The Secret Power Within [Paperback]

Chuck Norris (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 6, 1997

Chuck Norris has spent a lifetime studying the martial arts, earning several black belts and world championships.   Now, through anecdotes about his own
personal struggles and triumphs, Norris explains how the ancient system of Zen--the core philosophy behind the martial arts--can help each of us achieve
spiritual tranquillity and self-confidence.

The Secret Power Within is both a highly accessible lesson in Zen philosophy as well as the compelling story of Chuck Norris's own remarkable success.  In this highly entertaining and inspiring account, Norris shows how Zen can be applicable to everyday situations, from the conference room to the
living room.  Chapters include:

*  Winning by Losing:  If you have nothing to prove, you have no need to fight.

*  Complete the Wheel:  How to balance your life to achieve success.

*  Your Master, Your Art:  To maintain self-respect you must respect the work you do, and do it as well as possible.

*  My Way of Meditating:  Norris's personal technique for achieving tranquillity under pressure.

The message is simple: There are no limits for the person who refuses to accept them.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Zen advice from a martial arts expert?and star of TV's Walker, Texas Ranger.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Chuck Norris, martial-arts movie hero and the star of television's Walker, Texas Ranger, offers his thoughts on martial-arts training and the Zen philosophy behind the kicks and punches. In his own life, Norris has found that applying Zen helped him succeed in both business and acting. The discipline and structure of martial-arts training, he argues, can provide one with focus, self-confidence, and determination. Norris peppers his discourse with illustrative anecdotes, such as the story of the wounded marine who--despite the loss of both legs--studied martial arts under a visionary master and learned to use his wheelchair as a weapon. Norris also champions Zen as a path to self-awareness whereby followers learn how to reward, motivate, and respect themselves. One could easily dismiss this book as a superficial presentation of a complex philosophy by a pretentious showbiz dilettante, but that would be an error. View it rather as a primer presented sincerely by a famous practitioner. Norris' fame may help him connect with younger readers, who are often most in need of his message. Wes Lukowsky --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Broadway (January 6, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 055306908X
• ISBN-13: 978-0553069082
• Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 0.5 x 8.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #99,433 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Chuck Norris is a TV and film actor who has starred in more than twenty films and is well known for his popular television series "Walker, Texas Ranger." He is also a martial arts expert and a bestselling author of numerous books including "Black Belt Patriotism" and "The Secret Power Within." Norris's nationally syndicated column appears in Human Events, Town Hall, and World Net Daily, among other outlets. Chuck and his wife Gena continue to be involved in many charitable, Christian and civic endeavors, including two trips to Iraq to support American troops, the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Veterans Administration National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans, the United Way, etc. Chuck and Gena Norris are also advocates for an elective Bible education course offered now in 475 public school districts in 38 states. Chuck Norris' greatest mission at the moment, however, is to raise the value and standards of at-risk young people through his KICKSTART organization. KICKSTART is a martial arts program offered to junior high kids in Texas in lieu of their regular physical education classes. Chuck and Gena and their children live on their ranch near Houston, Texas. For more information on Chuck Norris and the KICKSTART program, go to: www.chucknorris.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very good book, Excellently written, June 18, 2002

By 

Golden Lion "Reader" (North Ogden, Ut United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Secret Power Within (Paperback)

Golden Lion Kempo Karate: I've studied Kempo Karate, Tai Chi, Akido, Jui Jutisitu and Judo over the last ten years. I related to the concepts and stories told by the author. A martial artist knows the commitment, skill, and dedication required to gain a Black Belt, but few really understand the essence of Zen, in their training. The author does not try to explain all the philosophical aspects of Zen or Buddism, instead draws from his own life experiences instances of Zen. Many of these stories are very personal and easy to relate too. The author has a very honest and non-assumption style to his writing; rather than focusing on achievements and personal aggrandizing, he emphasizes his struggles with marriage, tournament fighting, recovery from a bankrupt school, and a brother killed in Viet Nam. I personally found the book to be very inspiring and renewed a desire to be a leader and better example to my students and those around me. The author effectively communicated topics of Zen in a easy to understand concepts and stories. A rare addition to your Marital Art Library.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome!!! We should all take notes..., September 29, 1999

By 

C. Reynolds - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Secret Power Within (Paperback)

I have been a fan of Chuck Norris for some time now. I ran across this book in my local library. I read it in just a few hours. I couldn't put it down!! I already had a lot of respect for Chuck, but after reading this book I came away with so much more. He shows us that we can all accomplish anything and that we "are the only things standing in (our) way". I hope my sons can grow up to become men as honored and respected as Chuck Norris. There is so much in this book that we can all take into our lives to improve them. I hope we will. This world could sure use more people like him.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Book, April 18, 2000

By 

Heather Schubert (Sebring, Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Secret Power Within (Paperback)

I read this book from front to back within a matter of days and it was the most uplifting book I've ever read. After lending it to a friend who lost it, I had to re-order it but it was well worth paying for it again. Even my husband couldn't put the book down! Chuck Norris is the most inspirational person I know of in real life as well as on TV. His show deals with his own morals and philosophies that he practices in real life. If I hadn't read this book, I'd never have known he lost a brother in Vietnam. I was fortunate to see the Vietnam Veterans Moving Wall when it came to my home town last November. I found Weiland's name on the Wall. Just knowing it was Chuck's brother and having read the heartbreak he went through (and still goes through from the loss of his brother), it was a very moving experience for me. This book should be mandatory in every school in America! Chuck Norris is the epitome of heroism and what all of mankind should be. He would make a great President!