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Dojo Wisdom
This book is a new edition of the 2003 Penguin text (978-0142196229). Jennifer Lawler, a martial arts teacher and second-degree black belt, shares one hundred ot the life lessons she has learned from the martial arts and teaches her readers how to find their inner warrior. Each lesson begins with a description and explanation, then offers a short exercise to illustrate how to apply the teaching in everyday situations.
238 pages, Paperback
First published May 27, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 16, 2024
There is valuable stuff here. It can't replace the actual experience of practicing martial arts, but you can certainly learn martial arts wisdom here, and if you do practice, then this book will enhance the benefits you receive.
It starts Right from number #1, "If you know the art of breathing, you have the strength, wisdom and courage of ten tigers". I can't over-state how important breath control is. I use it all the time to calm down at work or elsewhere
#6 "You are Worth Defending", because as surprising as it may be, self-worth is not always common sense.
#12 "Hone your tools through continual sharpening", because, again, there is no substitute for experience.
# 26 "Strike Without Fear" - A cowardly punch will not succeed, just as a timid job interview. Confident and descisve action is more likely to be successful.
#84 "Embrace the Dragon" is something that I have experienced more recently, years after reading this book. Recalling that lesson helped me to endure and to learn.
Can you learn this stuff elsewhere? Sure, you can. But that doesn't invalidate learning it here or in actual dojo.
It starts Right from number #1, "If you know the art of breathing, you have the strength, wisdom and courage of ten tigers". I can't over-state how important breath control is. I use it all the time to calm down at work or elsewhere
#6 "You are Worth Defending", because as surprising as it may be, self-worth is not always common sense.
#12 "Hone your tools through continual sharpening", because, again, there is no substitute for experience.
# 26 "Strike Without Fear" - A cowardly punch will not succeed, just as a timid job interview. Confident and descisve action is more likely to be successful.
#84 "Embrace the Dragon" is something that I have experienced more recently, years after reading this book. Recalling that lesson helped me to endure and to learn.
Can you learn this stuff elsewhere? Sure, you can. But that doesn't invalidate learning it here or in actual dojo.
June 23, 2026
Tying martial arts to the writing life is brilliant, opening up wisdom that opens the mind. Being a writer requires regular motivation, and we find it here with well-crafted segments in a rousing order. These short segments allow for great absorption, never overwhelming, never stressful. Writers groups can enjoy discussing this. I love just dipping into it and finding what I need.
October 26, 2012
The author connects every "life lesson" to martial arts, in keeping with the theme of the book. Unfortunately, many of the lessons are cliche, golden rules people grow up with. If one is looking to read this book for inspiration or insight look elsewhere. The lessons are also presented in short form, leaving very little room for expansion or depth. Perhaps she should stick to her day job, teaching martial arts.
December 17, 2007
Good humor.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews