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Summary: Zen in the Martial Arts: Assessing It's Worth
Review: This was an interesting read. However, I consider the title somewhat misleading given the author's stated purpose for the book as disclosed in chapter one: "...this is a book from which readers may learn to apply the principles of Zen, as reflected in the martial arts, to their lives and thus open up a potential source of inner strength they may never have dreamt they possessed" (pg. 3). It appears that he learned about Zen through his experience with the martial arts and, through this book, is attempting to give Zen a broader application so that one can reap some general metaphysical benefits from Zen without ever becoming a martial artist or even a Zen Buddhist. The author notifies the reader in chapter one that this book isn't for those who wish to master either Zen or the amazing physical feats of more advanced martial artists. The book is for those (martial artists or not) who want a simple, general introduction to the spiritual/mental side of the martial arts for broader applications. This approach has its critics since some may think that he superficially covers Zen's application to the martial arts in his attempt to give it a broader application. This book does not expound in detail the philosophy and/or religion of Zen Buddhism although it does contain some practical concepts related to Zen and life in general. One doesn't have to be a Buddhist or martial artist to appreciate the practical wisdom he shares, but if one wants more details regarding either Zen Buddhism or the martial arts, one is better served looking elsewhere.
Rating: 
Summary: The Best Book Ever Written?
Review: This book means more to me than probably any other book in my vast collection of books on Zen, Taoism, and martial arts. It is also probably the shortest. My instructor asked me to read it a few years ago when I started teaching Kung Fu, and it completely changed my views on life and the martial arts. Although it helps to be a martial artist, it is surely not needed in order to appreciate this wonderful book about the truths in life. Each little chapter has an outstanding moral that the author was taught eaither by a teacher or by experience. I try and read this at least twice a year. You learn something new every time. HIGHLY recommended. It will change your life for the better.
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Summary: Much to be learned from this little book.
Review: 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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Summary: Great intro to Zen--in real life as well as martial arts
Review: First I'd like to address a couple of criticisms that I read here that this book is rather superficial and doesn't get into Zen concepts in depth. That's true, this book is really only an intro to Zen--if you're already knowledgeable then this book will probably be too basic. However, for the beginner there is no better place to start, and as someone else here observed, the quotes from Bruce Lee are almost worth the price of the book by themselves. Joe Hyams started his karate training back in 1952 with Ed Parker--a full ten years or more before the craze got started in America. He had the opportunity to train with such greats as Bruce Lee, Bong Soo Han, Ed Parker, and Jim Lau from the very beginning. Joe encountered many trials and tribulations, frustrations, and disappointments during his training, but he never gave up. One reason is he often had the opportunity to discuss his problems with the many great teachers he trained under, and they often offered their wisdom and insights to help him through the difficult times. He took that wealth of personal experience and knowledge and put it all into this little book. Hyams gives a very clear, concise, and easy to understand introduction to Zen in the martial arts. The discussions are often illustrated and liberally peppered with fun anecdotes from his personal experiences with different masters, making this almost a personal journey through the dojos and minds of some of the most famous martial artists of our time. Hyams writes very well (he was a famous Hollywood screenwriter) and so rather than another dry, obscure, Zen philosophy tome, the book sounds more like an intimate conversation with a friend over a glass of wine and dinner. It sounds like he's personally talking right to you. Hyams touches on so many concepts that I won't try to discuss them much here. But I will mention probably the most important one--which is persistence. Hyams points out that it often isn't the most talented and gifted student that achieves the most in the martial arts--since they often quit the first time they encounter a serious difficulty--since they're so used to everything coming so easy. Rather, it's the person who often has very little going for him physically, and has the patience and perseverance to stick it through to the end. I'll mention just one other important principle. This relates to the Zen idea of living in the moment, especially when training, but also in everything else one does in life. Don't allow other concerns, however pressing or important, to weigh on your mind and distract you when you're training. Concentrate on living in the present moment and you'll make the most of your training--and of all the other activities in your life. Someone