Traditional Taekwondo: Core Techniques, History, and Philosphy
Product ID: 3051086
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Discover the original purpose and training of taekwondo The principles and techniques illustrated in this book, having been handed down over the decades, if not centuries, emphasize a core philosophy rich in defensive strategy. Taekwondo, literally translated, can be defined as "foot, hand way" or "the way of smashing with hands and feet." Such descriptive nomenclature understandably implies a curriculum rich in self-defense. Too often, however, this is simply not the case. Given the current popularity of sport competition in the martial arts, many techniques of defensive value have been stripped away or forfeited altogether in favor of those certain to score in the ring. While the thirst for Olympic gold has clearly played a significant role in propelling taekwondo into the forefront, it should be remembered that this native Korean martial art contains over 3200 distinct self defense techniques. This book describes in detail, the history and evolution of Taekwondo from its ancient roots to modern day applications. Also included are exercises in "Ki" or internal energy development, meditation practice, and practical self-defense strategies. This work focuses on the traditional aspects of Taekwondo rather than on its sportive component. Review: Helped my daughter pass her black belt test - There is a wealth of information in this little book. Our dojang requires that students testing for their black belts write a one to two page essay on the history of taekwondo. I really like Doug Cook's books on the topic; they are well-researched, detailed, yet written in a manner that allows the layperson with little to no background in martial arts understand the basics. I skimmed through pages that didn't apply to her essay, yet was able to glean enough info to continue reading later passages that were relevant to her test. Her second degree belt test will require an essay on the philosophy of taekwondo, and I feel confident that this book will save us many hours of research. Review: Really good read - Doug Cook is a great writer I find his writings to be encouraging, instructive and a value to many martial arts practitioner. This is very insightful.
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| Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 75 Reviews |
T**S
Helped my daughter pass her black belt test
There is a wealth of information in this little book. Our dojang requires that students testing for their black belts write a one to two page essay on the history of taekwondo. I really like Doug Cook's books on the topic; they are well-researched, detailed, yet written in a manner that allows the layperson with little to no background in martial arts understand the basics. I skimmed through pages that didn't apply to her essay, yet was able to glean enough info to continue reading later passages that were relevant to her test. Her second degree belt test will require an essay on the philosophy of taekwondo, and I feel confident that this book will save us many hours of research.
R**.
Really good read
Doug Cook is a great writer I find his writings to be encouraging, instructive and a value to many martial arts practitioner. This is very insightful.
J**E
An excellent book for those who are interested in the Korean martial arts (Traditional Taekwondo).
I fortunate to have been involved in numerous martial arts (Judo, Jujitsu, Karate-Do, Kenjutsu, Tanto-Jutsu) in my more than 60 years of training. Even though my experience has been primarily in the Japanese combat systems; nevertheless, I also studied other systems such as Taikwondo. I just purchased this interesting and informative 276 soft cover (Traditional Tae Kwon Do: Core Techniques, history, and philosophy by Doug Cook) book on Amazon for a bargain price. I have read hundreds of books on the martial arts over the years some good and some bad. This well written volume is one of the best books I have read on the Korean art of Tae Kwon Do in quite a while. The book covers the true history of Tae Kwon Do and is clearly well researched. This text is organized into three parts. Part one covers the history and culture of the Korean martial arts, and mentions the leaders in its early Tae Kwon Do development. Several of them had studied initially with Shotokan Karate founder Gichin Funakoshi. The second part of this book focuses on the philosophical aspects of Tai Kwon Do. The final part deals with the techniques of Tae Kwon Do. This book explains some of the forms (Poom-se) (Kata in Japanese) practiced in Tae Kwon Do but does not show any of them in this book; however, this book does cover numerous self-defense and sparring techniques taught in Tae Kwon Do. In this respect, I was not impressed with some of the techniques shown in this section; nevertheless, students of Tae Kwon Do can benefit from reading this book and learning these techniques. As with any book on the combat arts, the real value of this book is when it is combined with actual hands-on training with a Tae Kwon Do instructor. Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Shotokan Karate Self-Defense Techniques: Combat karate for the street).
J**J
Absolutely wonderful introduction to Taekwondo!
I am so impressed by this book, it is so well written! I loved how it covered so much in just enough detail to make me feel like I was learning, but not too overwhelming for my 11-year-old son.
J**S
Teaches excellent disciple and confidence
My grandson just started taking Taekwondo and I thought he would enjoy it , and he is. When I was younger I attained a brown belt in Gลjลซ-ryu while in the Air Force. I enjoyed it thoroughly but I am 74 now with back and hip problems.Thanks
K**T
Great book, and well written
Great book, and well written. Doug gives a great history lesson, and stresses the importance of keeping traditions alive in training.
M**A
Great for learning tkd history
Fast delivery, product in perfect condition, book has interesting content and easy to read and understand. No mumbo jumbo
Y**B
Cook presented a lot of great information regarding the importance of forms
I felt that Mr. Cook presented a lot of great information regarding the importance of forms, meditation, history, and philosophy in relation to TKD here. I also enjoyed the various pictorial guides for techniques and drills, but kind of wish he went a little more in depth with the chapter on sparring.
A**R
Grandson loved it
A Xmas gift for my grandson
A**R
Older copies may be better but great book to have
Good book with lots of great information but I am disappointed by the drop in quality of the pictures. In an older version of the same book the photos have detail and shadow's, new book the pictures have all been whitened. Doesn't look as good or clear.
D**S
Quick delivery. Book in perfect condition ๐
Greatbook.Good condition.
P**N
very good
it was good for learning the history of taekwondo and a good read for any one taking up the activity.
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