Tan-Gun and To-San of Tae Kwon Do Hyung (Paperback)

by Jhoon Rhee (Author) "Tae Kwon Do is a Korean martial art which has been developed through centuries of Eastern civilization..." (more)
Key Phrases: middle reverse punch, deliver reverse punch, left front stance, Middle Knife Hand Side Strike, High Forearm Block (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Directed toward gold belt, this fully illustrated volume addresses these two taekwondo forms, along with combination attack techniques and basic street-defense moves for the beginner.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Black Belt Communications (February 1, 1971)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0897500016
• ISBN-13: 978-0897500012
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #583,122 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars top-notch, October 8, 2001

By A Customer

This book is second of a 5-part series, and covers two of the nine major forms of Tae Kwon Do: Tan Gun and To San. It not only provides an overview of the entire form, but breaks down each form into each individual move, complete with a written description, 5 views of the move, and a photo showing the application of the move against an assailant. (The photos are dated, but since retro fashion is in, it looks kind of hip.) It also shows combination attacks and self-defense techniques. The pictorial glossary (English and Korean) is very handy, as well. Jhoon Rhee himself is the demonstrator in the photos.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Good Series of Books on the ITF Tae Kwon Do Forms, June 11, 2008

By	Shawn Kovacich "Author of the Achieving Kicki... (The Greatest Little City in the World) - See all my reviews

NOTE: This review, along with the other reviews of the books devoted to the various ITF (International Tae Kwon Do Federation) hyungs, forms, or katas in this series, is identical in nature, as the subject matter for each book only differs in the actual hyungs or forms being demonstrated. The layout and format are identical and that is what these reviews are based upon.

This book, along with the rest of the books in the series, is an outstanding source of information on the correct execution of the ITF Tae Kwon Do hyungs in which this particular volume demonstrates. Now if you don't know anything about Tae Kwon Do and purchase this book, it will do you about as much good as a screen door in a submarine. However, if you are already a practicing ITF, or similar style, Tae Kwon Do student, then this book is a must have for your continued advancement in the martial arts.

Every book in this series that deal with the various hyungs, utilizes the same format throughout each book in order to show you the correct execution of each kata demonstrated. Admittedly there aren't a whole lot of words describing the various moves in the hyungs, but there are an abundance of photographs taken from various angles that pretty much show you exactly how your body should be positioned not only for each individual move, but also how your body should be positioned as you move from one position to another.

This book also demonstrates the moves in each kata to its application against an actual opponent, which is a nice addition to this already wonderful book.

If you are a student of ITF Tae Kwon Do, or a student of another style that utilizes the same hyungs, I would highly recommend that you purchase these books in order to advance your knowledge of whatever particular hyungs or forms that you are currently working on. You won't be disappointed!

Shawn Kovacich
Martial artist/Author of the Achieving Kicking Excellence series.

4.0 out of 5 stars American TKD Giant's hyung series, March 28, 2006

By	W. McMillin "13bum" (Texas) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

These are the second two forms that one learns in traditional TKD. I bought the book when I was still on Chon-Ji and it helped prepare me for wht I needed to know. This is a great series of book for students of traditional TKD.