who's always worried about their other concerns can't truly live in the present, and therefore will never truly enjoy or make the most of whatever activity they're engaged in. Part of their mind is always somewhere else. Strive to always live in the now, in the present moment. Interestingly enough, this idea has been confirmed by modern psychological research. If you have concerns that worry you, don't allow them to bother you to the point where you're thinking about them all the time. The best way to deal with this, it's been found, is to set aside some time each day--they recommend 10, 15, or 20 minutes at most--where, if you need to--go ahead and worry yourself sick about it. Then put it out of your mind and enjoy the rest of your day. Another important thing you can do during this time is to not just worry about everything but to put some constructive thought into how to better deal with your problems. Sometimes you won't have a good idea about how to do that for a while, for days, maybe weeks, but don't let that get you down. Remember the other principle of persistence I mentioned earlier. Stick it through to the end. Realistically, life is never as bad as it seems to us during our darkest and most depressed moments--nor as wonderful as it seems during our happiest, most ecstatic moments. It's somewhere in between. The point here is that one should also cultivate the proper attitude--since that's often the only thing one has total control over in one's life. If you're the sort of person for whom even little things get you down--which is more of us than we would like to admit--then strive to be more objective. The little things can't really hurt you. They're just annoying psychologically because they bruise our egos a little bit. Save your emotional energy for the really big problems in your life, instead--because there will be more than enough of those. Cultivate a positive, upbeat attitude so that the little things are practically beneath your notice. Let them slide off you like water off a duck's back. This is also another important Zen principle--that too much ego impedes our progress in the martial arts--and our path through life as well. Well, I've gone on longer than I intended, but this book is so chock full of useful little tidbits of advice that I got a little carried away. So I'll just conclude by reiterating that Hyams has written a great little introduction to Zen concepts as applied to the martial arts. But perhaps even more important is that they can be applied beneficially to every other area of your life.
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Summary: How to make a better life
Review: In Zen in the Martial Arts, Joe Hyam's uses the backdrop of the martial arts and his many unique experiences to show us all the way to a better, more rewarding life. By sharing his experiences with such martial art legends as Bruce Lee, Ed Parker and Bong Soo Han as well as many of Hollywood's biggest stars Hyam's presents in an engaging way the principles of Zen that lead to greater control and inner peace. Even those who are not fans of the martial arts will appreciate the unique and interesting stories that captivate and teach. Each chapter focuses on a life lesson learned in such an engaging way that I find myself reading this book again and again -- each time gleaning a little more of the wisdom in it. I am amazed at the number of times I thumb back through for a favorite passage or thought. A worthy addition to the library of anyone who seeks for greater direction and understanding in their life -- I would recommend Zen in the Martial Arts highly
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Summary: Another SUPREME WRITING
Review: 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"
Rating:
Summary: Another SUPREME WRITING
Review: 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.P. Tarcher, Inc
I have tell you that this book is not a requirement to know and understand Bruce Lee's art, but rather it is a prerequisite and 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"
Rating:
Summary: A must read for EVERYONE not just the martial artist!
Review: I am an actively training Shotokan karate student and have read this book over and over again. It has not only helped my practice but it has helped me in my personal life...Each chapter is short in length but long in spiritual insight. Keep it next to your bed at night for it holds many truths!
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Summary: A book to go back and read it again
Review: I bought it around 20 years ago.
I own a lot of books and this is the only one that over the years has help me and others in certain stages of my life.
I am black belt since 1983, but do not get confuse with the title, this book is not only for the martial artist.
Buy it, read it and keep it close to you.
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Summary: zen and related theories in simple, easy-to-grasp form
Review: I first read this in college about 10 years ago, and have re-read it several times. This book is a small, simple book which seems to be written to communicate a whole family of Eastern thought and practice. Concepts like "Live in the Present," "Lengthen Your Line," "Effortless Effort," "Purposefully Doing Nothing" are things I try to remember every day. It's easily worth the price of the book.
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