Traditional Taekwondo-Core Techniques, History, and Philosophy

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

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nomenclature understandably implies a curriculum rich in self-defense. Too often, howerver, this is simply not the case. Given the current popularity of sports 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.

Ths book describes in detail, the history and evolution of Taekwondo from its anicent roots to modern-day applications. Also included are exercises in 'Ki', or internal energy develpment, meditation practice, and practical self-defense strategies. This work focuses on the traditional aspects of Taekwondo rather than on its sportive component.

Doug Cook holds a fourth-degree black belt in Taekwondo, and is certified as an instructor by the US Taekwondo Association and World Taekwondo Federation. He is a contributing columnist for Taekwondo Times, and editor of the United States Taekwondo Association Journal. HIs ealier book Taekwondo-Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Warrior has becomve recommended reading in Taekwondo Schools worldwide. Doug resides in Warwick, New York.

Contents

Dedication
Foreword
Acknowledgments
Letter from Richard Chun Taekwondo Center
Preface
Part One-History and culture
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Historical periods
Chapter 3 The formative years of taekwondo
Part Two -Philosophy
Chapter 4 The role of meditation in traditional taekwondo
Chapter 5 The development anduse of combat ki
Chapter 6 The relevance of poom-se in traditional taekwondo
Part Three-Technique
Chapter 7 Pyysical conditioning for martial arts
Chapter 8 Training methods in traditional taekwondo
Chapter 9 Il Su Sik practice
Chapter 10 Sam Su Sik practice
Chapter 11 Ho Sin Sool practice
Chapter 12 Self-defense practice for women
Conclusion
Appendix A Training in Korea with Grandmater Gyoo Hyun Lee
Appendix B Korean/English trnalsations for taekwondo terms
Appendix C Martial arts organizations worldwide
Glossary
Bibliography & sources
Index
About the autho

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