Zen in the Martial Arts

This is not a how-to book. But with a series of anecdotes, the author captures precisely the reason why I started practicing martial arts - a spiritual and philosophical basis for everything; a way of life, if you will. Mind you, this was written about 40 years ago. It was really nice to get an inside peek into training experiences with martial arts legend I read about when I was a kid - Bruce Lee, Ed Parker, etc.

Gave it three stars because it’s not a literary masterpiece and lacks some depth. Also, at least in the Kindle version, there are pictures that seem to have nothing to do with the narrative. However, the lessons of Zen are helpful. I will try to implement them in my life. It’s a very mind-centric philosophy which accentuates its power to stay stay calm, focus, and execute with equanimity. Also, it’s partially informative about martial arts practices.

As a practitioner of the martial arts for three decades, I am very familiar with this classic book. It was required reading for a brown belt in Kenpo. Somewhere I lost my original copy that was old and tattered even though the contents were not. Recently I decided to purchase a new copy and it is just as magical when I first read it. But more importantly, it is a wealth of solid advice for everyday life for both martial artists and non-martial artists. Anyone can benefit from this book. If anything the book is short, easy to read, and cheap - but there is a wealth of info. This book will work for anyone who also will.

One of my favorite books! Had this back in high school (35+ years ago) and have lost or loaned out and never got it back more than once. Bought a couple copies, one to loan and one for a friend and trainer at Planet Fitness. He had read it years ago and was thrilled to have his own copy! Short chapters make this a very quick and easy read!

I picked up this book back in the 80's during my College days ... When I was searching for my "own way" in the Martial Arts. I got to a point where all the physical stuff I learnt was starting to look alike and many practitioners were boasting that they studied the superior or pure style. Zen reminds one that there are no superior styles, only superior Fighters. I was also at an age where I became interested in taking my Martial Arts lessons and applying them to life. Again Zen reminds one that everything you learn in life can be applied to life. In the beginning, I don't think it really matters where you get your Zen lessons from, as long as you get them. Since reading Zen in the Martial Arts in College, I have become a Teacher and Trainer and I have recommended this book (among others) for reading to my Students and my Fighters. As for people who criticize Joe Hyams style of writing the book ... Well, they just don't get it. If all you can find wrong with the book is the so-called name dropping then you've missed the point completely. Most history books and older text are full of so-called name dropping. What has that got to do with getting your lesson from the book? Right, nothing. You read and learn from the experiences and events. Besides, Joe was simply privileged to have trained with this line-up of Teachers. What was he supposed to do, write a book on Zen and not include those who inspired him to write the book in the first place? That said, if you want a starter book on Zen via the Martial Arts, American style, pick up this one.

Best book ever on explaining Zen I have all my students read and sign the front or back cover they have one week My book that I use for this has about 20 stapled pages front and back So bought another because that one is full

I've read this book many times and always find something in it that is insightful. A great book for any martial artist who has made the decision to walk the road up the mountain. I've given copies to many friends and continue to read it myself at least yearly over a month or two of reflections.

This book was game changer on my view of life when I was in my 20's . I had a 15 or 16 year gap when I lost the book in a move.There was no amazon in those days to replace it. So here we are at 40 and the lessons in this book has been the creed in which I make my choices in life by. I bought multiple copies of this book for friends that are down on their luck and hope it transforms their view as it did mine.Everybody should read this book and read a chapter a day if you can .Read it from start to finish and then start over again and continue in this fashion until you don't need to anymore.Put it away and visit it when you need sound advice again at another crossroad in your life.

Zen in the Martial Arts is one of the top quintessential books on martial arts ever written. Simple yet profoundly deep, this book is less than 150 pages and some of the chapters are only 1 page in length. Although this book was written by a Caucasian man, it does not mean that this book is lacking in quality or first-hand knowledge of the martial arts. In fact, it's quite the opposite. The author, Joe Hyams, is proficient in 8 different martial arts and was trained by the legend Bruce Lee. If you're serious about becoming a "true martial artist" and claim to be able to defeat any opponent, you must humble yourself and read this book. Otherwise, you are not a martial artist.

