The Warrior is Silent: Martial Arts and the Spiritual Path

Shaw, the only American ever to be promoted to the rank of Black Belt in the Korean martial art of Hapkido by the Korea Hapkido Foundation, explores the spiritual discipline that is the foundation of martial arts practice. Shaw contends that martial arts is a method of ""understanding and interacting with the unceasing energy of the universe, known as ki."" Through a series of stages of meditation and practice, the martial artist is able to attain oneness with ki as well as to attain the status of an enlightened being who is ""at war with no one."" Shaw traces the historical development of the martial arts through their various incarnations in Japan, China and Korea. His historical scheme is especially valuable for its examination of the intersection of spiritual and martial arts disciplines in ancient China, Japan and Korea. Shaw then recommends practices that will help martial artists develop a mind awakened to the interaction of the physical and non-physical worlds, as well as techniques of meditation that enable the martial artist to understand ki and form a ""conscious link between mind, body, and the spiritual energy of the universe."" Shaw also includes techniques for refining the physical disciplines of the martial arts. Accompanying illustrations depict the various spiritual and physical techniques that Shaw recommends. Shaw's manual is an easy-to-read introduction to recognizing and developing the spiritual depth of the martial arts. (July)