Taekwondo is defined as a hard-style system of the martial arts— with penetrating kicks and punches, and forceful linear attacks. Dedicated practitioners know that advanced training means not only striving to master techniques, but also developing a deeper understanding of the history, philosophy, and concepts at the core of this martial art. In Advanced Taekwondo, Scott Shaw presents an in-depth look at the complete art of Taekwondo—from the underlying philosophies that drive the techniques and strategies to advice on mastering basic and advanced techniques fundamental to the art. Chapters include: An in-depth look at the origins and philosophies of Taekwondo Discussion and tips on mastering essential techniques Illustrated poomse sequences, including the Taeguek forms and Black Belt forms With over 400 illustrations and detailed instruction from a leading teacher in the field, even the most experienced black belts can benefit from the lessons in this book. Scott Shaw is one of the world's most prolific proponents of the Korean martial arts. He began training in hapkido and taekwondo as a young boy and today holds master instructor certification in both. He is a frequently published contributor to martial arts magazines and has authored a number of books, including Hapkido: Korean Art of Self–Defense.

Taekwondo is unlike any other martial art and it deserves some special attention because of its importance as a sport with a unique history and influence. This anthology, as part of our projects to provide stellar articles from the Journal of Asian Martial Arts, provides high quality materials about taekwondo you will not find elsewhere. Topics include fascets of taekwondo history, practice, competition, health, education, character, techniques, and sport/athletics. You’ll find the notes, bibliographies, illustrations, and index are also valuable. We have been very fortunate to include the writings of Dr. Willy Pieter, a pioneer in the scientific study of taekwondo. Other articles in this book provide details of taekwondo history, such as the detailed work by Dakin Burdick. The earlier version as published in the journal caused quite a stir among Korean martial art afficionados, particularly in the clear exposition that taekwondo’s roots are found in Japanese/Okinawan traditions. Some chapters focus on specific techniques, especially the pieces by Udo Moenig, Louis Bercades and Willy Pieter. The interview by José Suporta with Juan Moreno is very insightful as it includes a discussion of the differences of taekwondo practices for the martial artist and sport athlete. In her chapter, Marzena Czarneca uncovers the social relationships that often develop between students and teachers. The emotional and psychological bonds formed during classes are often difficult to notice and define, but she does so with a unique research methodology. Van Reenam’s chapter gives a refreshing portrait of childhood development through taekwondo practice. His conclusions will benefit those who teach, as well as the youngsters and parents involved in taekwondo. Authoritative works dealing with taekwondo are published occasionally. This book is a milestone in taekwondo literature. Hopefully you will enjoy reading each page of this important anthology. Besides being a convenient collection of special readings on taekwondo, we also hope the chapters will inspire future research and writing in this field.

Author Jennifer MacKay provides an in-depth volume on the ancient sport of Taekwondo. Readers will learn about the physics and biomechanics of the sport. They will appreciate the amount of fitness and training that is involved to be great at the sport. Additionally, they'll learn about nutrition, injuries, and the psychology behind Taekwondo.

Taekwondo Basics teaches you all the fundamentals of this Korean martial art form in a clear and easy-to-understand manner! This basic introductory survey contains the following vital information: The origins, philosophy, and history of Taekwondo How to find a teacher and a class that are right for you Getting ready for your first class--what actually happens in a Taekwondo class? The essential elements--stances, blocks, hand and arm strikes, and kicks How to complement your Taekwondo training with other conditioning exercises, such as running and biking Powerful ways to improve your technique through target training, partner training, competitive training, free-sparring, and more Resources that can help you further develop your Taekwondo practice Whether you're just getting started, or you've already been training for a year or two, Taekwondo Basics offers an easy to read, yet comprehensive, introduction to the sport.

In the rhythmic dance of discipline and power, Taekwondo emerges as a martial art that transcends mere physical prowess. With roots deeply embedded in ancient Korean traditions, it has evolved into a dynamic and effective system of self-defense, revered for its emphasis on agility, precision, and indomitable spirit. This is where the echoes of high kicks and resounding strikes intersect with the wisdom of self-mastery. This book is not just a manual; it is an invitation to explore the multifaceted world of Taekwondo, unlocking its secrets to empower both the novice and the seasoned practitioner alike. As you embark on this journey, each turn of the page will reveal a tapestry of techniques meticulously woven together to form a comprehensive guide for self-defense. Whether you are a curious beginner eager to grasp the fundamental moves or an experienced black belt seeking to refine your skills, these pages hold a wealth of insights, strategies, and advice to elevate your understanding of Taekwondo.

"Endorsed [by] the World Taekwondo Federation."

Describes the kicking and striking techniques of tae kwon do, originally a Korean art, now a worldwide sport. Includes a glossary of terms.

Taekwondo, which literally means “the way of the hand and foot,” is an indigenous Korean tradition and the world’s most popular martial art. This book is an excellent guide for people new to the sport as well as those familiar with the beauty, efficiency and sophistication of taekwondo. The chapters cover topics ranging from taekwondo’s origins in Korea and the meanings of both the martial art and sport to taekwondo’s rapid spread worldwide and adoption as an official Olympic event. Anything and everything about taekwondo is jam-packed in this book, which appeals to both the novice and the advanced black belt.

Taekwondo for Kids is a fun and accessible guide to Taekwondo practice. First-time martial arts students are not just starting a program of physical and mental practice. They are entering a new world--one that not only has new rules, new goals, and even new clothing but that also offers them lots of new opportunities for fun and accomplishment. This martial arts books for kids includes introductions to the history and philosophy of the martial art, what to expect in the first few classes, how to warm up and practice, advice on setting goals, and information on competitions and tournaments. With over 75 full-color illustrations, including 40 clearly diagrammed Taekwondo exercises, and lots of fun facts and informative sidebars written in kid-friendly, jargon-free language, this is the perfect introduction for the younger martial artist.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the historical, political, and technical evolution of taekwondo. Many of the supposedly ‘traditional’ and ‘ancient’ Korean cultural elements attached to taekwondo are, in fact, remnants of East Asia’s modernization drive, and largely inherited from the Japanese martial arts. The current historical portrayal has created an obstacle to a clear understanding of the history of taekwondo, and presents problems and contradictions in philosophy and training methodology. Using rich empirical data, including interviews with leading figures in the field, this book brings together martial arts philosophy with an analysis of the technical aspects and the development of taekwondo, and provides a detailed comparison of karate and taekwondo techniques. It debunks nationalistic mythology surrounding taekwondo to provide a reinterpretation of taekwondo’s evolution.