I have been studying and practicing Martial Arts for the past 11 years, the book contains not only lessons for the martial artists, but also lessons for, ultimately, our lives. The book is an easy read, with each chapter even though short, but they are powerful and direct. Here are my notes from each chapter which everyone should try to apply in the lives: 1. Empty Your Cup: Like a cup of coffee being overflowed, we are all overflowed with opinions and habits. In order to take on new knowledge and experiences, we first need to empty our cups, and consider what's hold to be true. 2. Process Not Product: This was a very interesting chapter, we set goals or deadlines for ourselves which is fine, but ultimately we need to focus on the process of something, not the completion. You can still "Begin with the end in mind" (See Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People), but it's a process we must focus on, which helps eliminate stress. 3. Seize The Moment: Live in the present, not the past or predicting some unwanted future. Complete concentration and discipline must be in the present moment, don't worry about what's going to happen in even 5 minutes time, just focus your mind on now. 4. Conquer Haste: Be patient in the trivial things in life, have some self control, and one will you will have the same mastery in great and important things. 5. Know Your Limits: Study and improve the strong points of yourself that outweigh your weaknesses. Capabilities exceed limitations. Use what you are already capable of and master it, such as martial arts; kicks do not have to be head high, great kicks at waist level and below cause as much damage. Use what your capable of to your advantage. 6. Even The Masters Have Masters: Everyone has a master, to learn from, to grow. The other lesson here is that we need to accept that learning goes by plateau; we make a big jump up, then we go down again, we have the inspiration, then we go down again, and we don't see any change for a while - but this is a normal part of learning, and fighting through plateau times will result in ultimate awards. 7. Lengthen Your Line: In Sparring, don't try to cut off people with tricky and fancy moves, focus on improving your own kill and knowledge you already have acquired. 9. Do Not Disturb: Time is the most precious commodity we have, we either spend it or waste it. Look at how your using you're 168 hours in a week. 10. Active Inactivity: Doing nothing can sometimes be more important than doing something, we need to pause in our lives and have time out to just THINK. 11. Inactive Activity: Don't try to fight with or deny problems, accept and acknowledge then. Be patient and controlled, then find the best visible solution you can. 12. Extend Your Ki: This is the invisible force or energy which cannot be seen. We all have a inner strength, where the mind and the body can be coordinated as one - This involves having a superior state of mind. Such as under extreme and emergency circumstances: The man who lifts a car off the wife's legs, the man who breaks down a door in a burning building with loved ones trapped inside - this inner strength comes in. 13. Zen Breathing: This is controlled breathing, it restores: calmness, confidence and strength, and reduces anxiety and stress. Breathing in through your nose, with your stomach expanding, and out through your mouth, with your stomach going down naturally, is the process to be followed. 4 Seconds inhale, 4 Seconds exhale. In addition, This breathing pattern can also strengthen your intercostal muscles. 14. Go With The Current: Don't try to go against one's strength, such as in sparring, redirect it, and this will also cause your opponents mind to not be angry. Control things by going along with them. 15. Anger Without Action: How can you expect to control some one else, if you cannot even control yourself? When you lose your anger, you lose yourself - on the mat, as well as real life. 16. Recognize A True threat: To avoid being initiated, think more and react less. If you extend your leg right out in front of you, and if some one is more than your extended leg length away, i'ts the "safety zone" - punches and kicks cannot make contact. You just remain calm and composed, you don't have to react unless they come in your punches or kicks zone (even here, you just be prepared). 17. Kime: This means tightening your mind. In life and on the mat, an unfocused or loose mind wastes energy. Focus on ONE thing in the present. 18. MUSHIN: Let your mind flow, things do become automatic, with both mental and physical practice. 19. Instinctive Action: Always trust your instinct - utilize your sixth sense. 20. Un-thinking Pain: This is mind over matter, if your in pain, focus on something else, then you will realize your frontal lobe (The CEO of your brain), cools of unimportant things, and that pain doesn't seem so bad... and even does not exist. 21. Effortless Effort: Relaxation and concentration go hand in hand. Don't strain your muscles, such as in sparring, just relax and let things go. Train moves to be unconscious action. 22. Make A Friend Of Fear: Face fears until your no longer afraid. Visualize yourself doing it. 23. Confident Seeing: Visualization is VERY powerful, and thus the mind is also. Athletes visualize, you can heal yourself with visualization, and also visualize success. 24. The Power Of Focus: Relax your self such as in sparring, gather all your strength, then make a move. 25. Multiple Options: Have the state of mind of tranquility - a mind as still as water. Consider the third alternative before you take action. 26. Martial Arts Without Zen: You can learn zen without karate, and martial arts with out zen. But Zen and martial together frees one from: concern, tension, anxiety, and winning and loosing. 27. Karate Without Weapons: You don't have to fight at all, which leads to the last point... 28. Winning by Loosing: Defuse a compromising situation by cooperation. If some one starts a road rage, surrender immediately. The true martial artists will allow the other person a way out. I hope these points help at least someone reading this review.

This is not a how-to book. But with a series of anecdotes, the author captures precisely the reason why I started practicing martial arts - a spiritual and philosophical basis for everything; a way of life, if you will. Mind you, this was written about 40 years ago. It was really nice to get an inside peek into training experiences with martial arts legend I read about when I was a kid - Bruce Lee, Ed Parker, etc.

Gave it three stars because it’s not a literary masterpiece and lacks some depth. Also, at least in the Kindle version, there are pictures that seem to have nothing to do with the narrative. However, the lessons of Zen are helpful. I will try to implement them in my life. It’s a very mind-centric philosophy which accentuates its power to stay stay calm, focus, and execute with equanimity. Also, it’s partially informative about martial arts practices.

As a practitioner of the martial arts for three decades, I am very familiar with this classic book. It was required reading for a brown belt in Kenpo. Somewhere I lost my original copy that was old and tattered even though the contents were not. Recently I decided to purchase a new copy and it is just as magical when I first read it. But more importantly, it is a wealth of solid advice for everyday life for both martial artists and non-martial artists. Anyone can benefit from this book. If anything the book is short, easy to read, and cheap - but there is a wealth of info. This book will work for anyone who also will.

One of my favorite books! Had this back in high school (35+ years ago) and have lost or loaned out and never got it back more than once. Bought a couple copies, one to loan and one for a friend and trainer at Planet Fitness. He had read it years ago and was thrilled to have his own copy! Short chapters make this a very quick and easy read!

I picked up this book back in the 80's during my College days ... When I was searching for my "own way" in the Martial Arts. I got to a point where all the physical stuff I learnt was starting to look alike and many practitioners were boasting that they studied the superior or pure style. Zen reminds one that there are no superior styles, only superior Fighters. I was also at an age where I became interested in taking my Martial Arts lessons and applying them to life. Again Zen reminds one that everything you learn in life can be applied to life. In the beginning, I don't think it really matters where you get your Zen lessons from, as long as you get them. Since reading Zen in the Martial Arts in College, I have become a Teacher and Trainer and I have recommended this book (among others) for reading to my Students and my Fighters. As for people who criticize Joe Hyams style of writing the book ... Well, they just don't get it. If all you can find wrong with the book is the so-called name dropping then you've missed the point completely. Most history books and older text are full of so-called name dropping. What has that got to do with getting your lesson from the book? Right, nothing. You read and learn from the experiences and events. Besides, Joe was simply privileged to have trained with this line-up of Teachers. What was he supposed to do, write a book on Zen and not include those who inspired him to write the book in the first place? That said, if you want a starter book on Zen via the Martial Arts, American style, pick up this one.

