The Martial Way and Its Virtues

Rating:
Summary: Good Books
Review: A very good book

Rating:
Summary: Stressing the importance of a responsible code of conduct
Review: Accessibly written by F. J. Chu (a certified black belt instructor in Kenpo Karate), The Martial Way And Its Virtues: Tao De Gung is an informed and informative treatise on the mentality and physical and moral demands of following the path of life embraced by martial arts. Stressing the importance of a responsible code of conduct and higher ideals intertwined with learning physical and combat-related skills, The Martial Way And Its Virtues is an intriguing work and recommended supplemental reading for all students and practitioners of the martial arts. Also very highly recommended is the YMAA Publications website at www.ymaa.com.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful book
Review: I think that this beautiful book will become a classic. I just lent out my only copy and wish I hadn't. Mr. Chu's writing is clear and insightful with beautiful calligraphy to accompany each chapter. I've just started taking karate and was aware of some of the philosophical underpinnings to it, but this book really explains the how and why that martial arts is a way of life--the right way to live in this materialistic world. There is also an excellent chapter on the historical development of the martial arts, from the Shaolin Temple to Bruce Lee. Also, Mr. Chu clearly explains how you reconcile the non-violent nature of the Buddhist roots of martials arts with its seemingly violent nature. A very worthwhile read!

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful book
Review: I think that this beautiful book will become a classic. I just lent out my only copy and wish I hadn't. Mr. Chu's writing is clear and insightful with beautiful calligraphy to accompany each chapter. I've just started taking karate and was aware of some of the philosophical underpinnings to it, but this book really explains the how and why that martial arts is a way of life--the right way to live in this materialistic world. There is also an excellent chapter on the historical development of the martial arts, from the Shaolin Temple to Bruce Lee. Also, Mr. Chu clearly explains how you reconcile the non-violent nature of the Buddhist roots of martials arts with its seemingly violent nature. A very worthwhile read!

Rating:
Summary: Helpful aid to my martial arts quest
Review: Two recent events have galvanized me towards seeking the deeper aspects of martial arts. First was competing in a local tournament, where things got a bit out of control in the sparring ring. The second was my Shihan's announcement that I'm up for possible promotion to Shodan (1st degree black belt). Both events jolted me out of my comfort zone, and I knew I needed to reassess where I was at as a martial arts practitioner.

I began to study some of my Soke's writings, and also looked for works by other senior martial artists. However, my goal was not to master secret techniques or win tournament sparring in 7 easy steps. Instead, I sought out writers who dealt with the philosophical underpinnings of the martial arts. I wanted to explore the "why" behind the "what." "The Martial Way and its Virtues" grabbed my eye, and it was an excellent beginning to my quest.

For full disclosure, I'm a Christian practicing in a Christian dojo. That means my ultimate master is Jesus Christ, and my beliefs, presuppositions, morals, and so on rest upon the Bible. For those who may fret about that, or think Christianity and martial arts don't mix, be assured that this book does not have a Christian bent. Indeed, Sensei Chu draws from such diverse sources as Confucius, Soren Kierkegaard and Carlos Castaneda to make his points. However, my particular style is Shiho Karano, and a key aspect is that we have an open approach to knowledge and learn from all.

It was with that attitude I read "The Martial Way," and I was not disappointed. Sensei Chu writes using a clear and accessible style. The book is organized into three parts that respectively deal with philosophy, strategy and technique, and spirituality. Smaller sections flesh out each part, and titles such as "Lose Your Ego" and "Practice Real Life" indicate the specific focus. Overall, Sensei Chu wants his book to serve as "a call to practicing martial artists everywhere and to aspirants of the martial Way (page 3)." His guiding philosophy is "Tao De Gung," the pure essence of the martial arts.

Of particular interest to me was Sensei Chu's take on Shodan promotion. He indicates there are two paths a newly minted Shodan can choose. One is the "beginning of the end," usually taken by those whose main purpose was earning the black belt. They have reached their goal, and therefore leave the martial arts and go on to the next thing. But there's a second path as well, called the "end of the beginning." Here, the Shodan realizes he is just starting a lifelong quest towards a deeper life in the martial Way. That person maintains a "beginner's mind", and humbly acknowledges that he will always be a student who learns just as much (or more) by teaching as by doing. That's how I'd like to be.