About this ebook
• 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.
• 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.
About the author
Stephanie T. Hoppe coedited a two-volume anthology on women's relationships with animals and the natural world entitled With a Fly's Eye, Whale's Wit and Woman's Heart and And a Deer's Ear, Eagle's Song, and Bear's Grace. Her many stories and interviews have been widely published, and she has written several science fiction novels. She lives in Ukiah, California, where she teaches T'ai Chi Ch'uan at the White Cloud Women's T'ai Chi School.
Rate this ebook
Tell us what you think.
Reading information
Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.
