A public figure since winning his first National Chess Championship at the age of nine, Waitzkin was catapulted into a media whirlwind as a teenager when his father’s book Searching for Bobby Fischer was made into a major motion picture. After dominating the scholastic chess world for ten years, Waitzkin expanded his horizons, taking on the martial art Tai Chi Chuan and ultimately earning the title of World Champion. How was he able to reach the pinnacle of two disciplines that on the surface seem so different? “I’ve come to realize that what I am best at is not Tai Chi, and it is not chess,” he says. “What I am best at, is the art of learning.”
An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance
The Art of Learning
In The Art of Learning Josh reveals his unique systems of thematic learning, idea generation, building resilience, and mastering the art of performance psychology.
“Much of what separates the great from the very good is deep presence, relaxation of the conscious mind…”
A deeper look inside
Josh discusses chess, martial arts, and ideas from his book, The Art of Learning.
Praise and acclaim
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Robert M. Pirsig Author of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance“This is a really superb book, one I wish someone had given to me long ago. The title is accurate — at a profound level, it’s about real learning from hard conflict rather than from disinterested textbooks. It will take a ferocious interruption to make you set this book down.”
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Mark Messier 6-Time Stanley Cup Champion“Waitzkin’s in-depth look into the mental side of his success in both chess and martial arts is an inspiring and absorbing read. I strongly recommend it for anyone who lives in a world of competition, whether it’s sports or business or anywhere else. It’s also a great training tool for kids aspiring to reach the pinnacle of their chosen fields.”
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Jim Loehr Chairman and CEO, The Human Performance Institute, and co-author, The Power of Full Engagement“Absolutely brilliant immersion into the phenomenon of human mastery. Waitzkin brings laser clarity and penetrating insights into the delicate mind, body, spirit interactions fundamental to extraordinary achievement in most any area of life. This is a journey worth taking.”
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Cal Ripken, Jr. 2007 Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee“We all remember the portrayal of Josh in Searching for Bobby Fischer. He was a very impressive child who continues to impress with The Art of Learning. Through a very unique set of experiences Josh has formed an original and outstanding perspective. From chess to Tai Chi Josh provides tools that allow all of us to improve ourselves every day.”
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Deepak Chopra“Josh Waitzkin’s The Art of Learning is a testimonial to the timeless principle of “do less and accomplish more.” Highly recommended for those who want to understand the power of consciousness.”