Zen in the Martial Arts: Amazon.ca: Joe Hyams: Books

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"If one of your goals is to live with maximum zest and minimum stress, read Zen In The Martial Arts. The great beauty of the book is that as Hyams' mind receives enlightenment, so does our."--Playboy.

Book Description

"A man who has attained mastery of an art reveals it in his every action."--Samurai Maximum.

Under the guidance of such celebrated masters as Ed Parker and the immortal Bruce Lee, Joe Hyams vividly recounts his more than 25 years of experience in the martial arts. In his illuminating story, Hyams reveals to you how the daily application of Zen principles not only developed his physical expertise but gave him the mental discipline to control his personal problems-self-image, work pressure, competition. Indeed, mastering the spiritual goals in martial arts can dramatically alter the quality of your life-enriching your relationships with people, as well as helping you make use of all your abilities.

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First Sentence
Several hundred books have been written about performing the Oriental martial arts, but no more than a handful address the significance of Zen in the martial arts. Read the first page

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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt

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Customer Reviews

69 Reviews

5 star:		(49)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(5)

Average Customer Review

4.4 out of 5 stars (69 customer reviews)

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4.0 out of 5 stars Martial Arts for those looking beyond dojo doors, Sep 26 2004

By

Toronto_Matt (Toronto, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Zen in the Martial Arts (Paperback)

I have heard criticism of this book citing the fact that Mr. Hyams is not a very accomplished martial artist (He never claims to be in this book.) and that the depth of his understanding of zen is open to question (As would be my own). For me neither of these criticisms bother me in the least and shouldn't dissuade anyone from placing this little gem on their bookshelf.

Here we have a book about a man who trained with many of the best martial arts practitioners available in the West in his time ( Parker, Lee, Han etc. )and while he may not have drank as deeply from the cup as some (who am I to judge?)he was able to sample what there was to offer from far more sources than many of us ever will. He also was able to learn many lessons which he was able to apply with significance to his life outside the dojo. Hitting a special chord within me was his recounting how, during a very dramatic medical emergency, he was able to slow down his breathing by using the breathing exercises he had learned in his aikido class and avert having a heart attack. A clear example of the benefits of training extending beyond the the narrow confines of martial technique.

This book really is one man's odyssey through various martial paths and their significance to him, but they are written so well and in such an engaging way that I feel that I have learned these lessons along with him.

I felt that this book was one of the more significant books on the subject that has actual appeal even to the less serious practitioner or the non-practitioner of the martial arts

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5.0 out of 5 stars Much to be learned from this little book., April 5 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Zen in the Martial Arts (Mass Market Paperback)

This book is fantastic and adds great value to anyone's life. It doesn't have to be applicable to just those who study martial arts, but the way the book is written (and with the author's extensive martial arts background) you will feel a sense of spiritual calling and want to apply these elements to both your martial arts studies and your everyday life.

Simple yet 100% effective.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Another SUPREME WRITING, Feb 11 2004

By

Tony CioLi "Tony CioLi" (ATL, GA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Zen in the Martial Arts (Mass Market Paperback)

IN MEMORY OF MARIO PONTILLO
Since the late 1970's, I have studied Mr. Lee's "Way of the Intercepting fist."

This book in my possession, from 1979, is 1st edition by J.P. Tarcher, Inc
I have to tell you that this book is not a requirement to know and understand Bruce Lee's art, but rather it can be a prerequisite or requisite, and an obligation. Joe wrote a masterpiece and you have to read this book to fully understand its value. This book is about Zen, and it is written using Bruce as supreme examples of the philosophy. It is very easy to understand; a joy to read, and enlightening. This is a must read!

Please don't hesitate to check out my book that I published while in the U.S. Navy in 2003:
"Under the Rose: Poetry of Tragedy, Essence, and Romance"

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5.0 out of 5 stars Another SUPREME WRITING
IN MEMORY OF MARIO PONTILLO
Since the late 1970's, I have studied Mr. Lee's "Way of the Intercepting fist."

The one in my possession is from 1979, 1st edition by J. Read more

Published on Feb 11 2004 by Tony CioLi