On the Warrior's Path: Philosophy, Fighting, and Martial Arts Mythology (Paperback)

by Daniele Bolelli (Author) "On that day, throughout the entire hunan province, everyone's hair had been seduced to dance in the wind..." (more)
Key Phrases: warrior myth, martial arts movies, martial artists, Bruce Lee, New York, San Shou (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Danielle Bolelli has written both a poetic and pragmatic vision of what martial arts can be."
- Richard Strozzi-Heckler, Ph.D.

Product Description
From the "chop-sockey" kung-fu epics on the big screen to practices like tae kwon do at local community centers, the martial arts have become a major phenomenon in Western culture. In On the Warrior’s Path, author Daniele Bolelli examines the central figure in this trend: the warrior. Bolelli, himself a martial artist, looks at every facet of the warrior lifestyle, from the unbreakable tenacity of the Japanese swordsman to the contemplative practices of the mysterious warrior monks of China. Drawing from both classical and popular sources of warrior culture, Bolelli shows what it takes to inhabit this singular role, along the way making surprising connections between martial arts and psychedelic culture, basketball, American Indian society, surfing, Star Wars, and more.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Frog Books (February 20, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1583940669
• ISBN-13: 978-1583940662
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #599,297 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and Relevant to All, January 11, 2005

By	Heather (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

I purchased "On the Warrior's Path" because the philosophy behind it intrigued me. Having absolutely no experience with any form of martial arts ever, I was probably far outside the target audience for this book. Despite this, I found it to be one of the best books I have read in the past year.

I found "On the Warrior's Path" to be amusing, engaging, and thought-provoking. It is impossible to summarise the book in a way that captures all that it encompasses, because it covers so much. Read it.

The writing style is very down-to-earth and easy to follow, but does not sacrifice content or deeper ideas in the process. The author draws from many eclectic sources, but does so in a way that is relevant and interesting.

Most importantly, the author's message can be meaningful and relevant in anyone's life -- the warrior, the poet, man or woman, martial artist or not.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent view into the inner side of martial arts, July 29, 2005

By	jay (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews

This book is very well written. Having studied martial arts for many years, I was looking for a text that discussed the topic from an inner perspective. This book was just what I was looking for. Bolelli's writing style is very engaging and the topics he covers are wide ranging. The last three chapters of the book were written 10 years after the original content, and it does show. I will agree with others here that their content seems a bit awkward in comparison to the remainder of the book. However, it's still a very good insight into the mind of a warrior, and the personal goals one can achieve with a solid connection between the mind and body. Highly recommended.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A rare piece of magic and insight!!, January 1, 2004

By	Scott C. Lillich (Oakland, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is one fantastic book!! I am very new to the world of martial arts and was looking for something to give me a sort of intro. "On the Warrior's Path" not only gave me a wonderful overview of martial arts in general, but the incredible insights on the philosophy of martial arts as a lifestyle inspired me in the way no other book has before!
Mr. Bolelli is obviously very well versed in martial arts as well as many other subjects. He finds ways to connect Nietzche to Bruce Lee, and Taoism to Star Wars. Best of all, he connects them all to the central theme of martial arts. His writing style is light, fun, and entertaining, and yet his ideas are deep, impressive, and very informative.
This book is not just for martial artist's, but for their friends, family, and for anyone interested in looking at life from a different angle. I highly recommend it, and I guarantee I will read any other books I find by Mr. Bolelli!!