Sharp Spear, Crystal Mirror: Martial Arts in Women's Lives (Paperback)

by Stephanie T. Hoppe (Author) "In 1988, at the age of forty, I began the study of T'ai Chi Ch'uan..." (more)
Key Phrases: brown belt test, women martial artists, doing judo, Wing Chun, United States, San Francisco (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Would you be afraid of a woman with a sixth-degree black belt in Aikido? You shouldn't be, not because she couldn't hurt you (she probably could), but because she may turn out to be the best teacher you've ever had. In Sharp Spear, Crystal Mirror, seasoned writer Stephanie T. Hoppe conducts interviews with over 20 remarkable women who have not only excelled in martial arts but have adopted them (or been adopted by them) as a particular path to self-transformation. While many of these women are considered masters of their art, all of them have become masters of themselves--centered, articulate, creative, healthy, and compassionate. The wellspring of this wholeness appears to be the challenge, the camaraderie, and the continuous insights that one gains from dedicated practice of an art form that demands focused attention on what one teacher calls "being both gentle and strong at the same time." Sharing their experiences, we learn how martial arts can transform a person and how martial artists can begin to transform society through leadership and self-development training. --Brian Bruya

Review
An intriguing gracefully written book of interviews . . . Hoppe knows what questions to ask in order to help herself--and us--probe the discoveries and mysteries that come with the serious pursuit of a martial art on all its levels. This is a book about training the mind, body, and spirit, and has something to offer anyone striving for excellence in any field. . . . Women are influencing the face and direction of the martial arts. . . . Sharp Spear Crystal Mirror is an important contribution to this movement. It recognizes the work of a number of outstanding women and is helping to spread their knowledge and wisdom. Anyone engaged in martial arts--male or female, student or teacher--can deepen and reinforce their experience with this book. And those considering taking up the study will be inspired to do so. -- The Journal of Traditional Eastern Health & Fitness

I see women coming to the martial arts as a young movement, a new growth in the martial arts that will transform it forever in a very deep way. The martial arts will never be the same again for this influence, and that's been what my life has been about, sitting right on that cusp and being engaged in that process. -- Coleen Gragen, fifth-degree black belt Kajukenbo instructor

In Sharp Spear, Crystal Mirror, Stephanie T. Hoppe conducts interviews with over twenty remarkable women who have not only excelled in martial arts but have adopted them (or been adopted to them) as a particular path to self-transformation. . . . Sharing their experiences, we learn how martial arts can transform a person and how martial artists can begin to transform a society. -- Amazon.com

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Park Street Press (March 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892816627
• ISBN-13: 978-0892816620
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #565,387 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An eye-opening view, August 8, 2001

By A Customer

being a man and having practiced with one of the women mentioned in nthe book, I found it intriguing and eye opening to see women martial artists and their perspectives on their arts and how it has affected their lives.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a new perspective on their martial arts practice and their lives... I know it changed mine

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars inspiring..., September 26, 2000

By A Customer

As a female student of the martial arts, I found this book very inspiring. Our lives as girls and women are often filled with men as role models, particularly in areas such as martial arts and certain sports, so this book offered a connection to other women out there who are leading powerful, peaceful lives helping themselves and in turn, others. I also like the structure of the book; you don't have to read it cover to cover, you can skip around & read the sections that catch your eye first. Also, the photos are realistic, they help show us that these are REAL women in REAL life, they are not model-types posing for appearance. The variety of women here is truly inspiring and made me want to find people like this in real life to connect with. And men: get this book for the woman martial artist in your life (or any woman searching for inner strength), she'll really feel you care about her, it was one of the best gifts I ever received from a guy! :-)

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars More Variety Needed, June 17, 2004

By A Customer

As a female martial artist who trains in both Kempo and Kungfu, I found the interviews very insiteful. Many things the women said during their interviews hit home for me and reflected my own feelings about the arts. However, I feel that the author emphasized Tai Chi too much, especially given the fact that there are so many different styles to chose from. The author could have easily presented a different style for each woman interviewed. I also would have liked to have seen her interview women from all over the country, not just california.