14 Best Martial Arts Books

Sun Tzu's military treatise examines planning, leadership, deception, terrain, and adapting to an opponent. Its thirteen chapters consider how preparation and strategic judgment can secure an advantage while limiting the costs and dangers of warfare.

Miyamoto Musashi sets out principles of strategy drawn from his experience as a swordsman. He examines skill, timing, concentration, and the choice of weapons, combining practical observations about confrontation with reflection on discipline and the pursuit of mastery.

Sam Sheridan travels into different fighting communities and takes part in their training. Combining personal experience with reporting, he examines what draws people to combat sports and how preparation, competition, and local cultures shape their lives.

Eugen Herrigel recounts studying Japanese archery while living in Japan, interpreting his training through a Zen perspective. His account explores the difficulties of relinquishing deliberate control and connects the discipline of practice with spiritual understanding and self-transformation.

Compiled from Bruce Lee's notes and drawings, this book presents his martial arts philosophy and approach to Jeet Kune Do. Reflections on simplicity and adaptability accompany discussions of movement, conditioning, technique, and developing an individual expression of combat skill.

Saulo Ribeiro organizes Brazilian jiu-jitsu instruction around the progression from white belt to black belt. Illustrated techniques address common grappling situations, while explanations of frequent mistakes and their corrections help readers understand the principles behind effective practice.

Jigoro Kano presents the principles and techniques of Kodokan judo, including fundamental movements, free practice, and formal exercises. Illustrated explanations connect physical training with his guiding idea of using mental and physical energy efficiently.

Forrest Morgan explores the Japanese warrior mindset as a framework for martial arts training and everyday conduct. His manual connects physical preparation with discipline, strategy, and personal responsibilities, presenting martial practice as a broader way of living.

B.J. Penn, Glen Cordoza, and Erich Krauss explain a mixed martial arts system that links striking, takedowns, and ground fighting. Illustrated techniques cover cage work and combinations, alongside strategies adapted to a fighter's individual strengths.

Sam Sheridan investigates the mental side of fighting through conversations with competitors, coaches, and other performers. He explores confidence, fear, learning, and persistence, asking how people prepare for demanding contests and respond to setbacks.

Sang Kim examines stretching as part of martial arts training, explaining flexibility methods before presenting nearly 200 exercises. Photographs, workout plans, and difficulty guidance connect individual stretches with goals such as high kicks and full splits.

Bruce Lee's illustrated martial arts guide brings together material on basic training, self-defense, skill development, and advanced techniques. Photographs and explanations present his approach to movement, conditioning, timing, and Jeet Kune Do across a sequence of progressively developed lessons.

Jack Dempsey explains his approach to boxing through illustrated lessons on punching, defense, stance, and footwork. The manual connects training with the mechanics of generating power, using feints, and applying techniques during aggressive exchanges in the ring.

Christoph Delp introduces Muay Thai through its traditions, rules, training, and basic fighting techniques. Illustrated instruction covers stance, distance, punches, kicks, knees, elbows, and clinch work, with guidance on combinations and responses to an opponent's attacks.