Best book ever on explaining Zen I have all my students read and sign the front or back cover they have one week My book that I use for this has about 20 stapled pages front and back So bought another because that one is full

I've read this book many times and always find something in it that is insightful. A great book for any martial artist who has made the decision to walk the road up the mountain. I've given copies to many friends and continue to read it myself at least yearly over a month or two of reflections.

This book was game changer on my view of life when I was in my 20's . I had a 15 or 16 year gap when I lost the book in a move.There was no amazon in those days to replace it. So here we are at 40 and the lessons in this book has been the creed in which I make my choices in life by. I bought multiple copies of this book for friends that are down on their luck and hope it transforms their view as it did mine.Everybody should read this book and read a chapter a day if you can .Read it from start to finish and then start over again and continue in this fashion until you don't need to anymore.Put it away and visit it when you need sound advice again at another crossroad in your life.

Zen in the Martial Arts is one of the top quintessential books on martial arts ever written. Simple yet profoundly deep, this book is less than 150 pages and some of the chapters are only 1 page in length. Although this book was written by a Caucasian man, it does not mean that this book is lacking in quality or first-hand knowledge of the martial arts. In fact, it's quite the opposite. The author, Joe Hyams, is proficient in 8 different martial arts and was trained by the legend Bruce Lee. If you're serious about becoming a "true martial artist" and claim to be able to defeat any opponent, you must humble yourself and read this book. Otherwise, you are not a martial artist.

I have been studying and practicing Martial Arts for the past 11 years, the book contains not only lessons for the martial artists, but also lessons for, ultimately, our lives. The book is an easy read, with each chapter even though short, but they are powerful and direct. Here are my notes from each chapter which everyone should try to apply in the lives: 1. Empty Your Cup: Like a cup of coffee being overflowed, we are all overflowed with opinions and habits. In order to take on new knowledge and experiences, we first need to empty our cups, and consider what's hold to be true. 2. Process Not Product: This was a very interesting chapter, we set goals or deadlines for ourselves which is fine, but ultimately we need to focus on the process of something, not the completion. You can still "Begin with the end in mind" (See Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People), but it's a process we must focus on, which helps eliminate stress. 3. Seize The Moment: Live in the present, not the past or predicting some unwanted future. Complete concentration and discipline must be in the present moment, don't worry about what's going to happen in even 5 minutes time, just focus your mind on now. 4. Conquer Haste: Be patient in the trivial things in life, have some self control, and one will you will have the same mastery in great and important things. 5. Know Your Limits: Study and improve the strong points of yourself that outweigh your weaknesses. Capabilities exceed limitations. Use what you are already capable of and master it, such as martial arts; kicks do not have to be head high, great kicks at waist level and below cause as much damage. Use what your capable of to your advantage. 6. Even The Masters Have Masters: Everyone has a master, to learn from, to grow. The other lesson here is that we need to accept that learning goes by plateau; we make a big jump up, then we go down again, we have the inspiration, then we go down again, and we don't see any change for a while - but this is a normal part of learning, and fighting through plateau times will result in ultimate awards. 7. Lengthen Your Line: In Sparring, don't try to cut off people with tricky and fancy moves, focus on improving your own kill and knowledge you already have acquired. 9. Do Not Disturb: Time is the most precious commodity we have, we either spend it or waste it. Look at how your using you're 168 hours in a week. 10. Active Inactivity: Doing nothing can sometimes be more important than doing something, we need to pause in our lives and have time out to just THINK. 11. Inactive Activity: Don't try to fight with or deny problems, accept and acknowledge then. Be patient and controlled, then find the best visible solution you can. 12. Extend Your Ki: This is the invisible force or energy which cannot be seen. We all have a inner strength, where the mind and the body can be coordinated as one - This involves having a superior state of mind. Such as under extreme and emergency circumstances: The man who lifts a car off the wife's legs, the man who breaks down a door in a burning building with loved ones trapped inside - this inner strength comes in. 13. Zen Breathing: This is controlled breathing, it restores: calmness, confidence and strength, and reduces anxiety and stress. Breathing in through your nose, with your stomach expanding, and out through your mouth, with your stomach going down naturally, is the process to be followed. 4 Seconds inhale, 4 Seconds exhale. In addition, This breathing pattern can also strengthen your intercostal muscles. 14. Go With The Current: Don't try to go against one's strength, such as in sparring, redirect it, and this will also cause your opponents mind to not be angry. Control things by going along with them. 15. Anger Without Action: How can you expect to control some one else, if you cannot even control yourself? When you lose your anger, you lose yourself - on the mat, as well as real life. 16. Recognize A True threat: To avoid being initiated, think more and react less. If you extend your leg right out in front of you, and if some one is more than your extended leg length away, i'ts the "safety zone" - punches and kicks cannot make contact. You just remain calm and composed, you don't have to react unless they come in your punches or kicks zone (even here, you just be prepared). 17. Kime: This means tightening your mind. In life and on the mat, an unfocused or loose mind wastes energy. Focus on ONE thing in the present. 18. MUSHIN: Let your mind flow, things do become automatic, with both mental and physical practice. 19. Instinctive Action: Always trust your instinct - utilize your sixth sense. 20. Un-thinking Pain: This is mind over matter, if your in pain, focus on something else, then you will realize your frontal lobe (The CEO of your brain), cools of unimportant things, and that pain doesn't seem so bad... and even does not exist. 21. Effortless Effort: Relaxation and concentration go hand in hand. Don't strain your muscles, such as in sparring, just relax and let things go. Train moves to be unconscious action. 22. Make A Friend Of Fear: Face fears until your no longer afraid. Visualize yourself doing it. 23. Confident Seeing: Visualization is VERY powerful, and thus the mind is also. Athletes visualize, you can heal yourself with visualization, and also visualize success. 24. The Power Of Focus: Relax your self such as in sparring, gather all your strength, then make a move. 25. Multiple Options: Have the state of mind of tranquility - a mind as still as water. Consider the third alternative before you take action. 26. Martial Arts Without Zen: You can learn zen without karate, and martial arts with out zen. But Zen and martial together frees one from: concern, tension, anxiety, and winning and loosing. 27. Karate Without Weapons: You don't have to fight at all, which leads to the last point... 28. Winning by Loosing: Defuse a compromising situation by cooperation. If some one starts a road rage, surrender immediately. The true martial artists will allow the other person a way out. I hope these points help at least someone reading this review.

