Be Like Water: Practical Wisdom from the Martial Arts (Paperback)

~ Joseph Cardillo (Author) "The Chinese word chi (or ki in Japanese) refers to our internal life-force energy, as well as to the energy of the Universe, the Infinite,..." (more)
Key Phrases: chi sao, empty jacket, follow your bliss, Lower Dan Tien, Emptying Your Mind

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

For anyone interested in deepening their quality of life, karate expert Joseph Cardillo delivers an inspiring and essential guide to the spiritual wisdom of the martial arts.Contrary to what many might think, self-defense is not the main purpose of martial arts training. "See with Your Skin; Find Your Range; Be Like Water" are just some of the wise messages at the heart of all martial art practices that help seasoned warriors, Buddhist monks, even kung fu champions like Bruce Lee maintain their trademark calm in the face of chaos. Now, in 16 easy-to-read chapters, Joseph Cardillo outlines a variety of disciplines from Korea, China, and Japan, and provides narrative examples for how they translate into spiritual well being. Complete with reflective exercises, BE LIKE WATER is a well-grounded, step-by-step approach to applying the warrior mind-set to life's daily challenges.

About the Author

Joseph Cardillo lives in Averrill Park, New York.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (September 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446690317
• ISBN-13: 978-0446690317
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 4.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #110,634 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mushin??, July 22, 2007

By	Terry Tozer "TJSKA.com" (Reading, Bracknell, Brighton & Hove, UK) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is another one of those "It does what it says on the label" type books. You'll not want to put it down once you've started.

The book is arranged into many small one to three page chapters about a subject e.g. "Pacing Yourself" or "Identifying Your Priorities", then followed by a page or two on Meditations about how you might achieve what has been discussed then one page of "Resolutions" on suggested promises you should make to yourself to carry out the task at hand.

Written in a nice easy flowing & interesting manner which urges you on to want to just read one more chapter before you put it down.

Although the topics discussed immediately relate to Budo (Martial Arts), all of them can equally be applied to everyday living without little or any adaptation.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Living a simple life, August 13, 2006

By	Todd Farrell (Keller, TX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is one of those books that you can't put down. I'm not a big reader, nor am I big in to martial arts, however the principles in this book really apply to everyday life.

It immediately changed the way I analyze situations. There are many small details that anyone can use to change something if that is something they want to.

I have read this book a few times, mainly looking for something else to apply to life.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Water Meets World, February 12, 2009

By	terrie schauer (Montreal, Canada) - See all my reviews

Amateur kick-boxer and ex-karate student, I picked up this book looking for a little mental spice to add to a relatively sparse spiritual training regimen. Be Like Water hit the spot.

Cardillo's writing is obviously colored by the practice of Kung Fu, one of the "softer", more spiritual martial arts. Needless to say, his thoughts can't be neatly applied to becoming a more effective Muay Thai kick-boxer. But in reflecting on and cultivating the art of living, this book is thought-provoking.

Be Like Water holds a lot of great warrior-wisdom. My favorites are the sections on responding appropriately and controlling urges. Cardillo expresses very effectively the utility of economy of movement/reaction, just as he clearly explains the benefits of correctly assessing which threats to react to.

Be Like Water isn't a bible for up-coming boxers. I don't expect it to help me very much in the ring. But in trying to live the rest of my life well, I expect to recall and return to Cardillo's writing.

Terrie Schauer
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