Customer Reviews

Taekwondo: Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Warrior

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

This book is worth reading, but not what I was expecting. I have no doubt that this book is from the heart and sincere, however it reads as if Master Cook were trying a bit too hard share the spiritual aspect of this fine martial art. It comes across a bit heavy handed, forced, and almost "preach-ey" at times. While lip service is paid to how incrediably different dojangs and teaching styles are even among those that are not "McDojangs" he comes across as if he feels the way that it is done in his school is "the" way. (the right place/importance of meditation in TKD studies is one example).
I think this is a good addition to the library of the serious student of TKD, but as such it would be a supplement to the philosophy books in their possession and would not be the only source. For the new student or for people simply trying to understand TKD philosophy out of one or two references, I would look elsewhere.
Like I said, it feels sincere and heartfelt and is otherwise well done - just know what you want before you buy.

This book does not, nor was it ever intended to teach you, the reader, a single solitary physical Tae Kwon Do technique. This book is intended to broaden your mind and your martial spirit by providing you with a wealth of information on the history, philosophy, and etiquette involved in Tae Kwon Do. Although I must admit that this book does fall a little bit short in the history department, which is actually quite fine since it more than makes up for it in other areas.

This absolutely wonderful book on the history, philosophy, and etiquette that flourishes in Tae Kwon Do is truly an outstanding work and the author should be very proud of his accomplishment. I hadn't heard of this book until very recently and decided to check it out, and boy was I pleasantly surprised at how well written it was and the quality of the information put forth by the author.

One thing in particular that struck me was the author's brilliant way of comparing certain philosophies in Tae Kwon Do to everyday things that the average person would be knowledgeable about. For example; the author compared the rituals and significance of a black belt testing to a marriage. Although there are obviously a lot of differences, surprisingly there are also a lot of similarities. I also liked the way the author shared personal stories of his experiences in the art to help better explain the various points that he was trying to get across to the reader.

I would strongly recommend that this book be required reading for ALL Tae Kwon Do students regardless of rank.

Shawn Kovacich
Martial Artist/Creator of numerous books and DVD's.

As other reviews have states, this is not a book of techniques. This is a book about the history and philosophy of Taekwondo.

The book begins by giving a brief lesson on korean history, and the events that led up to taekwondo's creation. This is useful for someone getting into the art, who wants to learn a little bit more, but there is nothing really groundbreaking at this point.

The remainder of the book consists of chapters relating to a serious attitude, virtue, courage, and topics along those lines. These are things which are important to all people, regardless of which art they study (of even if they study one at all). Anecdotes relating to the author's martial arts career cement how taking classes can help people unite themselves with these qualities that I meantioned above.

I believe this is a great book for someone who is taking classes, and wishes to make the most out of them. It will enable you to be able to take these concepts out of the dojo(jang) and beyong simple self-defense, and try to help you become a better person.

So many people today decribe taekwondo as having no philosophical foundation. This is clearly not the case after reading Doug Cook's work. So much care is given to every facet of the traditional art of taekwondo. If you have grown cynical about your practice, read this book. It will revitalize your outlook and remind you of the virtues of your practice.

I was so pleased to read a book that focused on the art of taekwondo rather than simply the sport. Bravo, Doug Cook for bringing to light that there is more to taekwondo than competition. I highly recommend this book to anyone who seeks more from the martial arts than sport sparring.

If you are a taekwondoist that realizes there is more to the martial arts than kicking and punching, then this is the book for you. The author covers everything from training hall decorum to the elusive internal energy known as Ki. This book will remind older practitioners why they continue to train in spite of the aches and pains. It will also teach younger students more about taekwondo than most teachers are able to transmit. It has clearly revitalized the way my students and I train. Only those exclusively seeking huge trophies and points in the ring will find little value here. However, this is a treasure trove for everyone else wishing to gain a full understanding of the Korean martial art and sport of taekwondo. Doug Cook, master instructor and columnist from Taekwondo Times magazine, has done a phenominal job.

I was given this book as a gift for my birthday from my grandparents. Having studied taekwondo under Grand Master Shin, this was an important gift to me. My grandparents are very intelligent and they thoughtfully chose this book for me. It is very well written, and covers many aspects of the Art of Taekwondo. I have read it through, but continually pick it up for reference and wisdom. I highly recommend this book.