Product Description

Although millions of people around the world practice this fascinating art, very few know the real story behind it.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #380654 in Books
• Published on: 2001-10-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

Customer Reviews

Good overview.
I started training in Taekwondo in July 08 (and I am writing this in September 08). this means that I am a total beginner and I have no way of evaluating the technical part of the book. Because I am enjoying TKD a lot, I decided to go a bit deeper into the subject and learn a bit of what is behind the art itself. So, I started with this one. It seemed to cover enough of history, philosophy and personal experience to make me appreciate the Art even more. And I was right. The book covers all these subjects quite thoroughly (again, this is the opinion of a beginner).
What i enjoyed the most is the fact that each chapter is very manageable; the chapters are written very nicely with a mixture of personal anecdotes and history.
What I really did not like is the absolute absence of footnotes: the author quotes a lot in this chapters but there is no way I can find that material. on the plus side, there is a bibliography in the back.
Also, I am oddly amazed at the total lack of mention of other "schools" of TKD. It gives the impression that his is THE way of doing TKW and nothing else compares to it. Well.... it's odd.
Whether an author likes or dislikes any other forms or schools, it is only right that at the very least he should mention them. I am training with ATA and I was amazed at the complete silence about the largest organization in USA.

There's More to Taekwondo Than Kicking and Punching
I find the review by J. Greifenberger, (Aug, 2008), quite troubling, since he chose this forum to personally attack the author with his slanderous statements. Mr. Greifenberger apparently didn't read the book because he had nothing to say about the content. If he had read the book he would have learned about the art, philosophy and spirit of Taekwondo, something that is not often taught in more commercially driven dojangs.

Mr. Cook, who is obviously passionate about Taekwondo, is highly respected for his teaching and literary contributions. He writes from a place of passion and deep respect for the art and shares, from the heart and with great humility, his knowledge gained from experience and research.

Taekwondo is a multi-faceted art that is much more than kicking and punching. Mr. Cook does an excellent job of presenting the essence of the sport and introducing serious students to its philosophical side. This book is an excellent read and a motivator for deeper thought into viewing Tae Kwon Do from a holistic standpoint. An excellent addition to any martial artist's library.

Someday, Mr. Greifenberger will have an epiphany with regards to his own relationship with Taekwondo. In the meantime, he needs to learn a lesson about respect, an element that appears to be missing from his training.

Great well written book
I was given this book as a gift for my birthday from my grandparents. Having studied taekwondo under Grand Master Shin, this was an important gift to me. My grandparents are very intelligent and they thoughtfully chose this book for me. It is very well written, and covers many aspects of the Art of Taekwondo. I have read it through, but continually pick it up for reference and wisdom. I highly recommend this book.