This book is one of the works I am most proud of. It carries a heartfelt foreword by my late friend Richard Norton — legendary martial artist, film star, and teacher — who sadly passed away not long after writing it. His words remind us that martial arts is about so much more than fighting.
For me, The Path of the Mindful-Warrior grew out of decades on the mat. I have trained elite military units, law enforcement teams, and everyday practitioners, but the deepest lesson has always been the same: the real fight is not with an opponent across from you, but with yourself.
This book is an invitation to walk a different path. One where martial arts becomes a vehicle for self-mastery, not just self-defence. Where the lessons of the mat: calmness under pressure, resilience in the face of setbacks, humility, and compassion, become the very qualities that shape how you live the other 22 hours of your day, off the mat.
Inside you’ll discover practices, reflections, and philosophical lessons drawn from my own journey as a fighter, teacher, and student of life. Chapters such as Fighting Yourself, The Beginner’s Mind, The Art of Patience and Precision, and Breath of Life are not about techniques, but about how to show up fully—in martial arts and in life.
This is a book for anyone who has ever sensed that the way of the warrior is not about domination, but about becoming a better human being.
The Path of the Mindful-Warrior
"Rodney’s focus is not limited to the physical benefits of martial arts, but also highlights the critical connection between mind and body, emphasising that martial arts is a path to self-discovery and self-mastery, not merely a means of defense." - Richard Norton: Martial Arts Teacher, 6th Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Action Film Star and Fight Choreographer