The Secret Power Within Book

A lot of people know Chuck Norris as an actor, Walker Texas Ranger. Some might even know him as a karate expert. I have just realized another very important trade about one of the greatest role models in the American history, that he is a writer. After reading this book, I was amazed to find out how a man who has come from nothing has achieved so much and also has a talent to be an author of such an incredible masterpiece, which is a great addition to my book collection.

Carlos Ray Norris a.k.a. Chuck Norris was born into a very poor family. As a youngster he didn't have to many things, which he can say, he was proud of. With an alcoholic father, a loving mother and two younger brothers, Chuck saw his life going nowhere and up in the air. In the book, one of the things he is talking about is how poor they were. He is telling a story about his high school days. Chuck liked a girl and he had to break off their relationship because he was embarrassed to show her where he lived. His family lived in the 22-foot trailer home, which was parked in his aunt's backyard. There is a lot more about that, but let us get on with the rest of the book.

As a young man, Chuck had enlisted in the Air Force and went to Korea. That was the end of Carlos Ray Norris, the man who had no idea what the life will have to offer and the beginning of Chuck Norris a man with dreams and goals. Chuck Norris, a man who later became the greatest martial artist and a Zen follower of our times.

Chuck received his first Black Belt while being in Korea. As he was studying the martial arts and getting his new education in life, he was also learning a very important aspect of life, which all of us encounter on every day basis, but just do not realize it. Chuck had his first encounters and realizations with Zen, but didn't quite understand the true meaning and value of it until later.

On his return from the Air Force, having a wife and a child, Chuck decided to open a martial arts school. At the time it was not as big in United States. In America, the only Martial Arts at the time were the knowledge we got from the movies and people were not fully familiar with what it really was. Chuck started to teach and also compete, in order to promote his school.

Chuck only competed for small number of years, but in that time he made a name for himself as an undefeated champion. He has gained a number of Black Belts in various styles and gained recognition in the Martial Arts community. Chuck Norris has had encounters with the legends and very important people in the Martial Arts World. He has made friendships and learned various techniques from people who are now considered the greatest Martial Artists of all times. Some of them are Gracie Brothers, Gene Lebell, Ed Parker, Benny "The Jet" and the legend, Bruce Lee. Chuck's learning never ended and that is why he became a master and the scholar of Zen.

This book is a perfect study of various situations and examples of Zen. In each chapter Chuck gives an example of a problem or a situation and how it was solved with proper use of Zen, or how the situation was not solved, because of lack of knowledge in the subject. He shows encounters with people, examples of others and himself, having properly deal with the situations by using the aspects of Zen.

I like this book for a few reasons :

1. The format is easy to read and understand.

2. Each chapter starts out with a quote or a little story, so you can understand and get your mind set in the direction of the information it is going to provide.

3. The examples are clear and very real. The situations are easy to relate to and understand. The solution is almost a common sense. After reading and analyzing each situation and outcome, you can definitely relate and learn what the aspect of Zen is, and how you can use it.

4. While studying the aspects of Zen, we also get to learn about one of the greatest Martial Artists and American Icons, Chuck Norris. He is a great inspiration and a role model to kids as well as adults across the country.

5. Chuck explains how to find a problem or problems by using a wheel methodology. How to find the areas which need improvement with a simple and very easy to understand technique.

6. The book also talks about goal setting and achieving, how not to let yourself think that there is something you can not do and gives examples. One of the greatest Martial Artists, whom Chuck had a pleasure to meet was handicapable. He had no legs, but he reached tremendous heights in the community and used the wheel chair to his advantage. He also started an organization for handicapable to teach others who are unfortunate to have capabilities of all or their limbs, how to live their life the martial arts way.

7. The book also teaches that if Chuck Norris, who came from a very bad environment could do what he did and reach what he reached, then anyone could do it. Chuck Norris started a program for troubled teens and the programs gained a tremendous popularity, because martial arts made some kids realize the potential and the life, which they could live, without drugs and gangs.

Even though I have read only one book previous to this one on Zen, this was a valuable information, which just helped me understand what Zen really is even more. The book explains why, how and where an average person can apply Zen. Zen can be applied for the personal need in life, in business, during hard times, during pain and during pleasure.

I was almost done with the book, reading a chapter on how Chuck Norris meditates, when I got hurt in class. As a student of Martial Arts, I attend Tae Kwon Do and while going through various regular routines, one of my leg muscles snapped. First I thought it was nothing, but a few seconds later I could not stand on my foot. When I sat down, I started to feel sick and was going to lie down on the mat. My master suggested that I fight it. 'Use that knowledge, which you read about', he said. As I sat there and tried to concentrate, all I could think about was that I am going to faint as usual, but not this time. I used the focus and breathing which I have learned from the book. My master kept on telling me to concentrate on my breathing and that is what I did. I have this problem that whenever something like this happens, I faint. This time was the first time that I did not. To me it was a personal victory and a great beginning.

I am glad that I have read this book. I knew how to get my mind to focus away from my problem. This is not a big deal, but to me it was one of the greatest personal achievements and I am glad it happened. As I am writing this, I can hardly walk. I know that the pain will go away and I will soon forget about this injury, but the knowledge I have learned from this book and from this experience will stay with me forever.

As I also understand, this book was somewhat dedicated to Chuck's brother Wieland, who was killed in Vietnam. The fact of Wieland's death motivated Chuck Norris to be part of a few movies on the subject. The book is great. It is a lesson, history, autobiography and extremely wonderful piece of literature. I very strongly recommend it to anyone.