I loved this book. I actually bought another for a friend of mine who’s a black belt and Bruce Lee fan. I learned a few things about Bruce that I didn’t know and just reading it makes me a little more zen which says a lot considering I teach meditation and more, but I’m naturally hyperactive 😅 It’s also a fun easy read.

I heard several times about martial arts and philosophy, this book is the best aggregate of it. It’s enjoyable reading it from he begging to the end, as well as reading a different chapter every day as a source of inspiration

ZEN IN THE MARTIAL ARTS is one of the more seminal "Zen in the Art of..."-type titles. Karateka Joe Hyams (FKA Mr. Elke Sommer) is a martial arts generalist who studied under, among many others, Bruce Lee. Within the covers of this slim volume, Hyams' approach to Zen seems a bit haphazard and informal. Although epigrams from various Zen masters pepper the pages, Hyams seems to have only the most limited grasp of structured Zen practice, such as koans and shikantaza. Hyams' exposure to Zen seems to have occurred less in the zendo than in the dojo, a fact which does not detract from the pragmatic lessons he illustrates but does give the reader a foreshortened view of Zen as a way of life. But Hyams does provide a path to understanding Zen as the critical underpinning of the serious study of any martial art. Hyams shows us that Zen imbues the martial arts with a deeper philosophical meaning, so that what would otherwise be just a way to war becomes a just warrior's way.

This was a gift to my dad. He had owned the book years ago but lost it at some point. He was thrilled to have a new copy.

My favorite martial arts related book. Has been fun re-reading it every decade or so over the last 40 years

I LOVE THIS BOOK - bought this version for a friend. Its a baby size so keep that in mind. Great for a travel read, table etc bc it fits in your hand.

I have read and re-read this book a dozen times over the last 20 years, during periods when my martial arts training was active, dormant, and now active again. This is the only book about which I can say that. My only regret is that I have yet to find a collector-grade hardback edition for my library. This book can be a fast read - so much so that I often find myself apologizing to friends when I recommend it to them. It is at first difficult to explain how a book can be so influential and yet simple at the same time. The chapters are short - a few pages each - but most of them contain what I consider to be profound and thought provoking life lessons. These lessons have had meaning for me, albeit different ones, from my days as a college student to my present life as a husband, a father, and a professional. I now sometimes just pick up the book and open it to a random chapter for a quick, but meaningful, review. This book is not a tome or treatise about the way of Zen. It is a collection of short stories about the author's experiences with martial arts, and the lessons he derived from those experiences. Personally, I don't care whether the author was a renowned martial artist or not. I readily admit that I am not some master-level practitioner, but that parallel makes the author's experiences resonate even more. In other words, I can relate to many of the challenges he describes. I am writing this review as I purchase my 5th or 6th copy - this one to send to a friend with whom I was discussing the book last night. At a reasonable cost, and a quick read, I can comfortably say that this is worth the effort.

Get this book for the martial artist in your life! 10/10 they will love it

Great book fast read lots of good insights

There are a lot of good thoughts in this book that I've struggled with in the past, and continue to struggle with. Especially good is the passage about a young, aspiring martial arts student asking how long it will take him to become a master/black belt. The instructor tells him 10 years, to which the student naturally responds by asking if he trained 8 hours/day, and the response from the instructor was 20 years. He asked if he trained 24 hours/day, 7 days/week and the answer was 30 years (or forever, I forget). Regardless, the point is that trying 'too hard' reduces your ability to focus on the skills and techniques you are trying to learn. By relaxing, and giving yourself time to learn you become a better student, faster! The same point is made throughout the book, where extra effort is often a downfall. Extra effort in martial arts means being tight, often times, which translates to slowing yourself down and wearing yourself out. This is the same reason lower belts are wiped out by doing kata, whereas the higher belts (usually) seem to be almost unphased, yet they demonstrate more power during the kata. I will be glad to go through the book and paraphrase the lessons, they will be useful for decades to come. It is also great to hear what Bruce Lee's lessons to the author and others were, some of them surprising! One of them being that your limitations can exceed your capabilities, so accept them and basically work around them rather than becoming demotivated.

Joe Hyams is the perfect person to transmit the wonder of the martial arts discipline to those of us too undisciplined enough to follow that star. Great book.

