The Shaolin Way: 10 Modern Secrets of Survival from a Shaolin Kung Fu Grandmaster

by Alli Joseph and Steve DeMasco

Book Overview

Born in the projects of Spanish Harlem to a disabled mother and an abusive father, Steve DeMasco spent most of his childhood lost and angry. Drifting from one job to another, he stalked the streets as a troubled youth, barely surviving while all of his peers were either dead or in jail, until he found himself on the steps of the Shaolin Temple.

Originating more than 1,500 years ago in ancient China, the Shaolin monks were simple farmers and...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060574577
• ISBN13: 9780060574574
• Release Date: August 2006
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.83 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.4" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

Gem of a book.

I just finished this book and was surprised when I logged on to write a review to find negative comments about the book. I found it otherwise. A legitimate criticism from one reviewer notes the contradiction between the Shaolin ranking system which does not award belt ranking or degrees in Shaolin Kung Fu, but it likewise fails to recognize the way the art developed in the US to compete with Japanese styles by offering a ranking system. Despite the obvious contradiction, it is no reason to avoid the depth of insight this book provides on multiple spiritual and humanist levels. The author also notes in the book of his invitation to visit with the head monk at the Shaolin monastery in China, who after watching him perform an ancient routine awarded him a Masters designation, and provided MeMasco with a certificate of achievement in his craft. This alone ought to put to rest the level of achievement DeMasco has achieved in his life long quest in pursuit of Kung Fu. The book blends Shaolin wisdom with modern problems and depth psychology which is a primer to achieving a rounded and dynamic personhood. The aim of the book methinks. DeMarsco describes his own disadvantaged upbringing on the mean streets where he encountered bullies, gangs, dysfunctional family histories, and the struggle to grow as a human person. In this sense the book provides a wealth of human centered wisdom for overcoming human anger and integrating the lessons of an ancient wisdom for personal transformation. The stories in the book are profound and meaningful for anyone with an open mind and heart. It is clear the DeMasco is a wise elder who has dedicated his life to the less advantaged and hoping to make a positive outcome within populations of at-risk kids trying to help them overcome disadvantages most people take for granted not having come out of that experience of street life in single parent or no-parent households. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in martial arts and their true core: finding the courage to face the challenges that emerge within our own hearts, biases, struggles, and dysfunctional behavior. I respect and admire DeMasco as a wise elder engaged in the authentic human struggle of our times, i.e., human transformation.

Awakens insight

I liked the unique approach this author took. I've read a lot about eastern philosophy, and it's exciting to see someone apply it to western life. It's impossible to live exactly like a monk in America, but that doesn't mean all their teachings should be abandoned. This book helped me maintain some inner peace while inspiring my mind for my constant self-reconstruction.

I like this book alot.

Although, the writer is obviously not a professional writer and his martial arts credentials, although respectable enough, are open to question, there is a lot of very good insight into personal responsibility and accountability. Not enough people in this world hold themselves accountable for their own happiness. Steve Demasco manages to encourage without being overly pretentious.

Understanding the dysfunctional parent

As a child of family therapists and ordained ministers I could understand a lot of the illustrations Steve DeMasco uses in this book. It is one of the first books I have found that continuously tells the reader that you are the solution to your problems no matter what your circumstances and illustrates effectively ways to either create a new cycle or help someone delve deeper into themselves. Well balanced in the use of Shaolin principles while still maintaining the religeous identity of the reader. (Steve DeMasco is Catholic & a Grand Master.) Easy/light reading with heavy overtones. I believe everyone will find something pertinent to how they live their lives in this book.