Thirty million people worldwide are performing tae kwon do-the Korean equivalent of karate-and thousands of centers have sprung up in America. Kids, adults, and even seniors are joining in the explosive fun. With easy-to-understand text and 75 clear line drawings and photographs scattered throughout, this layperson's book explains in simple terms the concepts of tae kwon do-how to limber up for practices, how to defend oneself, how to practice on one's own or with a partner, where to find classes, how to rate teachers, and much more.
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: It is the IDIOT's guide... Comment: So I would disregard the reviews of the experienced Tae Kwon Do readers, this book is not intended for them. It is for those new to the sport, thus the term IDIOT Guide. It doesn't really mean for dumb people. LOL. So it is for people like me looking to learn more about the sport Customer Rating: Summary: guide for Mcdojangs. Comment: This book is helpful for beginners in Tae Kwon Do, It gives you a brief base on Tae Kwon Do in a way. It is not a book I recommend for Advance Tae Kwon Do Practitioners, people who have been doing TKD for a long time will find this book useless, I almost found this book offensive in a way that it portrayed TKD, and the fact that this books seems to base its validity on the accomplishments of Keith Yates who is a "10th Degree" black belt, regardless of the fact that no respectable TKD organization has a higher degree than 9th (and has very few ninth degrees at that). In my Honest opinion its just another person trying to profit off of the American Mcdojang. Customer Rating: Summary: For someone who isn't sure whether they want to take TKD Comment: I was a little disappointed in this book. I have been practicing Taekwondo for the past 3 weeks. I was hoping to get some information on forms and some more technical aspects, in order to advance in the class. Instead this book sounded like it was for someone who never took a class before in their life, and was not sure if they wanted to start. Although I am no expert, the book seemed to focus on just explaining how wonderful Taekwondo is, and some other basic information. Also, I found it focused too much on Taekwondo as a sport instead of an artform. As the title suggests, it really did seem a like the perfect guide for an idiot. Customer Rating: Summary: great beginner's guide! Comment: Keith D. Yates -- 10th degree black belt, an inaugural member of the Texas Martial Arts Hall of Fame, and one of the most respected martial arts leaders in America -- and co-author Eden have written a superb beginner's guide and introduction to Tae Kwon Do. There's a lot of good material in this book, including basics on blocks, hand-techniques, kicks, one-steps, free-sparring, self-defense, and beginning forms for several styles. I highly recommend this book to anyone exploring the martial arts, especially new martial artists, and parents interested in enrolling their kids in martial arts. For an in-depth book on forms (kata), also get Mr. Yates' excellent "The Complete Book of Tae Kwon Do Forms." Customer Rating: Summary: Not very happy Comment: You will realize why the title of this book is correct if you buy it. There is very very little information in it; just a lot of rambling. I have picked it up at least ten times in hopes of finding some information but I just get the urge to trash it. If you are looking for a book to direct you in any way regarding forms, techniques,or basics; this isn't it.
