents. Material is organized clearly for quick reference in self-defense situations.
Karate Essentials
Originating on the Japanese island of Okinawa, Karate is one of the most popular martial arts. This chapter will recommend must-read books to learn the core techniques, history, and philosophy of Karate styles like Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, and Kyokushin.
Karate emphasizes powerful linear strikes delivered from stable stances. Common techniques include straight punches, elbow and knee strikes, and open-hand knife-hand strikes.
Roundhouse kicks are also staple Karate techniques. Training develops physical fitness along with mental focus and discipline. Knowledge of Karate’s history and evolution provides useful context.
Recommended Books for Learning Karate Techniques and Philosophy
1. “Isshin Ryu Karate: Training Manual” by Bryan C. Winkelman
Along with fundamentals covered earlier, this manual teaches more advanced strikes including vertical fist punches, backfists, and the uraken punch. Thorough chapters on kata and sparring for practical application.
2. “Karate: A Comprehensive Guide to Traditional Japanese Karate” by Graeme Lund and Morne Swanepoel
This book explains intricate details of specialized techniques like shuto-uke (knife hand block), empi-uchi (elbow strike), and mae geri (front kick). The historical knowledge presented is excellent.
3. “History of Karate and the Masters Who Made It” by Mark I. Cramer
Cramer provides an extensive history of karate’s development in Okinawa and its introduction to Japan. Chapters profile legendary masters like Funakoshi Gichin who helped popularize karate worldwide.
Taekwondo Unleashed
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art renowned for its arsenal of high, spinning, and jumping kicks. Recommended books here will teach Taekwondo techniques, forms, and strategies for sparring and competition.
Taekwondo emphasizes powerful kicking techniques normally performed from an upright stance. Stylistic kicks include axe kicks, hook kicks, and spinning hook kicks.
Taekwondo also practices forms (poomsae) which are sequences of defensive and offensive techniques. Books that break down these techniques along with competitive strategies are great resources.
Book Recommendations for Mastering Kicks, Punches, and Forms
1. “Advanced Taekwondo” by Sang H. Kim
Grandmaster Kim teaches over 50 kicking combinations in this illustrated guide. The Taekwondo forms fully explained will develop skills for passing rank tests. Advice on competing in WTF sport Taekwondo tournaments.
2. “Taekwondo Techniques and Tactics” by Gwang Kee
Co-written by 1988 Olympic gold medalist Kee, this book thoroughly covers poomsae forms along with step-by-step instructions for spinning hook kicks, back kicks, and jumping kicks. Drills to reinforce techniques.
3. “Be Water, My Friend” by Shannon Lee
Bruce Lee’s daughter provides rare insights into the martial arts philosophy behind Jeet Kune Do. Relevant for Taekwondo practitioners on cultivating adaptability and creative fighting.
Judo for Self-Defense
Judo is renowned for its throwing and grappling techniques. This chapter will focus on books that teach judo techniques from a self-defense perspective. Key concepts of judo will also be discussed.
Created in the late 19th century by Professor Jigoro Kano, judo emphasizes throws, pins, chokes, and arm locks.
Judo techniques use the opponent’s force against them, favoring timing and leverage over brute strength. Books that focus on judo’s self-defense applications teach skills to neutralize larger, stronger attackers.
Book Recommendations for Learning Judo Techniques for Self-Defense
1. “Judo Basics: Fundamentals of Judo” by Eric Dominy
Dominy breaks down essential judo techniques like the ogoshi hip throw and osoto gari major outer reap. A judo black belt, he highlights applicability to self-defense situations.
2. “Kodokan Judo: The Essential Guide to Judo by Its Founder Jigoro Kano” by Kano Jigoro
Written by Judo’s founder, this book outlines core judo concepts and principles. Techniques are explored in the context of self-improvement and spiritual development.
3. “The Complete Book of Self-Defense” by Bruce Tegner
Tegner covers various arts including judo, presenting the most practical techniques for self-defense scenarios. Standing and groundwork techniques explained for street applicability.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Mastery
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has become popular through MMA competition. Recommended books here will focus on learning authentic BJJ techniques for dominating the ground game.
Originating from Judo, BJJ emphasizes grappling and ground fighting. BJJ uses techniques like the guard, mount, back control, and leg locks to achieve dominant positions and submission holds.
Highly technical movements are taught in great detail. Books written by BJJ legends explain the nuances that distinguish high-level practitioners.
Book Recommendations for Learning BJJ Ground Fighting Techniques
1. “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide” by Darren Levine et al.
This visual guide illustrates over 250 techniques taught by high-level BJJ instructors. Covers takedowns, submissions, and defense from varying positions like guard and mount.
2. “Visual Jiu-Jitsu: The Art of Memorizing Techniques” by Cristiano Oliveira
Oliveira’s approach helps commit techniques to long-term memory. Uses illustrations, mind maps, and memory techniques taught by a 3rd degree BJJ black belt.
3. “Art of Peace: Teachings of the Founder of Aikido Morihei Ueshiba” by Ueshiba
Discover concepts like unbalancing opponents and gaining dominant angles shared by elite grapplers. Teachings from aikido’s founder relevant to BJJ strategy.
Kung Fu Wonders
Kung Fu is a diverse group of Chinese martial arts with hundreds of styles. Books recommended here will provide an excellent general foundation in traditional Kung Fu techniques and principles.
Known styles of Kung Fu include Shaolinquan, Wing Chun, Praying Mantis, and Tai Chi Chuan, each with unique teachings.
Common among these is the emphasis on posture, relaxation, balance, and whole-body unity. Books that capture the depth and essence of traditional Kung Fu are worthwhile additions to your library.
Book Recommendations for Learning Kung Fu Techniques and Philosophy
1. “Kung Fu Basics” by Paul Eng
Covers concepts like footwork, stances, blocks and strikes from various Kung Fu styles. Over 500 color photos illustrate detailed instructions for forms and partner drills to gain practical skills.
2. “The Complete Book of Kung Fu” by Wong Kiew Kit
Sifu Wong covers fundamental concepts and techniques drawing from many styles. Essential reading for a solid foundation, before learning a specific system like Wing Chun or Tai Chi.
3. “The Tao of Gung Fu” by Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee discusses his personal martial arts philosophy molded by Wing Chun, T’ai chi, and Western boxing. Principles are applicable for developing skills in any style.
Boxing for Beginners
As one of the world’s most popular combat sports, boxing teaches effective punching skills and footwork. Recommended books here will help beginners learn proper boxing fundamentals.
Boxing emphasizes landing punches quickly and powerfully while maintaining defense. Crucial skills include proper footwork and head movement, punching technique, and combinations.
Defense is based on keeping hands high to guard and block. Books that break down these essentials with pictures and drills are ideal for novices.
Book Recommendations for Learning Boxing Techniques and Training
1. “Boxing Basics” by Alan Lachica
Covers fundamentals from stance and footwork to jabs, hooks, and combinations. Lachica uses photographs, illustrations, and punch-by-punch descriptions suitable for visual learners.
2. “Championship Fighting: Explosive Punching and Aggressive Defense” by Jack Dempsey
This classic by the legendary Dempsey focuses on developing knockout power. Details effective techniques for footwork, body rotation, and combinations.
3. “Box Like the Pros” by Joe Frazier and William Dettloff
Heavyweight champion Frazier reveals insider tips learned through experience. Emphasizes proper rhythm and timing for countering and setting up KOs.
Krav Maga Essentials
Developed for the Israeli military, Krav Maga is a brutal self-defense system. Recommended books will teach lethal Krav Maga techniques to neutralize and counter violent attacks.
Krav Maga prioritizes realistic techniques for surviving street confrontations. Core concepts include threat neutralization by targeting vulnerable areas of the body.
Books teach essential strikes like eye gouges and groin kicks. Krav Maga’s emphasis on aggression and continuous motion is also covered.
Book Recommendations for Mastering Krav Maga Techniques
1. “Krav Maga: How to Defend Yourself Against Armed Assault” by Imi Sde-Or
Created by Krav Maga founder Imi Lichtenfeld, this book breaks down core techniques to counter violent attacks and weapons. Teaches positioning, movement, and psychology for self-defense.
2. “Black Belt Krav Maga” by Darren Levine and Ryan Hoover
Covers Krav Maga’s core principles stressing instinctive response and continuous motion. Teaches essential strikes and defenses against knives, guns, and other dangers.
3. “Attack Proof” by John Perkins
Perkins delves into situational and conflict avoidance awareness. Detailed instruction on brutal gouges, strikes, and leverage techniques for prevailing in violence.
Wing Chun Wisdom
Developed by a Shaolin nun, Wing Chun Kung Fu utilizes economic movements and unique concepts. Recommended books will teach the principles and techniques that make Wing Chun a highly effective self-defense system.
Wing Chun is known for straight-line movements, simultaneous attack and defense, and generating power from the hips and core.
Important skills taught include chain punching, Pak Sao (slapping block), and Chi Sao (sticky hands). Books that decode these mysterious concepts provide valuable Wing Chun knowledge.
Book Recommendations for Learning Wing Chun Techniques and Principles
1. “Wing Chun Kung Fu” by Yip Chun
Written by legendary Grandmaster Yip Man’s eldest son, this book shares authentic Wing Chun principles. Goes in-depth on Sil Lim Tao first form and Chi Sao.
2. “Wing Chun: Traditional Chinese Kung Fu for Self-Defense and Health” by Ip Chun and Michael Tse
Ip Chun, Yip Man’s youngest disciple, explains Wing Chun theory like centerline and economy of motion. Detailed instructions and photos of techniques.
3. “The Tao of Gung Fu” by Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee studied Wing Chun under Yip Man, integrating its concepts into Jeet Kune Do. Relevant insights on efficiency and directness of attack.
Aikido Harmony
Aikido is a Japanese martial art using flowing movements to redirect attackers’ momentum. Recommended books here will explore Aikido’s philosophy and non-violent techniques.
Rather than meeting force with force, Aikido blends with the attacker’s energy to control their body and neutralize the threat. Throwing and pinning techniques are used instead of strikes.
Aikido prioritizes harmonizing with opponents to end conflict. Books that examine Aikido’s spiritual teachings and non-aggressive philosophy are recommended.
Book Recommendations for Learning Aikido Techniques and Philosophy
1. “Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere” by Adele Westbrook and Oscar Ratti
Aikido techniques are broken down using physics concepts like kinetic chaining and vector lines. Ideal for visual learners, with detailed illustrations.
2. “The Art of Peace” by Morihei Ueshiba
Written by the founder, this book compiles Ueshiba’s teachings, views on conflict resolution, and pursuit of universal harmony. The essence of Aikido’s philosophy.
3. “The Spirit of Aikido” by Kisshomaru Ueshiba
Kisshomaru Ueshiba shares his father’s teachings. An excellent resource for implementing Aikido’s principles of centering and balance into daily life.
Muay Thai Mastery
As a combat sport and self-defense, Muay Thai is revered for its brutal strikes. Recommended books will provide instruction to develop elite Muay Thai skills.
Muay Thai utilizes punches, elbows, knees, and kicks to overwhelm opponents. Key techniques include roundhouse kicks, clinchwork, and devastating low kicks.
Books that teach proper strike mechanics and pad/bag drills are essential studies for Muay Thai students.
Book Recommendations for Learning Muay Thai Striking and Clinch Techniques
1. “Muay Thai Basics” by Christoph Delp
Delp’s book covers foundations like stance, footwork, and guard. Progressing to elbows, knees, kicks, and combinations. Drills to refine techniques.
