Sample
  • Zen in the Martial Arts

  • By: Joe Hyams
  • Narrated by: Jim Meskimen
  • Length: 2 hrs and 37 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,340 ratings)

Access a growing selection of included Audible Originals, audiobooks, and podcasts.
You will get an email reminder before your trial ends.
Audible Plus auto-renews for $7.95/mo after 30 days. Upgrade or cancel anytime.

Zen in the Martial Arts

By: Joe Hyams
Narrated by: Jim Meskimen
Try for $0.00

$7.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $7.76

Buy for $7.76

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.

Publisher's summary

"A man who has attained mastery of an art reveals it in his every action." - Samurai maxim

Under the guidance of such celebrated masters as Ed Parker and the immortal Bruce Lee, Joe Hyams vividly recounts his more than twenty-five years of experience in the martial arts. In his illuminating story, Hyams reveals to listeners how the daily application of Zen principles not only developed his physical expertise but gave him the mental discipline to control his personal problems - self-image, work pressure, competition. Indeed, mastering the spiritual goals in martial arts can dramatically alter the quality of your life - enriching your relationships with people, as well as helping you make use of all your abilities.

©1979 Joe Hyams (P)2014 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

What listeners say about Zen in the Martial Arts

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    1,038
  • 4 Stars
    208
  • 3 Stars
    77
  • 2 Stars
    12
  • 1 Stars
    5
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    927
  • 4 Stars
    196
  • 3 Stars
    50
  • 2 Stars
    6
  • 1 Stars
    3
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    910
  • 4 Stars
    189
  • 3 Stars
    67
  • 2 Stars
    13
  • 1 Stars
    3

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

THIS BOOK IS ESSENTIAL!

Any additional comments?

Okay, I figured this would be good, but I was not prepared for HOW good. If you really want a treat I recommend reading this book and then reading The Unfettered Mind by Takuan Soho, here's why. The Unfettered mind is one of the most important books ever written regarding zen and martial arts, but it can be difficult to absorb. This book really simplifies the ideas in The Unfettered mind and make it easier to take in. The Unfettered Mind made a lot more sense to me after reading this.

This book is simple, profound, and elegant. I cannot recommend it enough.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

36 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

A great book! Will be a classic some day!

What made the experience of listening to Zen in the Martial Arts the most enjoyable?

Great short stories of wisdom and learning! A must read for every beginning Martial Artist.

Which scene was your favorite?

The fox and rabbit story.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, it make me think!

Any additional comments?

A read and reread for me!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

11 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Yuqiao

Whole book only took about 3 hours to listen, one of the most enlightening pieces so far for me, who just started practicing MMA. 10/10 recommended for everyone who’s looking for headspace and gaining awareness of himself.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Good insights

Good insights into the subject matter, as-well-as the authors relationship with Bruce Lee and what he learned from him.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Review

Simply amazing! One of my favorite books for sure. Applicable to life and not only martial arts but a must for any martial artist.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Insightful

Loved the insight on martial arts AND how it can pertain to daily life as well

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A must listen for those who do and do not practice

So many insights. A worthy listen, and relisten, for one will not mine all the gems in this book in one pass.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Short and chock-full of nuggets.

No matter what field you’re in this book has digestible bits of wisdom that is worth listening to more than once. This worked well for me. I’m glad I got it even if it was not something that was on my radar until it was an Audible daily deal.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Going baCk to taKe Martial Arts!

The wisdom of teachers is so needed. growing up with the martial arts gives one peace. the fighting is a bonus and listening to this reminds me of just that. definitely worth the time to listen. was great to hear stories about bruce Lee.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Great book

Book was very good and so was the narration. it was very insightful. Would buy the actual book since I liked so much.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!