Sharp Spear, Crystal Mirror: Martial Arts in Women's Lives

By Stephanie T. Hoppe

- Twenty-four women martial artists discuss the physical and spiritual challenges of martial arts training and how it helps bring meaning and purpose to their lives - Women aged 12 to 83 are interviewed on the importance and meaning of martial arts in their lives. - Explores in-depth why many women are dedicating themselves to the martial arts. - An inspiration for anyone concerned with enhancing the physical, spiritual, and social dimensions of life, and for those interested in women's self-defense and safety. Sharp Spear, Crystal Mirror explores in depth how, why, and to what effect considerable numbers of women are dedicating themselves to the martial arts. The twenty-four women interviewed here discuss the physical and spiritual challenges of martial arts training and how it helps to bring meaning and purpose to their lives. Their disciplines include T'ai Chi Ch'uan, Aikido, Capoeira, Wing Chun, Judo, Kajukenbo, Jujutsu, Tae Kwon Do, Karate, and Kung Fu, and their backgrounds are equally diverse. Some were accomplished athletes before beginning, while others had never been comfortable with their physical bodies until discovering the martial arts. All have received deep spiritual nourishment through their practice, integrating and healing their bodies and minds as well as enriching community bonds. Those interested in women's studies will find a wonderful sample of contemporary American women who speak articulately about the forces that have shaped their lives.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0892816627
• ISBN13: 9780892816620
• Release Date: March 1998
• Publisher: Park Street Press
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 8.1" x 10.0"

Customer Reviews

More Variety Needed

As a female martial artist who trains in both Kempo and Kungfu, I found the interviews very insiteful. Many things the women said during their interviews hit home for me and reflected my own feelings about the arts. However, I feel that the author emphasized Tai Chi too much, especially given the fact that there are so many different styles to chose from. The author could have easily presented a different style for each woman interviewed. I also would have liked to have seen her interview women from all over the country, not just california.

Interesting reading

I got this book after hunting and hunting for stories about women in the martial arts. I can't say I enjoyed all the stories, but I found most of them interesting. Some I could relate to and others I still cannot; however I still enjoy picking up the book and reading some of the women's stories, especially ones who started when women in general weren't 'allowed' to train in martial arts. I also have an older copy of Women in the Martial Arts (I think that's the title) and I enjoy reading through it too, but the size of this book makes it easier to handle I think.

An eye-opening view

being a man and having practiced with one of the women mentioned in nthe book, I found it intriguing and eye opening to see women martial artists and their perspectives on their arts and how it has affected their lives. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a new perspective on their martial arts practice and their lives... I know it changed mine

inspiring...

As a female student of the martial arts, I found this book very inspiring. Our lives as girls and women are often filled with men as role models, particularly in areas such as martial arts and certain sports, so this book offered a connection to other women out there who are leading powerful, peaceful lives helping themselves and in turn, others. I also like the structure of the book; you don't have to read it cover to cover, you can skip around & read the sections that catch your eye first. Also, the photos are realistic, they help show us that these are REAL women in REAL life, they are not model-types posing for appearance. The variety of women here is truly inspiring and made me want to find people like this in real life to connect with. And men: get this book for the woman martial artist in your life (or any woman searching for inner strength), she'll really feel you care about her, it was one of the best gifts I ever received from a guy! :-)

An insightful, deeply engaging book

I really liked this book! It introduces us to fascinating characters and offers numerous insights into the martial arts. Stephanie Hoppe is an excellent writer.