When people discuss Korean martial arts, they rarely mention taekyon. They are usually totally unfamiliar with the name because there hasn’t been much written about it. The four chapters in this anthology give an excellent overview of taekyon as a system noted for it’s dance-like qualities and combative style, especially for leg techniques. Taekyon stands unique as it represents most closely to a pure Korean martial tradition. Chapter one by Stanley Henning gives a detailed overview of martial arts in Korea. From the beginning, Korean martial arts were intertwined with those of China. Even the historical references to Korean martial arts are all in Chinese. The author concludes that traditional Korean martial arts are but a vague memory, with taekyon being the sole survivor. In the next chapter, Robert Young skillfully presents what is known about taekyon. With over 150 years of verifiable history, taekyon is the most thoroughly documented of Korean martial arts. Its skills and techniques greatly differ from those of other modern Korean styles. It is the only plausible candidate for the descendant of ancient subak. This well-researched chapter includes theory and techniques and lineage chart. Dr. Willy Pieter expands upon the historical development of Korean martial sports as presented by Young. There is an emphasis on the hwarang (“flower boy”) and their presence in Korean culture and martial traditions in particular. The etymology of Korean martial systems are questioned. The final chapter by Yung Ouyang offers a fuller picture of what taekyon represents as a moving art. Traditionally, taekyon was a game as well as a martial art, so many did not credit taekyon for its combative elements. It has largely been ignored by those interested in the fighting arts. It is gaining recognition as a legitimate heir to the traditional Korean martial arts, but is also undergoing influences from Japanese traditions and Western sports. Taekyon deserves to be recognized for its uniqueness among the martial arts of Asia. This anthology will serve as solid reference for all interested in the Korean combative traditions, and especially taekyon for its aesthetic appeal as a form of dance and graceful yet powerful combative method.

Whether you're an inspiring black belt or just a fan of martial arts action, you'll enjoy this collection of twenty exciting stories about the great heroes of the martial arts. The stories include dramatic victories, wily strategies, and triumphs over long odds--from the great Tsukahara Bokuden's cunning defeat of a troublemaking samurai to Wing Chun's brave self-defense against a brutish warlord. Children can read about Robert Trias, known as the "father of American karate" and Miyamoto Musashi, known as the "greatest sword fighter in history" and the author of the bestselling Book of Five Rings. Filled with action and amazing feats of martial arts wizardry, Legends of the Martial Arts Masters will inspire readers with stories of courage, combat, and self-discovery. Stories include: The General Fights a Bull The Great Wave The Hard Way to Find a Teacher The Three Sons The Style of No Sword A Bully Changes His Ways The Ballad of Mu-lan Twelve Warriors of Burma Wing Chun The Eighteen Hands And many more…

Hapkido, "The Way of Coordination and Internal Power," is one of the three major Korean martial arts. Founded in 1963 by Master Choi Young-Sul, it is a complete system of self-defense, encompassing striking, kicking, and grappling techniques. Conceptually, Hapkido techniques more closely parallel those of Aikido than Taekwondo. In fact, as the author describes, there is a parental link between the arts. In Hapkido: Korean Art of Self-Defense, Scott Shaw presents a precise description of the techniques, concepts, and applications of this Korean martial art of self-defense. Profusely illustrated with 220 clear photographs, this instructional hapkido book describes and depicts self-defense techniques against a variety of punches, holds, and kicks. Hapkido has been utilized by military and law enforcement agencies worldwide, but until now little has been written on it. This hapkido guide is one of the few in English to present the essential techniques of this fascinating Korean martial art. Chapters include: The History and Development of Korean Martial Arts The Evolution of Hapkido Danjon: The Center of Ki Hapkido Fundamentals Hapkido Self-Defense Techniques

Featuring translations of terms from Korean, Chinese and Japanese this dictionary is a must have for any serious martial arts practitioner. The modern martial artist requires more than a mere vocabulary listing. The modern practitioner wants an in–depth exploration not only of the equivalency of meaning but also the cultural and historical background of the terms relevant to the martial arts. To answer that need, this dictionary includes: Over 7,100 of the most important martial arts terms in Korean, Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese, and Okinawan Full description of techniques Weapons Styles Martial Arts Masters This martial arts dictionary is a must have for every martial arts student. With its culturally relevant terminology, this book includes everything to satisfy both traditional purists and eclectic practitioners. As this is the combined work of four separate compilers, each a specialist in a region's language and martial arts, this is in fact four dictionaries in one. Each compiler's expertise contributes to the consistent high quality and linguistic accuracy throughout.

A needle may draw a thread through printed pages to bind a book. In this little memoir, I feel like a needle that drew a common thread though a segment of martial art history. This book details three interrelated activities: (1) martial art studies, (2) involvement as founder of Via Media Publishing, producing a quarterly journal and books, and (3) teaching martial arts. Publishers, writers, researchers and serious martial art practitioners will benefit with the detailed overview of Via Media and its publications. Via Media produced the Journal of Asian Martial Arts, known for its high academic and aesthetic standards. Its contents reflect the history of two decades and provides rich information for practitioners and scholars, making The Best Fighta valuable reference work. In addition to reading, the primary way to learn a martial art is through instruction. In reading about my studies and teaching experience, readers can relate to their own involvement in martial arts. What is important here is the portrayal of my instructors, their teaching methods, and reasons for being involved in martial arts. Their accounts should offer insights and inspiration for others who study and practice any martial art.

Spanning the wide world of sports, this volume is packed with every conceivable fact that anyone would possibly want to know about nearly 300 sports, including history and practice worldwide.

A classic text treasured by martial artists for over twenty years, Karate's History & Traditions was long recognized as the most authoritative source on martial arts history and technique. Now Bruce Haines, historian and martial artist, has updated this rich source to reflect changes that have taken place in the last two decades. This detailed but well–rounded martial arts guide covers the history of the Asian fighting arts from antiquity to modern times, answering many of the questions currently being debated by martial artists around the world. Each chapter describes the fighting arts of masters in many areas, including: Okinawa Japan China India Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Cambodia Vietnam Korea The Philippines Undertaking years of arduous research using the most reliable historical data, Haines has filled in many of the gaps in the histories of the fighting arts and has proven false many popular myths.

This book provides bio-mechanical principles that are the foundation for the development of high-performance Taekwondo techniques. Hip motion is paramount in Taekwondo, but transferring the power of the hip to the kicking foot presents a great challenge. Readers of this book will be able to master this challenge. The reader will also learn the precise positions of the body which serve as leverage points. The pages following include detailed pictures portraying bio-mechanics - such as proper weight transfer. The author details mind power, visualization and other methods that develop the level of self-awareness necessary to become a well-balanced athlete and person. I recommend this book. It respects TaekwondoÕs origins, yet takes a fully science-based approach, providing a detailed guide to the sportÕs underlying movement principles. Read it and be informed! Dr. Chungwon Choue, WT President

Tae Kwon Do is more than just a fighting style: it combines self-defense, exercise, meditation, philosophy, and self-awareness to improve oneself physically, mentally, and spiritually. Over 400 million students in more than 188 countries have embraced the way of life that Tae Kwon Do provides. Tae Kwon Do, Third Edition combines a complete explanation of the physical aspects of the martial art with a full description of the philosophical elements of its training. It is perfect for both students trying to master techniques and teachers looking for a reliable reference. The authors believe that the true essence of Tae Kwon Do cannot be seen, touched, smelled, tasted, or heard, but only experienced. This book will guide students as they figure out what Tae Kwon Do means to them.