Taekwondo Spirit and Practice: Beyond Self-Defense (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Class at the Moo Duk Kwan Institute always began with mopping the floor..." (more)
Key Phrases: hop sidekick, ten creeds, black belt students, New York, Richard Chun, Master Chun (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Master Richard Chun takes us on a first hand account of his life story and his dedication to the art of Taekwondo. We begin in Korea just before the Korean war and learn why Taekwondo is a noble and positive recreation for children, offering them challenges and lessons that they will reflect upon for their entire lives.

We follow as he takes Taekwondo to America not knowing how he and his art will be received. We see how Taekwondo plays a major role in this Grand Master's pursuit of a life in America and we cheer him on as he overcomes the difficulties a non-english speaking immigrant discovers in the USA. From celebrity students and their families (Donald Trump, Mayor Guliani, Gregory Hines) to everyday citizens, Master Richard Chun offers us the key to living a life of contribution to humanity through Taekwondo.

* Deepen Your Understanding of Taekwondo Traditions.
* Inspiration and Advice for a Lifetime of Practice.
* For All Styles and All Levels of Experience.

About the Author

Richard Chun began studying Taekwondo at the age of 11 under two highly respected teachers in Seoul, Korea: Chong Soo Hong and Ki Whang Kim. He progressed to 9th Dan by Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Federation) and Moo Duk Kwan after more than fifty years of study, establishing him as one of the highest ranking master instructors in the United States. (9th Dan by Kukkiwon in 1989 and by Moo Duk Kwan in 1981).

Product Details

• Paperback: 168 pages
• Publisher: YMAA Publication Center (October 25, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1886969221
• ISBN-13: 978-1886969223
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #129,038 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Embracing the physical and spiritual virtues of Taekwondo, December 5, 2002

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Taekwondo Spirit and Practice: Beyond Self-Defense by Grand Master Richard Chun (President of the United States Taekwondo Association and Special Assistant to the President of the World Taekwondo Federation) is the personal experience and expert testimony of a true 9th Dan Grandmaster in the respected and disciplined martial art of Taekwondo, who blends his journey from Korea to America and his strength in rising to the challenge of adapting to a strange language and culture to the life lessons of the art itself. Embracing the physical and spiritual virtues of Taekwondo as a venue for self-improvement, Taekwondo Spirit And Practice is an emotional and spiritual supplement to martial arts philosophy shelves and strongly recommended reading for students of the Martial Arts in general, and Taekwondo in particular.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential reading for all Martial Artists, October 16, 2002

By A Customer

Today, too little is presented on the traditonal value of the martial arts as a lifestyle practice. Dr. Chun, who was one of the first Taekwondo Masters sent to the US, brings a richness on experience that makes him a national treasure. Useful to all martial art stylists. Do not miss this.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Surprised me, February 18, 2007

By	Burke - See all my reviews

I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I was pleasantly surprised at how I ended up feeling about the book. It is clearly a martial arts autobiography, and for some reason I was surprised by this. I guess I was expecting more of a pure "philosophy book." It turns out to be the perfect way for Grandmaster Chun to express the message of the book.

Initially I was a little put off by what I perceived as a tone that was less than the humility that he subscribes to. However, as the book progresses, the Grandmaster's wisdom becomes increasingly apparent. I found myself jotting notes/quotes on index cards to reread and study later. I passed along one to a TKD classmate that I perceived was struggling with a specific concept. I will definately reread this book and have no doubt that I will find even more pearls than I found the first time. The pearls are there for the reader to pick up and enjoy, but are not shoved down the throat.

While I would stop short of calling this a "must read," it is a "good read." The reader will come away spiritually richer than before s/he read it. The practioner of TKD will find it a good addition to their studies and library. The "lay person" who is searching will come away with a deeper understanding of this incredible martial art. Worth buying. I'm glad I did.