Son likes this

Joe provides us insights into the art not the science of martial arts. Don't be put off, however, by the suggestion on the cover page of "a way to spiritual enlightenment". For Joe's work is neither a lecture nor a sermon, but a totalling enjoyable relaxed journey exploring key experiences in his martial arts life. It is a book I feel you should first read from cover to cover to fully enjoy - it is not a manual. It is a tapestry of insights into those areas of martial arts that go beyond the learned physical techniques of kata or kumite. Woven into this work are the insights, wisdom, and practical advice from a diverse range of acknowledged masters of the martial arts. Brought home to us in many cases from his personal experience with the likes of Ed Parker, Bruce Lee, and Jim Lau, just to name a few! And where is the Zen, you well ask? The reader is asked (Page 1) to accept that "for the true master.... martial arts are essentially avenues through which they can achieve spiritual serenity, mental tranquillity, and the deepest self-confidence." If you cannot accept this, then please read on regardless. The book is full of wonderful martial art "lore" and interesting anecdotes and quotable advice from accepted modern day masters as well as ancients. A great read. You may, however, be like many who have reached that stage of your martial arts training where you have more questions than answers about the mental techniques such as emptying the mind, living in the moment, ki energy, controlled breathing, the circle of control, kime, mushin, "sixth-sense" awareness, "mind over matter", "sparking", visualization, and focus. For those of us in this situation, this book makes us aware of these as applications of "the principles of Zen, as reflected in martial arts, to our lives opening up a potential source of inner strength" (Page 3). The author encourages us to see our art and ourselves in a new light. Perhaps best encapsulated (Page 118) in the words of the martial arts master and Zen master Mas Oyama: "Karate is not a game. It is not a sport. It is not even a system of self-defence. Karate is half physical and half spiritual. The katateist who has given the necessary years of exercise and meditation is a tranquil person. They are unafraid - they can be calm in a burning building". If that is a direction in which you now wish to further develop your art, then I feel this book is an excellent place to start that journey.

I first read this book as a purple belt in Kenpo Karate at 17 years old. It is 29 years later and the simple lessons and examples are just as useful. Insights come from within the reader and wisdom with experience. If one gets this book to learn Ancient Mind Tricks from the Orient, then he or she will only get disappointed. For "the Tao that can be spoken is not the true Tao" Laozi. The true Tao must be lived and living takes practice.

Zen in the Martial Arts is a book that is filled with several insights and lessons of humility. It is a work that is most fitting for both martial artist and non-martial artist. It's a definitely book that I will continually revisit.

Outstanding.... I just wish there were more cd's and the content was a little longer.

Years ago I owned this book. And then gave it to someone who needed it. Recently I learned of someone else with a table saw accident to three fingers and knew the book had to pass through my life once more . . . on to the injured man. With the guidance in here about healing a crushed hand, I figure this guy has the guidance to heal his fingers!

This book was recommended by my karate instructors as required reading for the higher belt ranks. Being a bit more academic than moment students, I decided to read it (with their encouragement) beforehand. The Truth is One, and as I draw closer to it (I still have far to travel in this never-ending journey.) I begin to see the patterns and recognize those who speak it as best they can. ("The Way that can be described is not the eternal Way")

There is a lot in this book that can be used in life.

I could not put this book down. Read it in a day. I love the format, I love the stories and all the little gems of wisdom found in this book. I highly recommend to anyone, and believe that every person studying the martial arts should be given a copy of this book.

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.

You don't have to study martial arts to learn the lessons in this book! Fantastic!

I enjoyed reading this book. It was a decent read but I think it missed it's mark a bit. Zen is a hard concept to put into words so I have to give him credit for what he wrote.

I read this book years ago and rebought it to read again. Easy to read. Great book. Short chapters to read through then step away to reflect upon.

I find this book to be useful in my own practice. It's not really something you just read straight through once. Instead, I am getting the most benefit when I return to parts of it over longer periods of time.

I often wondered where my new found patience came from. Over my last short 7 years of practice it is obvious the it has come from my training and the influence of my fellow practitioners. This book was well worth the read.

one of the best books I've read. teaches by the stories it tells which are short and easy to read.

I am a serious martial artist. I really had no idea what this book was really about. However, I saw that most of the reviews were positive and decided to check it out. I am so glad I did. This book was written quite a while ago. Before UFC became all the rage. For me, this book clearly delineates between the physicality of martial arts (as seen in UFC matches) from the mental and spiritual aspects which few truly master. Many martial artists, including myself, spend very little time focusing on the mental and spiritual aspects of our chosen styles. However, I think this is the area that distinguishes " a really good martial artist" from a "true master." This book has really opened my eyes and is taken me one step further in my journey to master the martial arts. My instructor says "focus on being your best and mastering yourself." I never really understood the "mastering yourself" part until I read this book.

What I like in this book is that inside you can find a lot topics to think on or if you wish to journal on. For me this book was experience. I will recommend the book to wide variety of my friends.

Have read it several times over the years and it is always a thoroughly enjoyable read. Joe Hyam's experiences are fascinating and the lessons that he has learned from the world class instructors that he has trained under are timeless and are very applicable to everyday life whether you are a martial artist or not. It is not a religious type book. It offers a way of approaching daily life that is very practical and does not go into religion. It's lessons are sound common sense.

Great book for anyone into the philosophy of Martial Arts, and not just the physical aspect. Great book

Very nice

My absolute favorite!!

Although the last few pages and back cover had a torn portion on them, the reading portions are still intact. Therefore, still satisfied overall. Thank you.

Great book for understanding life. Well worth the read.

This was an awesome book to help me continue on my martial arts journey, and my journey in life in general.

I first bought this book in 1986 in Hawaii as I was studying Aikido, soon thereafter I moved to Los Angeles. Seeking another Aikido dojo to train in, I could not find one that resonated for me, so I turned to the yellow pages, where I found an ad for Bong Soo Han Hapkido, a name which I read in Joe's book. This led me to 10 years later getting to meet the author Joe, in the very studio that his book had led me to. I was very fortunate to share many wonderful times with Joe on the mat and over lunches, who even in his 80's still loved dim sum that he wrote about in his book. Joe passed away Nov. 8th 2008 and I will forever be grateful for how his book and life has provided a excellent guide for me to follow, I will miss him greatly.

Might be the best book I have read on the arts.

One of the best personal development books I've read. There are so many books out there that are bestsellers that are not worth their weight. This book went into so many life lessons that are hardly spoken about and mentioned in western culture.