2. “Muay Thai Unleashed” by Erich Krauss and Glen Cordoza
This comprehensive guide works from beginner to advanced. Detailed instruction on clinch work, leg kicks, and combinations. Strategy tips.
3. “Muay Thai: A Living Legacy” by Michael Goodison
Covers the origins and history of Muay Thai. Photos and descriptions demonstrate important techniques while conveying cultural significance.
Escrima Excellence
Escrima is a Filipino martial art teaching stick and knife techniques for self-defense. Recommended books will instruct on Escrima fundamentals, disarms, and dumog grappling.
Originating from tribal fighting arts, Escrima uses rattan sticks and bladed weapons. Blocks, strikes, and disarms are taught against blades.
Dumog represents the grappling component. Books covering single and double stick drills along with Dumog enhance Escrima's skill.
Book Recommendations for Learning Stick and Knife Fighting Techniques
1. “The Secrets of Kalis Ilustrisimo” by Antonio Diego
Grandmaster Diego shares concepts and techniques of Kalis Ilustrisimo, an Escrima style known for its knife expertise. Details knife blocking, locking, and disarming.
2. “Complete Sinawali: Filipino Double-Weapon Fighting” by Reynaldo Galang
Master Galang instructs double stick techniques using the weaving Sinawali method. Solo and partner drills develop reaction timing and coordination.
3. “Arnis: History and Development of the Filipino Martial Arts” by Mark V. Wiley
Traces origins and evolution of Escrima styles. Useful cultural and historical knowledge to supplement technical training.
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Essentials
MMA is a popular combat sport blending various disciplines. Recommended books will provide a solid base in arts like striking, grappling, and wrestling that comprise modern MMA.
Unlike some traditional arts, MMA incorporates techniques from multiple styles providing greater versatility. Core competencies include boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Books that break down key techniques and tactics from these disciplines are beneficial for MMA practitioners.
Book Recommendations for Understanding MMA Disciplines
1. “Mixed Martial Arts For Dummies” by Frank Shamrock and Mary Van Note
Great starter text covering core disciplines like Muay Thai kickboxing, boxing, wrestling, and BJJ. Includes drills to develop skills and sample training programs.
2. “The Ultimate Guide to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu” by John Will
Expert instruction on BJJ techniques for gi and no-gi grappling is essential for MMA. Details positions, submissions, and transitions between positions like mount and guard.
3. “The Tao of Gung Fu” by Bruce Lee
Although dated, Lee’s ideas on adapting traditional techniques for actual combat are relevant today. Applicable for integrating various styles into MMA.
Beyond Techniques — Mindset and Philosophy
While physical techniques are essential, adopting the optimal mindset and philosophy will take your martial arts practice to the next level. Recommended books emphasize the profound mental aspect of training.
Martial arts mastery ultimately transcends any particular style or technique. Truly powerful martial artists integrate an unstoppable mindset along with philosophical understanding.
Books offering wisdom to develop the mental game will complement the training of physical skills. Internalizing these teachings brings you closer to being a complete martial artist.
A. Book Recommendations on Mindset, Discipline and Philosophy
1. “The Book of Five Rings” by Miyamoto Musashi
This classic text by the legendary Japanese swordsman covers martial strategy, tactics, and mental discipline to win at all costs. Essential reading for serious martial artists.
2. “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu’s timeless work elucidates strategic principles applicable on and off the battlefield. Teachings relevant to cultivating the optimal mindset and attitude.
3. “The Law and the Promise” by Neville Goddard
While not a martial arts book, Goddard’s teachings reveal the power of the mind. Valuable insights that reinforce the importance of mental training.
Conclusion
This guide covered a diverse range of books, providing a wealth of knowledge to enrich your study of martial arts and self-defense.
From practical technique to history, culture, and philosophy, you are equipped with recommendations to develop a well-rounded understanding.
Consider your goals and current experience level to select books that will help elevate your skills.
Embrace the journey of continuous learning as that is the essence of true martial arts.
With an open and determined mind, you will continue growing both physically and mentally on the path toward mastery.
