Zen in the Martial Arts

Rating:
Summary: Sets feet on the path
Review: When I first read this book, I was but a beginner in the martial arts. It helped me to find my way through the problems that I was having, for my problems were not physical, but mental. This book is a great source about zen and how to find it.

Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable and instructive
Review: This book has very little if any Zen teaching in it. So if you are looking for a Zen linkage to martial arts you may be dissappointed. Despite the misleading title, Mr. Hyam's experiences in the dojo illustrates the usefulness of martial arts training as a journey of self discovery. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Rating:
Summary: Life changing
Review: You can re-read this book over and over again and learn something new each time. The lessons are simple, but hold such meaning that can be applied to not only the martial arts, but every aspect of work, home, family & life. If you live on this planet, this is a MUST READ book. From those who have read it to those who have yet to, "Empty your cup".

Rating:
Summary: What can I say??? A classic. Pure and simple.
Review: The real beauty of Mr. Hyam's book is that, unlike his often ad hominem and jingoistic contemporaries, he has sought out and shared the wisdom and insight one can obtain through martial arts training without putting one style or country above another. I see no need to "deify" him for this (see other reviews), but I certainly owe him a debt of gratitude! Over the past 17 years, I have returned to this book again and again.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding fundamentals for life and the martial arts
Review: Hyam's book is a classic. His brief lessons and Zen parables are sound advice for martial artists of any skill level. His lessons are applicable to life, building relationships or building character. Each reading takes one further down the road to enlightenment.

Rating:
Summary: YOU MUST READ!
Review: This book is truely superb. If you practive Martial Arts, read this. It will give you a completly new appreciation of what you are doing. Some things in this book are obvious, still we fail to realise it. However each chapter will keep you thinking so much that you will loose sleep over. BUY IT!

Rating:
Summary: Favorite Zen Book
Review: After reading two books on Zen, I was confused and frustrated. This book really helped me understand certain concepts because I can relate to the author's experiences. I used this book as a primer and it helped me grasp ideas from other authors.

Rating:
Summary: Required Reading
Review: There only two books which are required reading in my martial art, Anjing Banfa. The two books are Musashi's Book of Five Rings (not the martial artists version) and Zen in Martial Arts by Joe Hyams. His writing is aimed at the novice and is extremely helpful for those that are just beginning their journey into the martial arts or Zen. While there is nothing astounding for the well versed, this book is short, easy to read, and in language that anyone can understand.

Rating:
Summary: That's all fine and well but...
Review: I think i would be far more impressed with this book if Mr. Hyams had internalized anything he wrote about. I have nothing against the author personally, but i also see no obligation to diefy someone who does not hold true to his writings

Rating:
Summary: Down To Earth, Like The Subject Itself
Review: I was amazed to see the negative reviews listed here. So many people seem to have missed the point and to have fixated on the people Joe trained with rather than what the book is about. It sounds as if their own egos are in their way. This book was definitely NOT about name-dropping, but some people have such a narrow view of the world that this was all they saw.

Anyway, this has been a favorite book of mine since it first came out. It is one of the most down to earth books on oriental philosophy available in the English language. I highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in the subject (except, perhaps, those who are already advanced Zen adepts with no need for simple books *wink*).