| "The Martial Way and its Virtues - Tao De Gung" by | | | | calm and judgement than the average person. This |
| F.J. Chu was an enjoyable read that made me think of | | | | book is about personal development; it is about |
| my own martial art journey. I agree with William R. | | | | becoming a whole person through martial art study |
| Connors' foreword in that rather than a technique | | | | that includes the philosophical practice of warriorship. |
| book, this book uses martial arts as a core to provide | | | | For those who are following the spherical path of the |
| an insight into martial arts as well as a blueprint for a | | | | martial way, this text is enlightening and thought |
| way to begin the journey of achieving mastery of | | | | provoking. As Chu points out right at the beginning of |
| one's body, mind, and spirit. This is an endless journey | | | | this book, the Tao De Gung is a purist's vision of the |
| that those of us who have chosen to follow a | | | | martial arts. This is the higher calling all of us that follow |
| warrior's path realize is worth taking. This book offers | | | | the Way aspire to. It is this higher ideal that separates |
| guidance to anyone who chooses to follow that path, | | | | warriors from predators. |
| and assisted me with my training, thinking, and teaching. | | | | The longer I practice martial arts and the older I |
| Chu's goals with this book included wanting to show | | | | become, the more I realize that my training is but a |
| the relevance of philosophical thinking on "real life" | | | | journey toward self-betterment. Yes, I still train for |
| martial arts practice through this text, and I believe he | | | | self-defense, and from past experiences I know I can |
| accomplished this. Chu believes that philosophical | | | | defend myself. However, my training is much more |
| discourse, like martial arts practice, is a way of life. | | | | than that. Following the Way is a part of me now. I |
| Therefore, the values he wrights about are | | | | continuously strive to better myself and live by warrior |
| incorporated into a martial artist's life through disciplined | | | | ideals passed on throughout the years, and then pass |
| and regular practice. | | | | these lessons on to others through my teaching and |
| The study of martial arts empowers individuals with | | | | writing. F.J. Chu's text has helped me grow as a martial |
| the capacity to harm or even kill others, Chu states | | | | artist, warrior, and person. I recommend it to any |
| because of this power of life and death, the martial | | | | martial artist, warrior, or person who also wants to |
| artist has the responsibility to behave with greater | | | | grow and further develop themselves. |