Traditional Taekwondo: Core Techniques, History, and Philosphy

by Doug Cook

Discover the original purpose and training of taekwondo The principles and techniques illustrated in this book, having been handed down over the decades, if not centuries, emphasize a core philosophy rich in defensive strategy. Taekwondo, literally translated, can be defined as "foot, hand way" or "the way of smashing with hands and feet." Such descriptive nomenclature understandably implies a curriculum rich in self-defense. Too often, however, this is simply not the case. Given the current popularity of sport competition in the martial arts, many techniques of defensive value have been stripped away or forfeited altogether in favor of those certain to score in the ring. While the thirst for Olympic gold has clearly played a significant role in propelling taekwondo into the forefront, it should be remembered that this native Korean martial art contains over 3200 distinct self defense techniques. This book describes in detail, the history and evolution of Taekwondo from its ancient roots to modern day applications. Also included are exercises in "Ki" or internal energy development, meditation practice, and practical self-defense strategies. This work focuses on the traditional aspects of Taekwondo rather than on its sportive component.

Genres: Martial Arts

302 pages, Paperback

First published March 29, 2006

About the author

Master Doug Cook holds a 6th dan black belt in the Korean martial art of taekwondo and is certified as an instructor by the United States Taekwondo Association and World Taekwondo Federation. He is author of three best-selling books focusing on taekwondo entitled: Taekwondo--A Path to Excellence,released in 2009 a "finalist for the USA Book News Award",Traditional Taekwondo - Core Techniques, History, and Philosophy, a finalist for ForeWord magazine's "Book of the Year Award,"and Taekwondo--Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Warrior. His fourth book, Taekwondo Black Belt Poomsae-Original Koryo and Koryo was co-authored with Grandmaster Richard Chun. All four editions are published by YMAA Publication Center.
Master Doug Cook currently shares his knowledge of taekwondo by writing articles for TaeKwonDo Times, Black Belt, and the United States Taekwondo Association Journal. He also writes a monthly column, Traditions, for TaeKwonDo Times magazine. In 2010, he led a group of students on a Taekwondo Training and Cultural Tour to Korea, "the land of the morning calm" along with Grandmaster Richard Chun, 9th dan black belt. Chun is one of the five original masters responsible for bringing taekwondo education to this country.
In 2004 while attending a training camp in Korea, Master Cook received a Special Citation from the Korean government for forging a stronger
relationship between Korea and the United States through martial arts. Here in the United States, he was invited to speak as a guest lecturer at the University of Bridgeport. This university is the only institute of higher learning in the country to offer a major in martial arts.
Master Cook owns and operates the Chosun Taekwondo Academy located in Warwick, New York--an institute specializing in traditional martial arts instruction and internal Ki development. He can be reached via email at: chosuntkd@yahoo.com and is available for interviews, seminars, workshops, and lectures. His web address is: http://www.chosuntkd.com

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helped me understand my martial art - it's history and symbolism.

[dwillsh · Rating 2 out of 5]

the book was very good in parts (e.g the history of TKD) but I didn't like his take on chi at all, or the section on Women's Self-Defence Drills - surely the techniques are applicable to all...