Interesting book

A tremendous read. One you can revisit often and still enjoy.

loved the book

I read a few pages of this book at my dojo and became a little intrigued, so I ordered it when I got home. After reading the whole thing, I will admit that there are some gems of wisdom hidden among vast amounts of name dropping and self promotion that lace the pages. Apparently Mr. Hyams studied martial arts for many years and was fortunate to meet and train with people who would eventually be considered pillars in the history of martial arts in the USA. He learned some worthy lessons from them, but takes you through a lotta hoopla before he tells you what those lessons are. I recommend buying the book used or in paperback. Its not worth the price of hardcover -if its even in hardcover.

Amazing. Simply amazing. I just started taking Shotokan karate and i absolutely love it. So, I wanted to learn a little bit more and expand my knowledge of the art. Joe (the guy who wrote the book) trained with Bruce Lee among other legendary masters. The book gives you insight into the art and also how to focus on what's really important in life. It's a quick read about his many years of training all over the world and what he has learned from it. Also, he explains how he uses his lessons in real life situations.

This is a really excellent book, whether you are a martial artist, aspiring martial artist, or just interested in Eastern philosophy and how to apply elements of it to your life. The stories/chapters are short, usually just 2 or 3 pages, and it's a breeze to read at your own pace. It was a great treat to hear about the author's encounters with Bruce Lee. That man is still the gold standard, and it was nice getting more of an insight into his life and philosophy through author Joe Hyams. I do grade the book on somewhat of a curve, however, because there was a lot of mystical nonsense associated with martial arts at one time, and there is some of it sprinkled throughout this book. Modern readers, who hopefully don't buy into that, will probably roll their eyes once or twice. But that shouldn't affect your enjoyment of the book overall. It didn't mine. A little skepticism, whether it's about mysticism or some of the lesser-known masters and their accomplishments mentioned in the book, goes a long way.

Excellent. A very simple read, and is universally applicable for the busy, overworked hard driver.

This is a short book full of fun anecdotes to get you into the spirit of martial arts. Recommended for beginners in thr martial arts.

Great book. Great life lessons. For decades I have been giving this book to my students when they achieve Black Belt.

great philosophy book

I liked it.

I don't study martial arts and i really have no intrest in them either and yet this is my favorite book. The concepts covered are applicable to all aspects of my life. The short two page lessons are perfect for a quick read through then a pause for reflection. It is also perfect for coffe shop reads as you can esentially start and stop easily (and bonus the $7 version fits perfectly in your pocket).

I have purchased over 15 copies of this book. 3 I kept to re-read and re-mark-up. This is a very inspirational book that I think everyone should read at least twice!

This book touches on many of the fundamental aspects that a good training in the martial arts with develop within you. This book itself will not teach them to you, but will give you the perspective to notice and develop the aspects.

The most difficult thing to do is to try to explain Zen. In this "how to" age everybody seems to want specific answers to what something is and how to do it. Unfortunately, Zen cannot be explained in a simple step-by-step fashion. Zen must be experienced. To help with identifying Zen experiences, Joe Hyams shares his insights into Zen through the invaluable lessons he has learned through training with great martial artists like Ed Parker Jr., Bruce Lee, and Grand Master Bong Soo Han. Contextually this is a very simple and entertaining read. From a conceptual aspect, you will find yourself rereading this book many times to fully understand the simply stated lessons learned by Joe Hyams. This is a must read for anyone seeking a more balanced perspective on their shelf or anyone looking to enhance their martial arts training.

Interesting and easy to read

I thought the book would be full size like the one I previously owned

This book is EXCELLENT! I was given this book many years ago and have found the wisdom contained within much greater than the few pages of this book. Though it is written to provide guidance to martial artists, the lessons can be equally applied to business, personal and life itself. It is an easy read at first, but you will find yourself going back and rereading different sections of the book getting something more and point missed the first one, two, three.. times before. Additionally, I have given this book to many friends and family members. Each has come back to me and told me how much they enjoyed the book, but how much one of the stories immediately helped them think through a current problem or situation. Happy reading!

I first read this book about five years ago when I first started my martial arts training on the internal side, it was extremely helpful in helping me to understand the internal arts on a deeper level, reading it now is even more insightful as i have grown in my martial training. This is a book that i can refer to in ten years and still find something insightful about the martial arts. Great book!!

great reading learning the Zen way of living

A series of approx. 30 short (1-3 page) stories from a veteran, with a recollection of an experience with a martial arts master, and the wisdom from each, such as "focus on the present" and "tension is the enemy of speed". Each chapter can be summed up in a sentence or two, and the chapter titles set each up as well. The author also recounts how many of these skills in outside life. This book is a fast read, and can be finished in an hour or so, but is worth re-reading, and a martial arts school I know mandates it for its junior level black belt candidates.

This book is essential for EVERY student of the martial arts. I've even had my young black belt students read one story from it and give me a short lesson learned synopsis.

Nice

Great book. Easy and fast read!

Amazing read, a lot of good insight...

A book to learn from and take to heart. I will read it over and over again. Very enjoyable and with good practical examples.

Accomplished writer and martial artist Joe Hyams distills his decades worth of martial arts into its core philosophies and spirituality: self-control, self-awareness, focus, discipline, effortlessness, presentness, flexibility, and flow. In well-written and digestible vignettes, Hyams tells us the conversations and experiences that revealed to him these principles, and how he has applied to them professionally with great success. This is a great book for aspiring martial artists who are looking to understand and deepen the practice of their craft.

Love this book.... so much that I bought the kindle version AND the paperback : )

Book arrived in great condition and has been an engrossing read.

one of the best books I've ever read. I re-read it over and over as the lessons resonate at ever deepening levels

An amazing book for people in veneral, it's not to mention to teach you martial arts, but the beauty behind it and how to use the lessons that are taught in the dojo in our daily basis.

