Martial Arts Teaching Tales of Power and Paradox: Freeing the Mind, Focusing Chi, and Mastering the Self (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Even though it is now a cliché to say that learning a martial art is as much about learning to conquer oneself as it is about learning to conquer the enemy, most martial-arts books are still about the latter. Pascal Fauliot lends a refreshing voice to the field by excavating some of the great educative tales from the martial arts traditions of China and Japan. Not exactly moral tales, these stories exemplify the ideals of excellence in the martial arts, and are as entertaining as a feature film. Some of the scenarios you might expect: the master who is bushwhacked but comes out unscathed, or the master who sets his student to mundane tasks rather than fighting techniques. Others will surprise: the master who shatters an enormous piece of bamboo without touching it, or the bully who thrashes a little old man only to find himself bedridden the next day. Purportedly all true, these are inspirational stories about learning persistence, self-mastery, flexibility, concentration, and harnessing the invisible power of chi. They are also lighthearted, and retold with an expert touch that the master of any art would appreciate. --Brian Bruya

Review

All readers should find the stories and simple commentary in this little book entertaining, instructive, or inspiring. -- Robert Ellwood, the quest, September - October 2001

They are also lighthearted, and retold with an expert touch that the master of any art would appreciate. -- Brian Bruya, Amazon.com

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Inner Traditions; 1 edition (April 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892818824
• ISBN-13: 978-0892818822
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #535,876 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Taste of the inner meaning of martial arts, September 24, 2000

By	I. Dunn (Canberra, ACT Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This small book leaves me begging for more. It relates tales teaching the inner meaning of the martial arts. It is divided into the following sections. 1. The message of the stories. 2. On the threshold of the mystery. 3. Confronting the mountain. 4. The snare of appearences. 5. The great test. 6. Lessons of the Zen masters. 7. Winning without fighting. 8. The ultimate secret. For those who are interested in the martial arts as a path for self development and realisation rather than just as a 'grab em and bash em' exercise in futility, this book will be a treasure for you. The martial arts have traditionally passed on its ethos and morality through tales such as these.

Many of these tales were already familiar to me as our Sensei recounts some at each training session, more or less. The book only has one major drawback, there isnt enough of it. It left me wanting more.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Neat book, compelling and thoughtful, October 29, 2004

By	L. A. Kane (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This set of vignettes is not only fun to read but it really does make you think. Fast paced, clear writing in a style that is reminiscent of Dave Lowry. You don't have to be a martial artist to enjoy it though you will probably get more out of it if you are.

Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction

4.0 out of 5 stars good book, December 21, 2009

By	reneaux8 "reneaux8" (twin cities) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

For any one who likes the the stories on the martial arts and the teaching parables will enjoy this book, I know i did.