Tae Kwon Do: The Korean Martial Art

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.

Well, it's one of the bext out there, judging by the reviews posted so far. I have a personal conncetion to this book, as my "Tio Jimmy" was featured throughout the book along with several of his students. My "Tio Jimmy" was James Rene Diaz, a 4th Level Master who as a young adult, started to study as one of Master Chun's original students in New York. He eventually came to Miami and started a school on South Beach in the 70's. While there, he taught over 20 black belts, until his untimely death from cancer in April 1983. Many of the outdoor photos were taken at the Japanese Gardens and Tea Houses on Watson Island, just between downtown MIami and South Beach.

KOREAN MARTIAL ART was first published in the middle 1970's by GRAND MASTER RICHARD CHUN,9th Dan. He is one of the pioneers of Taekwondo in United States. I have the great honor to have met him and to have trained directly under him in Korean Taekwondo. The book is outstanding in content and organization. The demonstration pictures of taekwondo in action are superior and speak for themselves. The old adage, "a picture is worth a thousand words" is evident in this book. The book reads well. The reader can understand the description of forming the techniques and executing them. Master Chun made a mjor contribution to the Korean martial arts when he wrote this book. Up to that time, there were very few quality books on taekwondo. The merit of the book is that it is not outdated and standing the test of time. It is still a major best seller among Korean stylists. Master Chun wrote another book, ADVANCING IN TAEKWONO wich is also fatantastic. I hope that he will consider writing an indepth book on the use of combinations, foot and hand, in self defense and combat situations stressing stragedy.thank you,JOHN FENNESSY ENCINITAS, CA

This is an excellent book for any student of Tae Kwon Do. The book is very detailed, yet easy to follow. The photographs are outstanding. This is one of the best books in my martial arts library.

I am lucky enough to have been taught by Mr. Chun at his school. This book is a very good reference for those who are advanced, and it is good for novices. It provides detailed pictures for each of the steps in a TKD move and provides a reference for the early forms such as Pal-Gwe. This should get you up to a brown belt