Breaking the Chains of the Ancient Warrior: Tests of Wisdom for Young Martial Artists (Webster-Doyle, Terrence, Martial Arts for Peace Series, 5.)

From School Library Journal
Gr 5-8--A collection of inspirational stories for martial-arts students--complete with follow-up questions and a ``message to adult readers'' at the back--that teaches values rather than stances and blows. Like Facing the Double-Edged Sword (Atrium, 1988), Webster-Doyle uses karate parables and tests to promote ethical behavior. A typical chapter is ``Fighting the Paper Tiger: The Test of Focus.'' Students try, to no avail, to imitate their master, who's able to rip a piece of paper--the paper tiger--hung in mid-air. It's only when they learn to relax that they're able to master the technique. The book mixes doses of Zen philosophy and Bruce Lee to help students recognize and respect the Ancient Warrior--or savage self--that resides within them. While young people might not have the attention span to read the book cover to cover, teachers may find this an extremely helpful volume to use in dealing with ever-present violence and behavior problems. The values here are ageless, but the karate framing may make them more palatable than the traditional servings.Cathryn A. Camper, Minneapolis Public LibraryCopyright 1996 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Card catalog description
Inspirational stories for martial arts students presenting tests of wisdom involving attributes including honor, strength, humility, peaceful conflict resolution, and love. Each test contributes to character development.


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Gr 5-8A collection of inspirational stories for martial-arts studentscomplete with follow-up questions and a ``message to adult readers'' at the backthat teaches values rather than stances and blows. Like Facing the Double-Edged Sword (Atrium, 1988), Webster-Doyle uses karate parables and tests to promote ethical behavior. A typical chapter is ``Fighting the Paper Tiger: The Test of Focus.'' Students try, to no avail, to imitate their master, who's able to rip a piece of paperthe paper tigerhung in mid-air. It's only when they learn to relax that they're able to master the technique. The book mixes doses of Zen philosophy and Bruce Lee to help students recognize and respect the Ancient Warrioror savage selfthat resides within them. While young people might not have the attention span to read the book cover to cover, teachers may find this an extremely helpful volume to use in dealing with ever-present violence and behavior problems. The values here are ageless, but the karate framing may make them more palatable than the traditional servings.Cathryn A. Camper, Minneapolis Public Library


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