On the Warrior’s Path: Philosophy, Fighting, and Martial Arts Mythology

The urge to forge one’s character by fighting, in daily life as well as on the mat, appeals to something deep within us. More than a collection of fighting techniques, martial arts constitute a path to developing body, spirit, and awareness. On the Warrior’s Path connects the martial arts with this larger perspective, merging delicate philosophies with no-holds-barred competition: Nietzsche with Bruce Lee, radical Taoism and Buddhism with the Star Wars Trilogy , traditional martial arts with basketball and American Indian culture. Though the warrior seems to manifest contradictory values, Bolelli describes the heart of this tension: how the training of martial technique leads to a renunciation of violence, and how overcoming fear leads to a unique freedom. In this second edition, two new chapters have been added.The first looks at relationship between spirituality and combat sports. Most people believe traditional inner martial arts are inherently better in terms of ‘spirituality’ and personal development, as opposed to combat-oriented sports, which may be more effective in the ring, but are for brutes only interested in winning competitions. The author challenges this view, discussing how true spirituality can emerge from the very physical nature of combat sports, in confronting our fears and immediate danger, putting everything on the line. In the second chapter, ‘On Failed Friendships, Martial Arts, Nietzsche, and Self-Perfection’, Bolelli speaks openly about his own journey through great adversity with the martial arts as his main support.