Zen in the Martial Arts

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Summary: Zen in the Martial Arts
Review: I generally read a book only once but this is one of the finest books ever written and thus I have read it at least once a year since its publication. Zen in the Martial Arts is simple but profound, pithy yet universal, easily digestible but completely satisfying. While the title properly describes the surface of its ocean, the book itself reaches the depths of the ocean. On the surface the book is about Zen, martial arts, and their intersection, but between the covers the book is a guide to living life well, illuminated by vignette-like strategies for dealing with life's difficulties, both large and small. In a world where the speed of modern life enables us to forget the past and the present, we are fortunate to have Hyam's classic text to remind us of the lessons of the Zen and martial arts masters, lessons that apply regardless of profession or state in life.

One of the basic concepts in Zen is that when the student is ready, the teacher appears. This book is a 5-star teacher for the ready student. -RLO-

Rating:
Summary: Excellent book, martial artist or no
Review: This book was recommended to me by several members of the academy, and i picked it up and found it to be very good. Both those who are learning a form of martial arts, and those that are not, will learn from this book. It is a fairly quick read and isn't very long. The chapters are brief, and work well as being read one per night. Me though, i couldn't put it down.

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Summary: My favorite martial arts book
Review: I am instructor with over fifteen years experience and I give this my junior students at Christmas. It's required reading for my adult students. I love this book.

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Summary: An excellent book
Review: As an avid student of the Martial Arts (Taekwondo), I read this book before every test, every tounament, and any other chance I got. This book is good reading for all, even if your not a student of the Martial Arts.

Rating:
Summary: SUPERB!
Review: This book is great!. Not only for the martial artist but for everyone needing a little guidance in life. The book is easy to read and written in very simple language. The book will make you think, and it's a book which can actually change the way you do things and view things in everyday life. If this book was worth 10 times as much as it is, I would still recommend it. It is a must buy!

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Summary: A Great Book for Martial Arts or Life
Review: After being a dancer all my life I began the study of Capoeira, a particularily strenous form of martial arts, at the age of 40. I just got my advanced belt this month after 5 years. This book was my inspiration. Joe Hyams started some of the more elaborate martial arts at the age of 50. The philosopy is wonderful and encouraged me to study other Zen. Everyday Zen was the only other Zen book that came close to really grabbing the true essence of Zen as well.

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Summary: The most helpful book I have ever read!
Review: Excellent book!!! I have read this book many times over the three years I have been in Taekwondo. I learn something new each time I read it. In fact I would say I have learned more from it as a black belt than I did as a white belt. This book gives insights to enhance your daily living as well as in your martial arts training. This book is required reading for all 1st Degree Black Belt-Recommended at my Dojang. I think it should be required reading for ALL martial artists!

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Summary: Very highly reccomended for anyone not just martial artists.
Review: A very easy read I finished it in one night and plan to read it again. In todays world of Ultimate Fighting Championships, and a greater emphsis on the street fighting aspects of martial arts, it was a great reminder of what the true meaning and purpose of martial arts are. I have been invloved in the street fighting aspect of the arts for the last couple of years and I think it has hurt my character more than helped it. After reading this inspirational book I plan to seek out a school that has a strong mental and spiritual side. It is amazing that often the solutions to today's problems are often better solved with a thousand year old philosophy than by some pill. Very highly reccomended for anyone not just martial artists!

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Summary: Outstanding and very readable
Review: Hyams' book is a classic and should be read by all who are interested in integrating spiritual and philosphical principles of Zen into their lives. In addition, this book focuses on the relationship between Zen and the martial arts and steers those who practice martial arts, to a path of becomming a martial artist.

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Summary: INSIGHTFUL AND ACCESSIBLE
Review: WRITTEN IN A VERY EASY TO UNDERSTAND MANNER, THIS BOOK PROVIDES FASCINATING GLIMPSES INTO THE PSYCHOLOGY OF THE MARTIAL ARTS. OVERLOOK THE CELEBRITY NAME DROPPING, FOCUS ON THE HUMBLE JOURNEY THAT MR. HYAMS UNDERTOOK. WRITTEN WITHOUT PRETENSE OR EGO, THIS BOOK WILL GROW ON YOU IF YOU ACCEPT IT FOR WHAT IT IS; FOR ISN'T THAT THE ESSENCE OF ZEN? CREDIT MUST BE GIVEN TO MR. HYAMS FOR UNDERTAKING THE GREATEST PROTAGONIST WE ALL MUST FACE, OURSELVES.