I used this book when I taught a course on Eastern Philosophy in Martial Arts last fall, and it was extremely helpful to the students who were wrestling with some very difficult concepts. It takes ideas that are hard to grasp intellectually and explains them in terms of the author's own experiences. He doesn't hesitate to portray himself as a learner who was often impatient or egotistical--his honesty is a crucial element of the book's success in describing his journey. It also dovetailed beautifully with the talks and demonstrations from martial artists who were kind enough to visit the class and share their insights.

This is a core volume in my library. Thin but packed with exceptional lessons. The simplicity of philosophy makes it quite readable, and it's lightness is Zen in itself. A must read for anyone introspective enough to not fear personal growth.

I practice BJJ and found the book insightful and practical.

Purchased for my hubby. New, clean and pristine condition.

Excellent source of information.

A quick read.........not an in-depth analysis. For a new-comer to Zen concepts, like myself, it was very enjoyable. For Bruce Lee fans like myself, it has some great stories of Joe Hyams interaction and friendship with him.

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.

With chapters so short, you can enjoy on your throne giving you time to meditate on this wealth of information collected over the lifetime of Mr. Hyams. Yes, the chapter on breathing literally saved my life. This is that copy I wish I had thousands of, just to gift to all my friends and family.

An excellent read. A book I will always keep in my library.

very insightful, short for quick reading in today's busy world, yet full of commonsense applications

Very good book.

Very good

Love this book. One that I will reread over and over again.

Great book,if you can spare 1.5 hours go read it. It is short, simple, and full of easy thoughts that remind us to slow down. I have purchased this book 3 times in the past 20 or so years. It is a great book. Dont expect to much, accept it as is and you will like it. It is not a Martial Art training manual, its a life message. Be simple, do the right thing. It is a reminder of what we all already know but forget to do.

Oh wow...I wish I'd known about and read this book when I was actively studying martial arts decades ago. This book should be (not required, but) highly recommended reading for anyone interested in practicing martial arts. All the other positive reviews do it justice. Get this book and read it for better understanding of the entire subject.

This is the finest introduction to the core of Zen philosophy through the context of martial arts. It is clear, insightful, and easily read. Each section is only 2-3 pages long and yet successfully enlightens the reader and is extremely thought provoking. The book is also entertaining, mentioning Bruce Lee and Ed Parker among the martial arts luminaries that apparently the author personally knew and trained under.

Excellent and easy read on the value of martial arts in everyday life.

love it

Fantastic book full of wisdom. One of my favorites in my personal library

Changed my life

Love this book and have been trying to find another copy for a while. So glad Amazon carries it! As for the content, I found this to be one of those books that changed my life and outlook. So much of it is good solid, thought-provoking advice that extends beyond the realm of martial arts into normal everyday life. I can't say enough to compliment it or its author.

I've had numerous copies of this book and have given them away to students and friends over the years, a timeless book with amazing stories that relate to martial arts and to life in general - ANYONE who reads this and absorbs its messages and meanings will simply be a better person - save yourself a few thousand doing that Tony Robbins course ( who O have no problem with btw) and read Zen in the Martial Arts - I guarantee it will be a book you return to again and again.

A classic book on Zen and how the martial arts can be a pathway to learning it. I highly recommend this book to both martial artist as well as anyone who is looking for an introductory book on Zen.

Great job

the title was a bit misleading but overall i was very happy with the book and recommend it to anyone looking for a quick reading book.

Great book, easy reading and keeps you interested all the way through the book... good writer. Get the book!!

Well written and very meaningful

This book was recommended by our Sensei. I really enjoyed reading it and found the author to be genuine and down to earth. There are a lot of memorable and light bulb moments.

This is the third time I've purchased this book over the years. In the past I have given copies of this book to people I thought could benefit from the lessons learned. Further, having trained for over 20+ years, it was enjoyable to read about the "legends" of the arts. I would definitely recommend this book to any fellow artist.

I found this book years ago and continue to read, re-read and give as gifts to others seeking insights on personal calmness and clarity of thought during times of stress. One does not have to be into martial arts to appreciate the well-crafter stories and messages contained therein.

I went the Amazon just now (9/26/201) to see if this wonderful book is still in print and it is. In fact, I think a hardcover classic edition would be appropriate. - why? I have turned to this little gem for 30 years during minor martial art exposure but more importantly competitive sports and business. The lessons and insights from his own training and life as well as his teachers speak for itself. This is both a coffee table and bed stand jewel that deserves reading and absorbing over and over.

This book was an easy read and very interesting. Could not stop reading once I started. While not an indepth book about Zen yet one man's journey through the martial arts and realization that there is more to the art than technical ability. A great intro book for Zen. The stories were great as well.

Very good book and an easy short read.

This is a good story about a older guy who learns karate but never uses it when confronted by a guy trying to pick a fight. Frankly, I was hoping the author would kick the jerks ass. I think you will find the book entertaining.

I love this little book and often give it to students who are graduating. Its simple messages about life stick with you...Living life well, is in many instances a martial art. Hyams translates lessons from Bruce Lee effectively in this quick but memorable read! HIGHLY recommend!

Easy to read with many good lessons for beginners and others. Started giving this book as a gift to new students and others several years ago to put the martial picture into perspective for them (as it did for me). Have received nothing but positive feedback each and every time. Highly recommended.

A Great Read! I really enjoyed how the book was set up. A short reading of a story that you can gain so much knowledge from. The book is easy to read and the points are simple, yet profound. I highly recommend this to any student of the martial arts. I struggle sometimes with getting my brain to be as focused as I want, or to find peace in a stressful life, but Zen in the Marital Arts is a great place to find some helpful tips and tricks to changing your outlook on not only your training, but life in general. Overall, a very great book!

