Complete Taekwondo Poomsae: The Official Taegeuk, Palgwae and Black Belt Forms of Taekwondo [Paperback]

Sang H. Kim; Kyu Hyung Lee (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 6, 2006

Complete Taekwondo Poomsae is the most complete reference book available on the Taegeuk, Palgwae and Black Belt Poomsae of WTF style Taekwondo. Grandmasters Kyu Hung Lee and Sang H. Kim have combined their extensive taekwondo knowledge to teach you not only the 25 official taekwondo poomsae, but the meaning of the forms, the principles of Poomsae performance and the philosophy that underlies the techniques. Each Poomsae is thoroughly illustrated with clear and technically precise photos. The instructional text is supplemented with information about the meaning, movement line and symbol of each form as well as the correct execution of each new movement introduced in the form. In addition to the 25 official Poomsae, the authors explain Poomsae theory and principles to help you understand the underlying concepts of Poomsae practice. Topics covered include: characteristics of poomsae, 13 fundamental taekwondo techniques, stance, vital targets, bodily wapons, structural principles of poomsae, poomsae creating, movement principles, performance tips, mastery, terminology, origin of Taegeuk and Palgwae, meaning of the trigrams, and complete Korean and English poomsae terminology. Much of this information has never before been translated into English. The following Poomsae are included: Poomsae Taegeuk Il Jang Poomsae Taegeuk Ee Jang Poomsae Taegeuk Sam Jang Poomsae Taegeuk Sah Jang Poomsae Taegeuk Oh Jang Poomsae Taegeuk Yuk Jang Poomsae Taegeuk Chil Jang Poomsae Taegeuk Pal Jang Poomsae Palgwae Il Jang Poomsae Palgwae Ee Jang Poomsae Palgwae Sam Jang Poomsae Palgwae Sah Jang Poomsae Palgwae Oh Jang Poomsae Palgwae Yuk Jang Poomsae Palgwae Chil Jang Poomsae Palgwae Pal Jang Poomsae Koryo Poomsae Keumgang Poomsae Taebaek Poomsae Pyongwon Poomsae Sipjin Poomsae Jitae Poomsae Cheonkwon Poomsae Hansoo Poomse Ilyeo

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Sang H. Kim is an internationally respected author of 8 martial arts books, including the best sellers Ultimate Fitness through Martial Arts and Teaching: the Way of the Master, and star of over 50 martial arts instructional videos. He won the 1976 Korean National Champion and was named Instructor of the Year in Korea in 1983. He holds an M.S. degree in physical education and Ph.D. in media studies. He currently devotes his time to teaching, writing and presenting martial arts seminars for students and instructors. Kyu Hyung Lee is one of the highest ranking taekwondo masters in the world and one of the most revered Poomsae instructors in the history of Taekwondo. He was the 1988 Olympic Taekwondo Demonstration team coach and the Korean Team coach for the First World Taekwondo Poomsae Competition. For over twnety-years, he was coach of the internationally famous Midong Elementary School Demonstration team who have performed for royalty and heads of state around the world. He holds a Ph.D. in physical education. Currently he is a professor at Keimyung University in Taegu, South Korea.

Product Details

• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Turtle Press; 1st edition (November 6, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1880336928
• ISBN-13: 978-1880336922
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #73,866 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Complete Tae Kwon Do Poomse, June 6, 2009

By 

Gary Slaughter "Self-improvement student" (Marietta, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Complete Taekwondo Poomsae: The Official Taegeuk, Palgwae and Black Belt Forms of Taekwondo (Paperback)

This was invaluable in my progression to black belt. Many times, students learn a form and after belt testing forget it. I, too, fell victim to that. To test for black belt requires knowledge of all the Tae Guk forms, and sometimes they run together in my mind. This was a great help in refreshing what we had gone over in class. It also helps me prepare for the next new form I learn.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for preparation or review, November 5, 2010

By 

Craig Martell (San Juan Bautista, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Complete Taekwondo Poomsae: The Official Taegeuk, Palgwae and Black Belt Forms of Taekwondo (Paperback)

This is an excellent book for getting ready for promotion, or to review your prior poomsae. The pictures and descriptions are really helpful. In particular, it first gives you an overview of the form, and then gives you pictures from the front and side of each of the individual movements. There are one or two misplaced pictures, but they didn't at all detract from this great book. All of the students at my dojang liked it so much that I had to buy a second copy for the dojang to use. Our dojang is one of the few I've seen that requires students to learn both Taegeuk and Palgwae forms (which I really like). This book covers them all.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars good guide, July 5, 2007

By 

Helena Horak "Helena" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Complete Taekwondo Poomsae: The Official Taegeuk, Palgwae and Black Belt Forms of Taekwondo (Paperback)

It is very helpful for refreshing all poomsae and helps understand better the intentions behind each move. Each poomsae is well explained into detail. But is is not a substitute to a proper training with qualified instructor. I appreciate very much the use of Korean expressions for it is required by some instructors. I'd recommend this book to all grades.