Customer Reviews

On the Warrior's Path, Second Edition: Philosophy, Fighting, and Martial Arts Mythology

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I picked up this book because of one passage I read while browsing in a bookstore. (Yes, I later BOUGHT the book--through Amazon...) "To be truly walking on the warrior's path, we have to bring our minds back to the time when we were not ashamed of our dreams; when reality had not yet frustrated our ambitions; when our desire was still too strong to be repressed, and our spirit refused to surrender in resignation; when we were not yet doctors, businessmen, or lawyers, but still wanted to be heroes, leaders, bodhisattvas. The first step on the way to being warriors is to get back in touch with our dreams." (p. 104)

Need I say more? The rest of the book is almost as good, written with obvious personal passion, knowledge of the subject (Asian martial arts, esp. Chinese kung fu), and a refreshing sense of humor. He has the unusual gift of being able to write philosophically without sounding pretentious or putting you to sleep. It's the kind of book that now has highlighting marks on almost every page. And as a curious aside, this guy was born in Italy, apparently not a native English speaker, though he writes better than most Americans, and he wrote this book in his early twenties!

A final cue: How can you not be impressed with a guy who quotes from both Frederich Nietzsche and Pearl Jam in the same subhead? And who counts Richard Strossi-Heckler among his close friends? Strossi is an aikido master and psychologist, and the author of "In Search of the Warrior Spirit: Teaching Awareness Discipines to the Green Berets"--one of my all-time favorite books.

Not that I got them all, but among the multitude of martial arts books that have been written and published out there, there is one for me that stands out of the lot and that deserves a very special spotlight.

The book is called "On the warrior's path" and the author is Daniele Bolelli, an italian writer, martial artist and professor who lives and teaches in Los Angeles. The book was actually introduced to me by Rick Tucci at the end of a Jeet Kune Do seminar I attended in Brussels, back in 2004 (and here I'd like to express my appreciation for an instructor that, in addition to teach fighting techniques at seminars, takes the time to share other valuable insights, even discussing books).

I ordered a copy of the book at an english bookstore in Brussels, and once in my hands I didn't really know what to expect from it. I mean, you scan the titles of the chapters from the index and you obviously anticipate what each chapter is going to be about, and for some reasons, right then, I didn't believe that the reading would be any ecstatic, maybe because the book seemed to cover a little bit of everything, but nothing really in particular.

Well, let me tell you that right after reading a few chapters away, I was proved wrong: the book was TOTALLY ecstatic!

Bolelli writes about martial arts in an exquisite way, adding the right dose of humor and, there and then, of sarcasm, which makes the reading kind of friendly and easy-going.

Chapter after chapter, Bolelli takes us into a fascinating journey in the vast land of martial arts by visiting many of its territories. The focus shifts from the more philosophical and symbolic side on the subject - in chapters such as "The Body As A Temple", "More Than Martial, More Than Art", "The Princess And The Warrior, The Yin And The Yang" - to some analysis of historical nature, like in the "Six Warriors Archetypes" chapter.

One thing that really blows me away about the book is that with such a wide spectrum of potential topics to pick from, Bolelli chooses to approach the deepest and the most intense portion of the whole matter. "The Warrior As Bodhisatva", for example, is to me one of the most touching and passionate text ever written about the integration of martial arts in life itself, and I love the way it shakes me every time I read it (I got this habit of underlining with a pencil my favorite bits when I read books, and this chapter ended up being underlined from the first sentence to the last).

But in addition to feed us with deep, philosophical insights, in his book Bolelli also provides a few writings about some hot topics that use to arise big discussions in the martial arts world. "Finding The Buddha In A Cage", for example, reviews the Mixed Martial Arts phenomenon , but even in this occation the topic is approached from angles that are quiet unusual, and which are accessible only to a man of acute visions and solid knowledge like the author.

Last but surely not least, the book ends up with a chapter dedicated to Jeet Kune Do, called "Epistemological Anarchism - The Philosophy Of Jeet Kune Do." Again, I have to admit that when I read the words "Jeet Kune Do", I couldn't help myself thinking "Ok, this is where I'll get disappointed", maybe because too much shallow fuzz is made on the subject and because unfortunately it is a subject contaminated by misconceptions of all kinds. But than again, Bolelli proved me wrong. And again, he approached the very equivocal topic of Jeet Kune Do from fresh, interesting perspectives. I can now say that this chapter is a joy for the heart, because it draws a very wide picture of Bruce Lee's mind and spirit, and lays out the possible connections of his art and philosophy with other sources.

Well, in the end "On the warrior's path" is a small collection of essays about various aspects of the fascinating world of martial arts, but it is surely a beautiful piece of work that every martial artist should own. And like many great things in life, it could only have been produced by a man who is an unique mixture of different ingredients (in his case, intellectuality, history knowledge, wisdom, humor, and martial arts mastery).

Because this book has been, and is, so precious and meaningful to me, with this article I want to thank Daniele Bolelli for putting together this compilation of joyful readings, and I cannot wrap this up without saying that it would be a pleasure and a honor for me to meet him in person one day (maybe in my next, planned-but-not-yet-done, martial arts trip to California).

So, there you have it, my personal review of "On the warrior's path". I hope you enjoy the book, and if you've already read it, let me know what you think of it in the comments. Good reading.