Great Book you can read many times. I have Black Belt in Taekwondo and trained Shotokan and Tie Chi. I am 67 yrs old and still read the book from time to time. We all have lessons to learn Sometimes our mind is not ready for the lesson

Joe Hyams is not a Zen master and doesn't profess to being one. He takes a zen principle or concept and expalins how her applied it to his live and how you might apply it to yours. Simple, direct, down-to-earth lessons, it has made me stop and take stock on my own behavior and make changes.

A classic book that lays down the foundation of the zen beliefs. It is both entertaining and easy to read. This is my 15th copy as everytime I get one, it tends to go to someone else.

A classic book everyone studying martial arts should read. Twenty years ago, I read the book just prior to my black belt exam. Recently, my son read the book just before his black belt exam.

This is a book that you will want to keep close and revisit as life shapes and molds you. Don't let the title fool you - this is not about the martial arts! The lessons and stories are applicable throughout business and relationships.

This was a great read. It shares the experiences of different martial arts practitioners and Hyams interaction with them. I had heard of Bruce Lee, which Hyams personally trained with, but not others who were also real Zen warriors of our time. This book goes into the civil and martial aspects of the martial arts through stories and experiences. This book taught me a lot about what it is to truly train in martial arts and taught me to relax, live, and love.

Clear and Short stories. Excellent insight to how deep the martial arts can actually go.

Once again the book came in perfect condition. This book is quick reading and an absolute must. I have read it at least a dozen times and have given away as many copies. It helps in your journey through life. With amazing insight and great tips and philosophies from the greatest Zen And Martial Arts masters of all time, it will help you through the toughest situations you will encounter

Applies to all aspects of life and all sports. A must read for anyone that has anxiety or nerves when competing in any sport and a must read for a guide to how to live a meaningful life.

Decent book with good insight into Zen. Not as thought provoking as I believed it would be. Perhaps one needs to read this short book more than once.

Easy read. Joe writes well and enjoys his subject. I never connected the calm I felt before a match as anything related to zen. Enjoyed reading about his experiences while studying the arts. The big names he has studied with are enviable. Lots of variety in his studies. Really motivated me to study zen.

Great little book. Third copy. Let others borrow and never got back which is usually ok, but I like to refere back to this book to remind me of the true reasons to train both body and mind.

Such a great book and easy read. A LOT of practical, everyday advice. Many stories regarding Bruce Lee. Great to have on the bookshelf.

Joe Hyams did a great job with this book. To paraphrase the author, it's a book I always wanted to read, and now I have the chance to actually do it. I highly recommended for anyone who is interested in martial arts and philosophy. You'll also learn something about great martial artists like Chuck Norris, Bruce Lee and some others.

A great read, insights from masters, for becoming disciplined in life , not just the martial arts.

I let someone have my copy years ago and never got it back. I ordered another and was quite disappointed. The copy that I received was quite smaller and the print was much smaller. I enjoyed the my original,the reprint was not of the same quality. The writing is very good and the information is just as relevant in the world as it is in the dojo.

Straight to the point lessons for anyone. All interested in martial arts and or Zen will greatly appreciate. Easy to read and a great reference. I will read more than once the lessons shared.

Really easy to read, positive sports and life psychology for anyone

Must have on how to apply the martial arts in your daily life

Overall I was happy with this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It's a short book, but filled with useful information, for Martial Arts as well as life in general.

A great timeless book.

This book should be required reading for all "new" martial artists. I know it is of my students. Also it is short enough to NOT intimidate those students that say they "hate to read!"

Decent read overall. Very simple points to consider for all martial artists.

Arrived on time, this is a book that is relaxing and educating .

This was for an assignment.

Great book.

All is well.

While it may seem dated (definitely chronologically), it has some very, very useful philosophical gems, even for people who are not into martial arts. It is also very interesting from an 'insiders' point of view with regard to the Hollywood celebrity world of the 1970s.

was perfect ...should be read by all marital arts students and inviled in sports. I'm am a coach an I find this book very helpful.

If youve ever practiced the martial arts then this is a book you will be able to relate to. One of the best books ive ever read!

I have read this book countless times and I have always found lessons I didn't read the last time. A great introduction for those who want to learn or start practicing Zen.

Through stories and personal experience s, the author gives a great introduction to Zen and martial arts. Easy read. Great quotes.

This book has truly inspired me to become more in depth with my martial arts training. Also it was an amazing book

The lessons go well beyond martial arts.

Always have a copy of this book available to peruse . Some very good ideas on time management and dealing with people.

You gotta read this please!

good book.

A thoughtful book. A favorite of mine in the last few years

Easy good read. Don't expect to learn much. More for entertainment.

Interesting, thats about it.

I ordered this book thinking it had the same layout as one I had years ago but it did not. This book is narrow with poor paper quality .

This is more of a memoir than an actual book on philosophy in regards to martial arts. Each chapter, if I recall correctly, started with a blurb from one of the Daoist or Taoist books, and then the author launches into a anecdote of his experience with various martial arts and martial arts schools. I was hoping and expecting for some philosophical poetic waxing in regards to Shotokan or Tae Kwon Do or jujitsu or something, but none was such the case. Again, it's more of a biography with some stories about how aspects of Zen may or might have applied to the author's life. In this regards it's a disappointment, and to this extent it's not something I would recommend. When I took martial arts I developed into something pretty special. And after watching a few episodes of Kung Fu I was interested in the regulatory philosophies that helped guide Asian martial arts, hence getting my hands on this book. But, again, to get Asian philosophy you need to check out an actual book on Eastern thought. This book is interesting at times, but to be honest I could have done without it. And, to be honest, like the author, I was shocked by some of the anecdotes he tells in regards to behaviors exhibited by various students he studied with. Oh well. It's okay, but there's got to be better books out there that mix the two subjects.