Tae Kwon Do (Hardcover)

by Richard Chun (Author) "No detailed record is available as to when Karate was initiated in Japan. There are indications that the Japanese fighting style derived from Okinawate, the..." (more)
Key Phrases: thrust kicking foot, raise kicking knee, simultaneously pull right fist, Low Block, Front Kick, Side Kick (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Presenting a clear and authentic introduction to the Korean national sport, this book explores both the physical and the intellectual essence of Tae Kwon Do.

From the Publisher
Presenting a clear and authentic introduction to the Korean national sport, this book explores both the physical and the intellectual essence of Tae Kwon Do.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 544 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins; 1 edition (April 3, 1976)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060107790
• ISBN-13: 978-0060107796
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8.4 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #612,347 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quality Book Containing Quality Information, March 9, 2003

By	C. J. Hardman (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In an age where low quality has become the rule, Richard Chun's Book "Tae Kwon Do: The Korean Martial Art" is an exception. This was the first of the widely available large taekwondo books covering World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) style.

Author Richard Chun himself is originally of the Moo Duk Kwan, and was part of the contingent which split from Grandmaster Hwang Kee to remain with the Korea Taekwondo Federation (later the World Taekwondo Federation). In observing and considering the techniques in this book, those who have experienced other martial arts will be able to see the "old" style of Taekwondo, with the wider stances and solidity reminiscent of Japanese karate.

This volume contains the information required for the rank of Cho-Dan (first degree black belt) in most Taekwondo schools. Chapters cover history, stretching, strength exercises, stances, walking and moving, striking, vital points, hand, arm and head techniques, blocking, kicking techniques (including wheel kicks, jumping, and a technique I've never seen anywhere else--the handstand double foot kick!), advanced stances and combinations, sparring, self defense, breaking and special techniques, equipment in training, sport taekwondo (WTF style), and 9 forms: ki-cho 1, and the 8 Pal-Gwe.

The volume is hardcover, with cloth-covered boards and dust jacket. The photographs are crisp and clear, the paper is quality acid resistant, and the binding is (gasp) sewn. This book really is a work of art and a fine tribute to the practice of Taekwondo as a martial art.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Essential Book of TKD, August 1, 2001

By	Alexander Major II (Corona, New York United States) - See all my reviews

Mr. Chun has done a marvelous job. Tae Kwon Do explains everything that a White Belt to Black Belt should know. For the beginner , it has a complete discussion and illustrations of stances, techniques, and forms. For the Black Belt, a complete review of all techniques (except the Koryo forms 1 and 2)I was hoping for an informative section on breaking but it was obvious that the iron hand techniques were too advanced for a non All Black Belt Book (1st dan up)The breakdown of the forms in short and long depictions is excellent, especially when you don't remember all of the steps in a form,or when you are first learning a form. He omits the compleat Kicho forms ( but includes them is his other two books)The self defense section however,is for the beginner only. Black belts should be able to invent better additions for self defense applications. This book is used as an "informative bible"and review primer in my dojo. A MUST BUY.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Old School!!!!!, March 29, 2000

By	"just-a-hobby" (Los Angeles, California) - See all my reviews

This book is an excellent resource for anyone serious about the art. The book does not overwhelm the reader with unexplained Korean terminology, like other books do. It provides clear and concise explanations on stances, basic hand and foot techniques, and gives the reader a nice section on self defense. The book also presents examples of breaking techniques and has an excellent step by step easy to learn section on Pal-Gwe Poomse. The only downfall to this book, is that it falls short of giving an elaborate Kyorugi (Free Sparring) section. Beyond this, it is an excellent technical manual for anyone who is serious about practicing Tae Kwon Do.