Modern Taekwondo: The Official Training Manual [Paperback]

Soon Man Lee (Author), Gaetane Ricke (Author)

Book Description

Over 1,200 photographs show every step, from the first forms you'll master to the intricate techniques that display the ultimate in the art of Taekwondo--which will be an official Olympic sport for the first time, in the 2000 Sydney games. Plus, it's endorsed by the World Taekwondo Federation (Taekwondo's only recognized international governing body), and co-authored by the head coach of the U.S. Taekwondo team. Here are background notes on Taekwondo's history, philosophy, and symbols, as well as coverage on breaking, sparring, and competition--including officiating guidelines, contestant qualifications, and more. It's sure to be THE major book on Taekwondo! The authors both live in Virginia Beach, VA. 256 pages, 1,218 b/w illus., 8 x 10.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (December 31, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806939893
• ISBN-13: 978-0806939896
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,025,809 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

86 of 88 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Leap Ahead for Taekwondo Literature, November 28, 1999

By 

Ken Anstruther - See all my reviews

This review is from: Modern Taekwondo: The Official Training Manual (Paperback)

This book is somewhat less comprehensive than Taekwondo The State of the Art, but is an excellent book in its own right, particularly for its display of poomse, not only the Taeguk series, but also 2 Kibon, 8 Palgwe and 9 black belt patterns . The authors use 208 of their pages for Poomse, which are well photographed with foot diagram illustrations. It's the only English language edition I've seen with the Palgwe and black belt patterns shown.

Interestingly, Gaetane Ricke was born in Canada although she received her higher education in the US.

With the heavy concentration on patterns, this book is suitable for all Taekwondoists including black belt students, since it not only shows the black belt patterns very effectively, but also discusses the philosophy that underlies them. In fact, the authors present the 8 Kwae bar symbols that surround the Taeguk and discuss them in a paragraph as part of the presentation of each of the Taeguk poomse. For students who intend to proceed in TKD, this is important information and makes for a richer learning experience. As a person with acting training, I understand the importance of images and sub text to support action.

As with most TKD books, the photographs only show end or beginning positions and the discussion does not go far enough to help the beginning student understand the nature of the transitions. Supplemented with good teaching by a qualified master, such as my own, Master Sang Ho Seung, the book supports TKD very well. And I think that is the intention of the authors.

The large font size used in this book makes for an easily readable text for all ages. The use of Korean terminology is limited. Only the number and names of patterns have the Korean name shown. However, many other sources including your TKD master are available for this.

What pleases me here is the quantum leap in the quality of this book relative to many of the other books on the market about TKD. I've been exposed to a number that are poorly written, if well intentioned, with awful proofing for English spelling and grammar errors.

Any young Taekwondoist nearing black belt would be well advised to add this book to his or her library. I believe that you will refer to it repeatedly, especially to refresh your memory on fine points in the Palgwe and Taeguk patterns.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For the serious taekwondo student, an excellent study tool., November 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Modern Taekwondo: The Official Training Manual (Paperback)

Beginner to advanced students if your looking to excel in modern taekwondo, look no further this is the book to buy! All the forms (Taeqeuk, Palgwe & 1st-9th Degree) are in one place, with clear pictures and step by step instructions that are easy to use. Covers the philosophy & history of taekwondo as well as reviewing self-defense sparring, breaking and international tournament rules. Grand Master Soon Man Lee and Master Gaetane Ricke have done a outstanding job at creating a great training guide, hope to see more titles from them in the future.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to follow pictures and a good poomse manual, April 20, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Modern Taekwondo: The Official Training Manual (Paperback)

This book is a great reference guide to many of taekwondo's forms (white belt to 5th dan blackbelt). But you can't learn the forms from this a book without a certified taekwondo instructor. It is possible to learn the forms from this book if you have a mastery or at least can do all of taekwondo's blockes,hand strikes,arm & leg strikes,stances,and kicks from 10th gup to 1st dan. But you will only learn some of taekwondo's kicks,strikes,stances,and blocks. If you are a complete beginner to martial arts this book will only give you a brief understanding of taekwondo's moves and forms. You need an instuctor to correct you. This book will not turn you into a master it is only meant to be a good reference guide. I strongly reccomend this book to all taekwondo students especially color belts who will have a much easier time learning the basic techniques an all the forms. Black belts will have an easier time learning the black belt forms of taekwondo. Black belts wishing to become a referee or judge will learn some basic terminology and rules. Competitors wishing to compete in competition will learn some one step sparring techniques,rules, and terminology. I also reccomend this book to experienced hapkido practitioners who wish to learn forms from taekwondo and who have a mastery of many blocks,strikes,and kicks. This book has something for nearly everbody!