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Zen in the Martial Arts
 
 
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Zen in the Martial Arts [Paperback]

Joe Hyams
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (48 customer reviews)
RRP: £10.99
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Zen in the Martial Arts + The Art of Peace (Shambhala Pocket Classics) + The Book of Five Rings: A Classic Text on the Japanese Way of the Sword (incl. "The Book of Family Traditions on the Art of War")
Price For All Three: £20.06

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Product details

  • Paperback: 144 pages
  • Publisher: Jeremy P Tarcher; New Ed edition (7 Jun 2000)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0874771013
  • ISBN-13: 978-0874771015
  • Product Dimensions: 20.4 x 16.2 x 1 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (48 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 10,292 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Joe Hyams
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Product Description

Product Description

The martial arts, in their finest form, are much more than a physical contest between two opponents - a means of imposing ones will or inflicting damage upon another. Rather, for the true master, karate, kung fu, aikido, wing-chun and all the other martial arts are essentially avenues through which they can achieve spiritual serenity, mental tranquility and the deepest self-confidence. The role of Zen in the martial arts defies easy definition because Zen has no theory; it is an inner knowing for which there is no clearly stated dogma. The Zen of martial arts deemphasizes the power of the intellect and extols that of intuitive action. It's ultimate aim is to free the individual from anger, illusion and false passion. Hyams emphasizes crucial aspects of the martial arts that have been all but lost since their import into the West: the Zen objectives of serenity of spirit, tranquility of mind, and firmness of will.

Inside This Book (Learn More)
First Sentence
Several hundred books have been written about performing the Oriental martial arts, but no more than a handful address the significance of Zen in the martial arts. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
33 of 34 people found the following review helpful
Thought provoking 18 Feb 2005
By Gerry
Format:Mass Market Paperback
As a practitioner in Martial Arts from aged 9 this book has unlocked another thought process in my mind. A valuable source of information and inspiration. The author has displayed the problems that have faced him as a student and as a master and given much thought to resolving these conflicts. You do not need to understand the theory of Zen, this is a simple but deeply moving book of epic proportions. For the Martial Art practitioner the author has an uncanny ability to pass on further direction. This book is vital for the student and the Master and should be mandatory in the Dojang for all to learn from, follow and continually refer to. However as a book on life it is just as valaubale for the non martial artist.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Required Reading 3 Nov 1997
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
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.
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15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
By Terry Tozer TOP 1000 REVIEWER
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Must be a classic already? I can't add much too all the positive reviews listed here already, but, despite being a small book and a quick and easy read, it's one of those books that should be read and its contents digested several times, to make sure the important messages have sunk into your sub-consciousness.

Joe gives several accounts of when he trained with Bruce Lee and there are many witty and funny stories in the book. The book covers many Budo secrets and is a fantastic summary of many of the great samurai classics. No matter what Martial Art you study, there will be plenty of material here to improve your performance and help you with the important aspects of breathing, timing and Kime.

Try and get the Bantam July 1982 edition as it is nice and small and can fit in your pocket. Keep it by your bedside to give you something to meditate on before you go to sleep and refer to it often to help you absorb the important techniques within the book. If followed with some persistence, I am certain it could help anyone increase their longevity though the various practices in the book.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Zen review
This book added to answering various questions that i had on Zen in martial arts. It has become one of my favourite personal reference books on martial arts in general.
Published 4 months ago by RyanCC
Short but packed with profound ideas
This is undeniably a short book, I read it in a morning, but it is a profound book, not in an overt way, but in a gentle, in fact quite a subtle way... Read more
Published 15 months ago by FLF
The first step on the road to enlightenment
This book was recommended to me by my Sensei and I have to say I found it very interesting indeed. In my humble opinion this book should be a must read for any martial artist,... Read more
Published 15 months ago by Smeagol
One of the best Martial Arts / Zen Books read
I read a lot of this type of book and still maitain this is one of the best written and esiest to pick up and gain knowledge from

Highly reccomended
Published 19 months ago by ML
Moving
I've returned to this book over and over again throughout the last 8 years. It never ceases to remind me of forgotten lessons. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Mr Shin Lim
Dumbed down for a US readership
Short, simple book. Very little Zen. Mostly about an ignorant American journalist trying to get to grips with deep thoughts - bit of a non-starter! Read more
Published 21 months ago by Martin McQueen
Sometimes cryptic but definitely worth reading
Definitely worth reading a couple of times as there is some real wisdom within this book, even if it sometimes needs decrypting. Read more
Published on 21 April 2010 by MacDee 68
Zen in the Martial Arts
Great read.
Simply written & enjoyable .
Would reccomend to people even if they are not in Martial Art,
as there is something for everyone in this book if you are... Read more
Published on 7 April 2010 by Greg Desmond
Great Little Book
One of those books that I never wanted to end. A great read to chill out with.
Published on 4 Jun 2009 by Gary
The next zen bible
An amazing insight into zen within the martial arts. The author tells a short story in each chapter and how he faces problems with zen. Read more
Published on 17 Feb 2009 by Phil
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