Rating: 
Summary: Great for Beginners and Advanced
Review: I am lucky enough to have been taught by Mr. Chun at his school. This book is a very good reference for those who are advanced, and it is good for novices. It provides detailed pictures for each of the steps in a TKD move and provides a reference for the early forms such as Pal-Gwe. This should get you up to a brown belt
Rating:
Summary: Tae Kwon Do The Korean Martial Art
Review: I used this book years ago when taking the sport myself and now my children are referencing it with great success. Excellent illustrations of basic stances, kicks, punches, etc. Outstanding section detailing Pal-Gwe forms. The down side is, Taegeuk forms are not included.
Rating:
Summary: Quality Book Containing Quality Information
Review: In an age where low quality has become the rule, Richard Chun's Book "Tae Kwon Do: The Korean Martial Art" is an exception. This was the first of the widely available large taekwondo books covering World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) style. Author Richard Chun himself is originally of the Moo Duk Kwan, and was part of the contingent which split from Grandmaster Hwang Kee to remain with the Korea Taekwondo Federation (later the World Taekwondo Federation). In observing and considering the techniques in this book, those who have experienced other martial arts will be able to see the "old" style of Taekwondo, with the wider stances and solidity reminiscent of Japanese karate. This volume contains the information required for the rank of Cho-Dan (first degree black belt) in most Taekwondo schools. Chapters cover history, stretching, strength exercises, stances, walking and moving, striking, vital points, hand, arm and head techniques, blocking, kicking techniques (including wheel kicks, jumping, and a technique I've never seen anywhere else--the handstand double foot kick!), advanced stances and combinations, sparring, self defense, breaking and special techniques, equipment in training, sport taekwondo (WTF style), and 9 forms: ki-cho 1, and the 8 Pal-Gwe. The volume is hardcover, with cloth-covered boards and dust jacket. The photographs are crisp and clear, the paper is quality acid resistant, and the binding is (gasp) sewn. This book really is a work of art and a fine tribute to the practice of Taekwondo as a martial art.
Rating:
Summary: Quality Book Containing Quality Information
Review: In an age where low quality has become the rule, Richard Chun's Book "Tae Kwon Do: The Korean Martial Art" is an exception. This was the first of the widely available large taekwondo books covering World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) style. Author Richard Chun himself is originally of the Moo Duk Kwan, and was part of the contingent which split from Grandmaster Hwang Kee to remain with the Korea Taekwondo Federation (later the World Taekwondo Federation). In observing and considering the techniques in this book, those who have experienced other martial arts will be able to see the "old" style of Taekwondo, with the wider stances and solidity reminiscent of Japanese karate. This volume contains the information required for the rank of Cho-Dan (first degree black belt) in most Taekwondo schools. Chapters cover history, stretching, strength exercises, stances, walking and moving, striking, vital points, hand, arm and head techniques, blocking, kicking techniques (including wheel kicks, jumping, and a technique I've never seen anywhere else--the handstand double foot kick!), advanced stances and combinations, sparring, self defense, breaking and special techniques, equipment in training, sport taekwondo (WTF style), and 9 forms: ki-cho 1, and the 8 Pal-Gwe. The volume is hardcover, with cloth-covered boards and dust jacket. The photographs are crisp and clear, the paper is quality acid resistant, and the binding is (gasp) sewn. This book really is a work of art and a fine tribute to the practice of Taekwondo as a martial art.
Rating:
Summary: korean martial art instruction
Review: KOREAN MARTIAL ART was first published in the middle 1970's by GRAND MASTER RICHARD CHUN,9th Dan. He is one of the pioneers of Taekwondo in United States. I have the great honor to have met him and to have trained directly under him in Korean Taekwondo. The book is outstanding in content and organization. The demonstration pictures of taekwondo in action are superior and speak for themselves. The old adage, "a picture is worth a thousand words" is evident in this book. The book reads well. The reader can understand the description of forming the techniques and executing them. Master Chun made a mjor contribution to the Korean martial arts when he wrote this book. Up to that time, there were very few quality books on taekwondo. The merit of the book is that it is not outdated and standing the test of time. It is still a major best seller among Korean stylists. Master Chun wrote another book, ADVANCING IN TAEKWONO wich is also fatantastic. I hope that he will consider writing an indepth book on the use of combinations, foot and hand, in self defense and combat situations stressing stragedy. thank you, JOHN FENNESSY ENCINITAS, CA
Rating: 
Summary: The Essential Book of TKD
Review: Mr. Chun has done a marvelous job. Tae Kwon Do explains everything that a White Belt to Black Belt should know. For the beginner , it has a complete discussion and illustrations of stances, techniques, and forms. For the Black Belt, a complete review of all techniques (except the Koryo forms 1 and 2)I was hoping for an informative section on breaking but it was obvious that the iron hand techniques were too advanced for a non All Black Belt Book (1st dan up)The breakdown of the forms in short and long depictions is excellent, especially when you don't remember all of the steps in a form,or when you are first learning a form. He omits the compleat Kicho forms ( but includes them is his other two books)The self defense section however,is for the beginner only. Black belts should be able to invent better additions for self defense applications. This book is used as an "informative bible"and review primer in my dojo. A MUST BUY.
Rating:
Summary: An oustanding, informative compendium of the sport.
Review: The photos are excellent and the step by step instructions are great. I would recommend this book if you are only going to buy one book on Tae Kwon Do. Is is pricey and bulky, so some people might prefer to spend the same amount on 4 or 5 smaller books. Both of my instructors swear by this one.
Rating:
Summary: Old School!!!!!
Review: This book is an excellent resource for anyone serious about the art. The book does not overwhelm the reader with unexplained Korean terminology, like other books do. It provides clear and concise explanations on stances, basic hand and foot techniques, and gives the reader a nice section on self defense. The book also presents examples of breaking techniques and has an excellent step by step easy to learn section on Pal-Gwe Poomse. The only downfall to this book, is that it falls short of giving an elaborate Kyorugi (Free Sparring) section. Beyond this, it is an excellent technical manual for anyone who is serious about practicing Tae Kwon Do.
Rating:
Summary: Good For Beginners......
Review: This is a great resource for beginners, but I wouldn't reccomend it for advanced people. The book describes why and how to use the moves in depth. If you are a beginner, like me, get it right away, but if not, you already know this stuff.
Rating:
Summary: A must have
Review: This is an excellent book for any student of Tae Kwon Do. The book is very detailed, yet easy to follow. The photographs are outstanding. This is one of the best books in my martial arts library.
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