8 New Martial Arts Books Reshaping Training and Culture in 2025

Phil Pierce's years of hands-on experience in martial arts and MMA shaped this focused guide on cultivating speed, a critical yet often overlooked skill. You’ll learn specific drills to sharpen your reaction time, develop explosive power, and even train your mind and eyes to anticipate opponents’ moves. The book breaks down muscle memory’s role in speed and offers exercises that fit seamlessly into your existing routine. If your goal is to elevate your striking speed or get quicker in self-defense situations, this book delivers practical insights without overcomplicating the process.

Clint Sharp's background as a dedicated martial artist shines through in this detailed guide aimed at beginners eager to progress from basic stances to black belt mastery. You’ll learn over 100 carefully illustrated techniques, from foundational punches and kicks to complex kata and kumite sequences, with clear instructions that make each movement accessible. The book also covers practical self-defense applications and training regimens to build both physical fitness and mental discipline. If you want structured, visual guidance that supports steady improvement in Karate fundamentals, this book offers a thorough roadmap tailored to your growth as a martial artist.

This tailored book explores the latest developments and cutting-edge strategies in martial arts for 2025, focusing on your unique background and interests. It delves into emerging techniques, training innovations, and new research discoveries that are shaping the modern martial arts landscape. By concentrating on what matters most to you, it reveals how recent advancements can be integrated into your practice effectively and meaningfully. This personalized approach ensures you engage deeply with relevant knowledge that matches your skill level and goals, making your learning experience both efficient and inspiring.

Kimo Lee's decades immersed in Hawaiian culture drive this focused exploration of Lua, an ancient art often overshadowed in martial disciplines. You learn foundational skills like strength-building exercises and defense methods closely tied to Hula's rhythms, alongside advanced ideas such as harnessing convulsion energy and reading body language. The book also guides you through unconventional training, including water-based practices, enriching your physical and mental approach. This work serves those curious about traditional martial arts with a spiritual and healing dimension, rather than just combat technique.

Unlike most martial arts books that focus narrowly on techniques, Clint Sharp draws from his extensive experience in Muay Thai and kickboxing to bridge practical skill-building with cultural understanding. You’ll learn how to adopt the best stances, execute a variety of strikes using elbows, knees, legs, and hands, and importantly, how to correct common mistakes with positioning. The book also offers a clear comparison between Muay Thai and Dutch Kickboxing, helping you grasp the unique qualities of each. Whether you're just starting out or aiming to refine your fundamentals, this guide lays out concrete ways to improve your physical and mental readiness for Thai boxing.

Mark Mikita challenges the traditional confines of Filipino martial arts training by dismantling the so-called "box pattern" approach to Sumbrada, an exercise central to this discipline. Instead of accepting rigid style hierarchies, you’re invited to rethink and engage with Sumbrada as it was originally intended—dynamic, fluid, and deeply strategic. Mikita’s critique extends beyond technique, questioning the systemic mindset that often limits practitioners’ growth. If you’re eager to deepen your understanding of Filipino martial arts beyond surface-level drills, this book offers a provocative and refreshing perspective that may reshape your practice.

This tailored book explores the evolving landscape of martial arts training as it prepares you for emerging trends through 2025 and beyond. Drawing upon your background and interests, it reveals cutting-edge developments and fresh insights that redefine techniques, conditioning, and strategic thinking. The content focuses on your specific goals, matching current knowledge with the latest research and discoveries in martial arts practice. By examining new methodologies and future-focused approaches personalized to your skill level, this book invites you to engage deeply with innovations shaping the discipline. It offers a custom learning experience designed to keep you ahead in a rapidly changing martial arts world, emphasizing meaningful growth aligned with your personal training journey.

The Complete Martial Arts Business Guide by Donovan Rider takes a focused approach to helping school owners significantly grow their revenue. Rider, drawing from his experience in the martial arts industry, offers a straightforward blueprint aimed at adding hundreds of thousands of dollars to business income. You’ll find practical insights on structuring your school’s operations, attracting and retaining students, and optimizing revenue streams. This 88-page guide suits owners ready to move beyond teaching to mastering the business side of martial arts, making it especially relevant if you’re looking to elevate your school’s financial health without unnecessary complexity.

Drawing from the combined expertise of martial arts icons and seasoned practitioners, this volume presents a diverse exploration of martial arts disciplines and philosophies. You gain insights into both historical practices, like Hojojutsu—the traditional Japanese rope-tying art—and modern perspectives, including Frank Dux’s analysis on identifying genuine martial artists versus posers. The magazine’s blend of featured stories and specialized columns offers you a broad yet nuanced view, from the weaponry of the samurai to mental training techniques. If you’re passionate about deepening your understanding across martial arts styles and uncovering lesser-known traditions alongside contemporary debates, this issue will serve you well.

Jacob M. Arenstein draws from decades as both a martial arts student and instructor to explore a deeply personal journey through the discipline. You’ll gain insight into the historical roots, essential philosophies, and core fighting principles that shaped his experience. The book offers a thoughtful blend of theory and practical understanding, such as Arenstein’s reflections on combat concepts and the evolution of martial arts training. If you’re passionate about not just techniques but the mindset and cultural background behind martial arts, this will resonate strongly. It’s less about flashy moves and more about grasping the foundational wisdom behind martial practice.