Taekwondo: Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Warrior [Paperback]

Doug Cook (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 25, 2001

Although millions of people around the world practice this fascinating art, very few know the real story behind it.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...Cook writes in an easy-to-understand style, which is particularly helpful for analyzing this complex subject. Any practitioner of Taekwondo, from the novice White Belt to the most seasoned Black Belt, should include this book in martial arts training." -- Alan J. Couture, Forewordmagazine.com, Winter 2002

About the Author

Doug Cook holds a 5th Dan Black Belt in the Korean martial art of taekwondo and is certified as an instructor and in rank by the United States Taekwondo Association and the Kukkiwon. After training in Korea on several occasions, he went on to become a six-time gold medalist in the New York State Championships and the New York State Governor's Cup Competitions. He holds a D3 status as a US Referee and has received high honors from Korea in the form of a "Letter of Appreciation" signed by World Taekwondo Federation president, Dr. Un Yong Kim. In 2003 Mr. Cook was awarded the Medal of Special Recognition from the Moo Duk Kwan in Seoul, South Korea. His earlier book Taekwondo, Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Warrior has become recommended reading in Taekwondo Schools worldwide. Doug resides in Warwick, New York.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Ymaa Publication Center (September 25, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1886969930
• ISBN-13: 978-1886969933
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #442,503 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tae Kwon Do: an approach to living, November 20, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Taekwondo: Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Warrior (Paperback)

I came to this book with little knowledge of the martial arts in general or Tae Kwon Do in particular. By the time I finished the last chapter I had begun to share the author's knowledge and to understand his passion for the discipline.

Taekwondo, Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Warrior, covers a lot of ground. One chapters offers practical advice on how to choose a dojang (school). Another deals with Tae kwon do's ethical values and basis. A third talks about Ki energy and meditation. Throughout the book, the historical roots of Tae Kwon Do are explored and related to the art as it is currently practiced.

Perhaps the most striking feature of the book is the explanation of how the discipline, ethics, focus and determination required by Tae Kwon Do, can be used as a pattern for living in the modern world. Certainly Doug Cook has taken advantage of these tools to create a clear and focused work, which I read with pleasure and enthusiasm.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, a TKD book that speaks to me, November 5, 2001

By 

JERRY AYRES (Atlanta, Georgia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Taekwondo: Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Warrior (Paperback)

I read Doug Cook's book as soon as I saw that it was available. I was intrigued by the title. I often seek out those works that I believe will offer some releveance for me between the traditions that some of us adhere to in the martial arts and the modern day world. I was not disappointed by Mr. Cook's work.

My martial arts library consists of over 100 books, but none of them have been as readable and meaningful as his. At times I felt as though he was talking directly to me.

He validated for me a lot of the thoughts and feelings I've had in my 15 years in TKD. He reminded me why I still train in spite of advancing years and diminishing physical capabilities. He inspired me to continue on the "way" despite my occasional lapses.

His is a book I will come back to from time to time to bolster the spirit. Read this one if you ever find yourself questioning the relevance of martial traditions and rigorous training.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Do (Way) of Martial Arts Training, February 28, 2002

By 

John Jordan (New York, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Taekwondo: Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Warrior (Paperback)

There have been nights while driving home after a trying workout that I asked myself "why am I training in Taekwondo?" Reflecting on the class I ponder...Perhaps my steep learning curve was kicking in on a new from, or I faltered while performing an old one I hadn't practiced in a while. Maybe I took a few hard shots while sparring or my middle aged body was just sore. It's then the true martial artist wields his (or her) "soul sword" and perseveres to the next class. Not only does Mr. Cook's book address these issues but it provides the martial artist (regardless of chosen style) a framework around why one should train and its benefits outside the dojang as well.
Read it with a highlighter in hand, you'll want to go back often!