Benjamin Chen’s “Lessons from the Mat” isn’t just another business self-help book wrapped in martial arts metaphors. It’s a rare blend of humility, hard-won wisdom, and unvarnished honesty—a book that feels like it was written by someone who’s actually been knocked down a few times and found a way to stand back up, both literally and figuratively.

Chen pulls no punches (pun intended) when it comes to drawing on his years of experience in dojos, boardrooms, and countless moments of self-doubt. The twelve principles he lays out—ranging from “Keep Your Guard Up” to “Embrace the Tap”—go beyond the clichés of grit and resilience. Instead, they land with the kind of real-world practicality you only get from someone who’s spent hours sweating on the mat and then gone back out into the chaos of business.

There’s a refreshing lack of bravado here. Chen doesn’t pretend that every setback makes you stronger or that discipline solves everything. Instead, he’s honest about failure. He talks about the pain of losing, the awkwardness of learning something new as an adult, and the slow, unglamorous process of improvement. The martial arts stories aren’t just window dressing—they’re the backbone of the narrative. Each principle is rooted in specific moments: a sparring match that ended badly, an unexpected act of kindness from a rival, or a lesson learned while teaching a new student.

What really sets this book apart is Chen’s ability to translate those moments into advice that actually feels useful. When he writes about “Managing Ego,” for instance, it’s not just about humility—he digs into how unchecked pride can tank a business deal, ruin a partnership, or sabotage your own learning. When he talks about “The Power of Routine,” he doesn’t just offer another productivity hack; he shows how rituals on the mat can help you build the kind of mental muscle that gets you through a rough quarter or a personal crisis.

For readers who’ve never set foot in a dojo, Chen provides enough context to make the lessons accessible, but he never dumbs things down. The writing is crisp, sometimes funny, and always direct. Each chapter ends with clear, actionable advice—no vague platitudes or wishful thinking.

If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide to overnight success, look elsewhere. But if you want a book that will make you think—and maybe even rethink—the way you approach setbacks, leadership, and daily life, “Lessons from the Mat” is worth your time. Chen proves that sometimes the best business lessons don’t come from the boardroom, but from getting knocked flat and learning how to get up again.

Claire Uebelacker