Hapkido: Korean Art of Self-Defense (Paperback)

~ (Author) "The Korean Peninsula was first inhabited about 3000 B.C. by Tungusic tribes from central Asia..." (more)
Key Phrases: axe kick, opponent grabs, wrist grab, Tae Kyon, Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu, Yoo Sool (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Hapkido, "The Way of Coordination and Internal Power," is one of the three major Korean martial arts. Founded in 1963 by Master Choi Young-Sul, it is a complete system of self-defense, encompassing, striking, kicking, and grappling techniques. Conceptually, Hapkido techniques more closely parallel those of Aikido than Taekwondo. In fact, as the author describes, these is a parental link between the arts. In this book, Scott Shaw presents a precise description of the techniques, concepts, and applications of this Korean art of self-defense. Profusely illustrated with 220 clear photographs, this instructional book describes and depicts self-defense techniques against in variety of punches, holds, and kicks.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing; Lst Ed edition (April 15, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804820740
• ISBN-13: 978-0804820745
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #424,989 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book on Hapkido!, December 11, 1999

By A Customer

As a practitioner of Hapkido for fifteen years and an Instructor for ten, I think this is a great book on Hapkido -- it really takes the reader to the essence of the art.

Hapkido is such an elaborate system of self defense, I think few people really realize how impossible it is to truly illustrate this art in the form of a book. Master Scott Shaw, does just that, however. Through very clear detailed descriptions and photographs, he instructs the reader in the true self defense aspects of Hapkido.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars This book is basic and lacks any intermediate techniques., April 25, 1999

By A Customer

If you don't know how to kick and have never thrown before - this book is for you. If you are currently taking hapkido lessons, are beyond your first couple of belts and want to supplement your master's curriculum - I wouldn't reccomend this book. Mr Shaw makes some broad statements about the history of Hapkido which may not be supported by the entire Hapkido community. However, Mr Shaw provides a very knowledgeable account of Korean history and lots of clear photographs.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GOOD BOOK ABOUT NOT VERY WELL-KNOWN SYSTEM!!!!!!!!!!!, August 17, 2001

By	Luke Jean-Louis (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

Before I read this I did not know about hapkido at all. After I looked through the book very thoroughly, I was well informed. The illustrations were so good, anyone could master the moves easily. The book talks a lot about the history and development of the art very well. It is really good.

Everyone should get it!