Be like Water: Practical Wisdom from the Martial Arts

by Joseph Cardillo

Overview

In the vein of Bruce Lee's famous "be water, my friend" speech as referenced by Tom Brady comes a guide to harnessing your energy to increase focus and peace.

"A fascinating and helpful book for everyone trying to make sense of our crazy world." — Joe Hyams, Author of Zen in the Martial Arts

Joseph Cardillo, Ph.D and top-selling author, reveals the philosophy behind the martial arts techniques that lead to a creative and fulfilled life in this entertaining and insightful guide. Using the techniques outlined in this book, you will feel more deeply and gain confidence in your ability to take care of yourself.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780446690317
Publisher:	Grand Central Publishing
Publication date:	09/01/2003
Pages:	176
Sales rank:	637,887
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 7.50(h) x 0.44(d)
Age Range:	13 Years

About the Author

Joseph Cardillo has held the post of head advisor and instructor for the Hudson Valley Community College Martial Arts Club for over a decade. He is a black belt martial arts expert and longtime practitioner of several martial arts including Kenpo Karate, Wing Chun Kung Fu, Tai Chi Chuan, Kali, and Dumog. As a writer, he has taught creative writing for twenty-three years at several colleges, including the University of Albany, where he served as visiting professor in the School of Educational Theory and Practice. At present, he is a full professor of English and Creative Writing at Hudson Valley Community College of the State University of New York. He travels around the country regularly, giving seminars and workshops based on his writings.

Table of Contents

	Introduction	xi
	How to Use This Book	xv
Lesson 1.	Summoning Chi: Find Your Center	1
Lesson 2.	Emptying Your Mind: Avoid Assumptions	11
Lesson 3.	Being the Flame; Being the Hand: Observe and Listen to Others	19
Lesson 4.	Assessing Threats: Conquer Your Fear	28
Lesson 5.	Seeing with Your Skin: Develop Your Sensitivity and Intuition	36
Lesson 6.	Knowing Your Targets: Control Your Urges	49
Lesson 7.	Intensifying Your Effort and Striking: Channel Your Energy	56
Lesson 8.	Feeling the Rhythm: Respond Appropriately	68
Lesson 9.	Finding Your Range: Expand Your Comfort Zones	79
Lesson 10.	Identifying Your Priorities: Consider Your Net Gain	89
Lesson 11.	Pacing Yourself: Manage Your Energy	99
Lesson 12.	Wrestling an Empty Jacket: Overcome Force with Softness	108
Lesson 13.	Being Like Water: Go with the Flow	118
Lesson 14.	Living Creatively: Follow Your Bliss	127
Lesson 15.	Cultivating Spirituality: Seek Enlightenment	139
	Conclusion	151

Editorial Reviews

"Fascinating and helpful...for martial artists as well as anyone else trying to make sense of our crazy world."

From the Publisher