CompleteMartialArts.com - Taekwondo: Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Warrior
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Manufacturer: YMAA Publication Center
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Binding: Paperback Dewey Decimal Number: 796.8153 EAN: 9781886969933 ISBN: 1886969930 Label: YMAA Publication Center Manufacturer: YMAA Publication Center Number Of Items: 1 Number Of Pages: 240 Publication Date: 2001-10-25 Publisher: YMAA Publication Center Studio: YMAA Publication Center
Although millions of people around the world practice this fascinating art, very few know the real story behind it.
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: A book on history, philosophy, and proper attitude Comment: As other reviews have states, this is not a book of techniques. This is a book about the history and philosophy of Taekwondo.
The book begins by giving a brief lesson on korean history, and the events that led up to taekwondo's creation. This is useful for someone getting into the art, who wants to learn a little bit more, but there is nothing really groundbreaking at this point.
The remainder of the book consists of chapters relating to a serious attitude, virtue, courage, and topics along those lines. These are things which are important to all people, regardless of which art they study (of even if they study one at all). Anecdotes relating to the author's martial arts career cement how taking classes can help people unite themselves with these qualities that I meantioned above.
I believe this is a great book for someone who is taking classes, and wishes to make the most out of them. It will enable you to be able to take these concepts out of the dojo(jang) and beyong simple self-defense, and try to help you become a better person. Customer Rating: Summary: Not what I was expecting Comment: This book is worth reading, but not what I was expecting. I have no doubt that this book is from the heart and sincere, however it reads as if Master Cook were trying a bit too hard share the spiritual aspect of this fine martial art. It comes across a bit heavy handed, forced, and almost "preach-ey" at times. While lip service is paid to how incrediably different dojangs and teaching styles are even among those that are not "McDojangs" he comes across as if he feels the way that it is done in his school is "the" way. (the right place/importance of meditation in TKD studies is one example).
I think this is a good addition to the library of the serious student of TKD, but as such it would be a supplement to the philosophy books in their possession and would not be the only source. For the new student or for people simply trying to understand TKD philosophy out of one or two references, I would look elsewhere.
Like I said, it feels sincere and heartfelt and is otherwise well done - just know what you want before you buy.
Customer Rating: Summary: Worth a read. . . Comment: This book has many positive points. I would encourage any TKD practitioner to read it. However, it is ponderous at points, I think due to Mr. Cook's attempt to convey the great inner meaning TKD has for him. It tends to be too personal and anecdotal, reading like a diary of his last trip to Korea. The author tends toward strings of polysyllabic words, however, that conceal as much as they reveal. A good editing to strip away the fluff would have made for a more accessible work. Like another reviewer, I found the author's enthusiasm for other spiritual/philosophical viewpoints a bit grating at times. Is it possible to NOT embrace Buddhism, and yet be a martial artist? If the martial arts encompass universal values, that should be true. Not to fault the author, though. He is clearly well-informed and writes with passion and enthusiasm. For that reason I would recommend it especially to adult readers who want to take their practice of TKD beyond a repertoire of physical techniques. Customer Rating: Summary: Outstanding description of a noble art. Comment: So many people today decribe taekwondo as having no philosophical foundation. This is clearly not the case after reading Doug Cook's work. So much care is given to every facet of the traditional art of taekwondo. If you have grown cynical about your practice, read this book. It will revitalize your outlook and remind you of the virtues of your practice. Customer Rating: Summary: I was awash in a sea of sports Comment: I was so pleased to read a book that focused on the art of taekwondo rather than simply the sport. Bravo, Doug Cook for bringing to light that there is more to taekwondo than competition. I highly recommend this book to anyone who seeks more from the martial arts than sport sparring.