This second edition of this modern classic on philosophy and martial arts is even better than the original, for it contains two great extra chapters in addition to all the old material. In an on-line interview, the author himself has stated that one of the new chapters (the last one) is his favorite among anything he has ever written.
One of the extra chapters is about the relationship between combat sports and traditional martial arts, and about the need to combine philosophy with action. As Bolelli puts it, "more sweat and less talk". This is a very enjoyable chapter, but it pales in comparison to the last one: an unlikely but beautiful essay about friendship, loneliness, the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche, and the deeper emotional urges driving us toward martial arts. Here we can see Bolelli at his best. If you own the original edition, either get this or check it out at the library because the new material is worth it.

"On the Warrior's Path: Philosophy, Fighting, and Martial Arts Mythology" by Daniele Bolelli made me think about my own journey with martial arts and military combatives over the years, and for making me ponder my own warrior's path, I thank Bolelli. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and found myself engrossed with some of the essays contained within the just over 200 page text. It's a book I'd recommend to any martial artist wanting to explore more than just techniques found within martial systems.

Bolelli writes with an elegant prose that pulls you in and makes you think about things you may not have thought about before. You can compare it with the subtle finesse of an accomplished master of internal martial arts who overcomes you without you really even realizing what has been done, rather than a young MMA stud who just knocks your head off like Brer Bear in an Uncle Remus tale. Bolelli wrestles with the urge to forge one's character by fighting, a somewhat contradiction, but one that makes sense when reading this book. (One that makes sense to most of us who practice martial arts for any length of time.)

The book is more like a collection of essays, and I found I connected with some of these more than others. However, as a whole these chapters connect the dots and form a comprehensive look at what the title says it will: philosophy, fighting, and martial arts mythology. Topics such as the body as a temple, ancient warriors such as the samurai and Chinese poet warriors are addressed, warrior rites and archetypes are looked at, and various arts and styles from traditional to the modern MMA are examined. There is also a chapter devoted to the philosophy of Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do that those who are interested in this martial art icon should find most interesting when wanting to learn more about what shaped Lee's philosophy. Plus so much more.

This is one of those books that will be different for each reader. While Bolelli shares parts of his journey, or path, the real importance of this work is how it stimulates the reader to look within and discover their own reasons, their own philosophy, and their own path. This is what the book did for me, and if you read it with an open mind, ready for self-introspection, you may find it does the same for you. Highly recommended to those martial artists looking to take their training to a higher philosophical level.

Reviewed by Alain Burrese, J.D., author of the "Lock On Joint Locking Essentials" DVDs and others.

If you have loved ones who just don't get your love for the arts, this might give them a better perspective about why you do things like practice blocking when walking through the house, or using footwork when playing with the dog. If you are needing a spark to renew your interest in the arts, this should do the trick as well. One of the best books I've read so far on this much loved subject. Especially love his soapbox spiel on mediocre living vs. energetic living. Two palm heel strikes up!

Daniele Bolelli writes a wonderful book for the truth seeker, mystic adventurer in all of us.
It explores martial arts from the spiritual and philosophical perspectives in such a way, that one could apply the principles to almost any aspect of your life. An exploration of the passions within an individual, and the ways that the art form of martial arts can channel and fuel those passions. It is written poetically, and with no shortage of wit, and also includes a great overview of the different branches of martial arts and a snapshot into some of their strengths.
Enjoy!

Mr. Bolelli's book came to me at a time in my life when I needed a new perspective. In the midst of divorce and a serious look at the motivations of my life, I embraced many things that were eloquently presented in this book. This is the second edition and the additional material is well thought and personal. At least it felt personal to me. The chapter "On Failed Friendships, Martial Arts, Nietzche, and Self Perfection" spoke to many things that I had difficulty finding the words to explain, for most of my life.

My definition of a great book, is one that can be read and re read over and over again. Each time a new insight or a thought occurs to you with every read.

This book is not a dusty recap of history and philosophy. It is a living and breathing discussion in a rocking chair on breezy summer afternoon. Mr. Bolelli writes in a warm and friendly style, without taking himself too seriously.

I cannot wait for his next book.

Buy this one while you wait, you will not be disappointed.

I had a chance to listen to a lecture by the author before I ever read the book, and I was quite blown away. He was very articulate, had great sense of humor and a sharp intellect--truly a great public speaker. So I decided to give his book a try. I have not been disappointed.
"On the Warrior's Path" is a collection of essays on life and the martial arts. It is clear that it was written over a long period of time since the style and tone changes a little from the early to the later chapters, but I enjoyed all of them.
My personal favorites are "the warrior as bodhisatva", "epistemological anarchism" and the last two (a discussion on combat sports vs. traditional martial arts, and a very personal tale on the author's journey). The last chapter, in particular, is one of the most poetic, and well written non-fiction pieces I have ever come across.
The book is obviously aimed at people with experience in the martial arts, but it is just as insightful for anyone else. The wonderful ideas contained here are clearly applicable to any aspect of life, and not just the martial arts. I have read many books about philosophy and martial arts. "On the Warrior's Path" has just become my favorite.

not just for martial artists. A book rich in history, philosophy, mythology and more importantly: Life. I could not put it down. Do yourself a favor and buy this book.