The Shaolin Way: 10 Modern Secrets of Survival from a Shaolin Grandmaster [Hardcover]

Steve DeMasco (Author), Alli Joseph (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2, 2005

Part inspirational memoir, part no-holds-barred survival guide, THE SHAOLIN WAY is the culminated learning of Steve DeMasco. The Shaolin Fighting Monks were born nearly 2,500 years ago in an ancient Buddhist temple in China. Simple farmers and worshipers who were constantly preyed upon by bandits and underhanded rulers, they developed a martial arts style to protect themselves, as well as a philosophy about life and living that still revered to this day. In THE SHAOLIN WAY, Steve uses inspirational stories from his own life to illustrate 10 important principles of individual growth - like getting rid of Ego, Learning to lose Control, not being a Victim and the power of Self-Worth - to prove that everyday people can overcome their own demons - not with fancy kung-fu kicks, but with the mindset of the ancient Shaolin Fighting Monks, who strive for enlightenment every day, and who have become an inspiration throughout the world. Steve DeMasco has since gone on to become a successful lecturer, writer, and instructor. His passion and enthusiasm is unparalleled. He speaks to rape victims, kids in colleges and schools and has throughout his career received accolades and great quotes from everyone he's come into contact with, including former President Bill Clinton.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A child of poverty and abuse in New York's Spanish Harlem, DeMasco had every opportunity to become just another inner-city statistic. In time, though, his inward strength and survival instinct led to a dedicated study of martial arts; eventually he became a Shaolin kung fu grand master. In this entertaining and often moving book—a blend of ancient parables, memoir and instruction guide—DeMasco takes an often gritty and unapologetic look at the difficulties of growing up in modern society and offers lessons from his own life and the wisdom of the Shaolin monks, who seek "a balance between aggression and peace." In chapters such as "Victims Aren't Born, They're Bred" and "Anger Is Wasted Energy," he explains yin and yang as the balance of weakness and strength, and tells how monks learn to control their anger rather than let it control them. Tackling issues like living a fulfilling life, focusing to achieve maximum results, avoiding negative emotions and developing self-reliance, DeMasco (with People correspondent Joseph) provides a well-crafted perspective into how ancient teachings can be applied to modern problems.
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About the Author

Steve DeMasco is a motivational speaker and educator who holds a tenth degree black belt in Shaolin kung-fu. He created a 'Cool Karate Kids' book program for Scholastic that sold over 400,000 copies, founded a non-profit organization for helping violent individuals cope with anger, and routinely speaks to victims of abuse around the country.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: HarperEntertainment; 1st Printing edition (August 2, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060574569
• ISBN-13: 978-0060574567
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,540,941 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Understanding the dysfunctional parent, August 22, 2005

By 

The Corporate Chef (Boston, MA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Shaolin Way: 10 Modern Secrets of Survival from a Shaolin Grandmaster (Hardcover)

As a child of family therapists and ordained ministers I could understand a lot of the illustrations Steve DeMasco uses in this book. It is one of the first books I have found that continuously tells the reader that you are the solution to your problems no matter what your circumstances and illustrates effectively ways to either create a new cycle or help someone delve deeper into themselves.

Well balanced in the use of Shaolin principles while still maintaining the religeous identity of the reader. (Steve DeMasco is Catholic & a Grand Master.)

Easy/light reading with heavy overtones. I believe everyone will find something pertinent to how they live their lives in this book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Awakens insight, December 9, 2007

By 

Molly Mangan (Western MA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Shaolin Way: 10 Modern Secrets of Survival from a Shaolin Grandmaster (Hardcover)

I liked the unique approach this author took. I've read a lot about eastern philosophy, and it's exciting to see someone apply it to western life. It's impossible to live exactly like a monk in America, but that doesn't mean all their teachings should be abandoned. This book helped me maintain some inner peace while inspiring my mind for my constant self-reconstruction.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars the shaolin way:10 modern secrets of survival from a shaolin grandm,aster, January 26, 2007

By 

Luis Escribano (san Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Shaolin Way: 10 Modern Secrets of Survival from a Shaolin Grandmaster (Hardcover)

Very good book, very interesting if you like martial arts.