While you can't learn martial arts exclusively from books, you can
improve upon your skills by reading. While reading training books can
teach you techniques that can later be drilled and reinforces moves
learned in class/training, that is only part of the equation. Books
provide you with concepts and deeper understanding of the why and
sometimes how of training for whatever style you are focused on whether
that is self defense, developing as a better artist or inside the
octagon.
With that, here are some of the
training books I've read, broken down by topic. Each topic is listed in
the order I enjoyed them most. Of note, just because a book is listed
at the bottom doesn't necessarily mean it is bad, it just means that I
enjoyed some of the other books on the same topic a little more.
1. Knife Training Methods for Self Defense by Tommy Clinton
2. Knife Fighting: A Practical Course by Michael Janich
3. Tactical Knife Fighting by Daniel Colter
4. Sword Skills: Movements and Cutting Patterns for the Blade Fighter by Chuck Callaway
5. Warrior's Guide to Knife Fighting by Dr. John La Tourrette
6. Knives, Knife Fighting & Related Hassels by Marc MacYoung
7. Knife Fighting Tutorial by Steven Brown
8. Knife Fighting: A Beginners Guide by Tim Delavier