Sosai Mas Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin Karate, left behind an incredible legacy not only through his martial arts but also through his extensive literary contributions. His books have educated and inspired countless karateka worldwide, covering everything from fundamental techniques to philosophical insights on life and combat.
Here, we present a chronological list of all books authored by Sosai Mas Oyama, showcasing his lifetime dedication to the martial arts and his enduring influence.
The Books of Sosai Mas Oyama (Chronological Order)
What is Karate? – Nichibo Publications (1958)
This is Karate – Nichibo Publications (1965)
Dynamic Karate – Nichibo Publications (1966)
Vital Karate – Nichibo Publications (1967)
Travel the World Fighting – Best Sellers (1968)
Karate for Millions – Toto Publishing (1969)
Karate for Boys – Kodansha (1970)
Karate School – Akita Publishing (1970)
Advanced Karate – Nichibo Publications (1970)
For Those Beginning Karate – Ikeda Publishing (1971)
Karate Baka-Ichidai – Kodansha (1971)
Fighting Spirit – Sankei Drama (1972)
Fighting Karate – Sponichi Publishing (1972)
My Life in Karate – Kodansha (1973)
More Fighting Karate – Sponichi Publishing (1974)
The Karate that Ventured on the World – Keibunsha (1974)
Karate for Millions – Kodansha (1975)
My Karate Training – Tokuma Publishing (1975)
Book of Five Rings for Karate – Kodansha (1975)
Kyokushin Karate World Conquest – Kodansha (1975)
Karate for Kids – Bestsellers (1976)
Kyokushin Karate Secrets – Nichibo Publications (1976)
The Kyokushin Way – Nichibo Publications (1976)
The Karate that Ventured on the World – Ushio Publications (1976)
The Life of Karate – Kodansha (1976)
Kyokushin Karate Secrets, Continued – Nichibo Publications (1977)
Challenging One's Limits – Hoyu Shuppan (1977)
Power Karate: Inaugural Issue – Power Karate (1978)
Karate Revolution – Kodansha (1978)
Taking on Oyama Karate – Ikeda Books (1979)
The Kyokushin Way – Nichibo Publications (1979)
Certain Death: The Life of Karate – Kodansha (1979)
Everyday Training in Karate – Kodansha (1980)
Kyokushin Karate Almanac Vol. 1 – Kodansha (1980)
Kyokushin Karate Almanac Vol. 2 – Kodansha (1981)
The Path to Kyokushin (Revised Edition) – Nichibo Publications (1981)
For Those Beginning the World's Strongest Karate – Miki Publications (1982)
The Path to Becoming a Karate Champion – Sankei Drama (1982)
The 10,000 Day Pursuit of Karate – Kodansha (1982)
Kyokushin Basic Moral Principles – Nichibo Publications (1982)
Kyokushin Karate Almanac Vol. 3 – Kodansha (1982)
Kyokushin Karate: A Beginner's Guide – Ikeda Publishing (1983)
Karate Budo Education – Kodansha (1983)
Live Your Youth Continuously With Passion – Miki Publishing (1983)
Kyokushin Karate Almanac Vol. 4 – Kodansha (1983)
The Showa Book of Five Rings: Earth – PHP Kenkyujo (1983)
This is Tameshiwari – Nichibo Publications (1984)
The World of Karate Extremities – Asahi Publications (1984)
Kyokushin Karate Almanac Vol. 5 – Kodansha (1984)
Karate for Millions (Reprint) – Kodansha (1984)
World Fight Travels – Tokuma Publishing (1985)
The Spirit of a Karate Warrior – Tere House (1985)
Theory of Building a Stronger Body – Kodansha (1985)
Kyokushin Karate Almanac Vol. 6 – Kodansha (1985)
The Showa Book of Five Rings: Water – PHP Kenkyujo (1985)
The Showa Book of Five Rings: Fire – PHP Kenkyujo (1986)
Kyokushin Karate Almanac Vol. 7 – Kodansha (1986)
Karate Wars – Kodansha (1986)
Viva! Kyokushin Karate – Tere House (1986)
Viva! Kyokushin Karate Part 2 – Tere House (1986)
The Showa Book of Five Rings: Wind – PHP Kenkyujo (1987)
The Showa Book of Five Rings: Void – PHP Kenkyujo (1987)
The Track of Godhand – Core Publishing (1987)
Kyokushin Karate Almanac Vol. 8 – Kodansha (1987)
Oriental Foods For Strength – Kodansha (1988)
Boys' Karate – Nichibo Publications (1988)
Kyokushin Karate Almanac Vol. 9 – Kodansha (1989)
Kyokushin Karate Almanac Vol. 10 – New Arts, Inc. (1990)
How to Improve Your Character – Kodansha (1990)
Karate Suggestions for Japan – Sunmark Publishing (1991)
Kyokushin Karate 91, Vol. 11 – Power Karate (1991)
The Path to the 21st Century – Tokuma Publishing (1992)
The Theory of Budo – Tokuma Publishing (1992)
Kyokushin Karate 92, Vol. 12 – Power Karate (1992)
The Hard and Fast Rules of Fighting – PHP Kenkyujo (1993)
Kyokushin Karate 93, Vol. 13 – Power Karate (1993)
The Kyokushin Spirit – Shiseisha (1994)
Mas Oyama Seiken One Strike – Shiseisha (1994)
Kyokushin Karate Basics – Miki Publishing (1994)
Kyokushin Karate 94, No. 14 – Power Karate (1994)
Complete Karate Course – Nobel Book Store (1997)
Kyokushin Karate Basics (Reprint) – Miki Publishing (1999)
Live Your Youth Continuously With Passion – Miki Publishing (1999)
Mas Oyama, The World Champion Way – Kadokawa Publishing (2002)
For Those Wanting to Live Strongly – Kobunsha (2004)
Theory of Building a Stronger Body (Reprint) – Gentosha (2005)
Mas Oyama Words to Live Strongly by – Seiko Publishing (2010)
A Lasting Influence
Even after his passing, Sosai Mas Oyama's books continue to inspire new generations of martial artists. His works have been republished multiple times, ensuring that his philosophy and teachings remain accessible to everyone. Today, Kyokushin Karate is practiced in over 120 countries, and Sosai’s writings are regarded as fundamental texts for those who pursue not just physical strength but also mental discipline and spiritual growth. His influence remains profound, with millions of practitioners worldwide carrying forward the principles and values that he embodied.
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