Taekwondo: Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Warrior

Rating:
Summary: Strongly recommended for Taekwondo enthusiasts
Review: Accessibly written by Doug Cook (who holds a third degree black belt in Taekwondo), Taekwondo: Ancient Wisdom For The Modern Warrior is not a just another how-to instruction manual for the martial art of Taekwondo, but rather a comprehensive history of this specialized martial arts self-defense technique. Chapters cover how Taekwondo evolved upon the Korean peninsula, the code of honor to which its first practitioners adhered, the mental and emotional benefits of practicing the art, and personal growth in the skill beyond the black belt, among many other topics. Some black and white photographs illustrate this highly thoughtful and informative discussion of what is now a widely taught martial art and physical discipline. Strongly recommended for Taekwondo martial arts enthusiasts who are interested in learning and reaching beyond the mere physical forms of their practice.

Rating:
Summary: Good book, but lacking a bit...
Review: Although I am not currently a practitioner of TaeKwonDo I found this book of very good interest. For once, a TaeKwonDo book with something useful to offer! Doug Cook did his homework when researching every detail of TKD tradition and history. Although the book had a chapter of the history of TKD, I wish he had a little bit more in depth feel for it. Also, the way he describes TKD, he makes the reader believe it is the most perfect art in the world (which may be his point). I did not like this, but then again it is a book in TKD and I don't know why I expected him to mention it's links to Shotokan, Japanese/Okinawan Karate, and it's overall link to Shaolin Kung Fu. He fails to mention these things, making TKD seem like it came RIGHT out of Korea. But the book is good and I recommend every martial artist read it, especially if they had the over loathing for TKD as I DID before reading this book. I now respect it quite a bit more than I did before I started. I with he would write another!

Rating:
Summary: Finally, a book covering the philosophy of taekwondo
Review: If you are a taekwondoist that realizes there is more to the martial arts than kicking and punching, then this is the book for you. The author covers everything from training hall decorum to the elusive internal energy known as Ki. This book will remind older practitioners why they continue to train in spite of the aches and pains. It will also teach younger students more about taekwondo than most teachers are able to transmit. It has clearly revitalized the way my students and I train. Only those exclusively seeking huge trophies and points in the ring will find little value here. However, this is a treasure trove for everyone else wishing to gain a full understanding of the Korean martial art and sport of taekwondo. Doug Cook, master instructor and columnist from Taekwondo Times magazine, has done a phenominal job.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding description of a noble art.
Review: There have been nights while driving home after a trying workout that I asked myself "why am I training in Taekwondo?" Reflecting on the class I ponder...Perhaps my steep learning curve was kicking in on a new from, or I faltered while performing an old one I hadn't practiced in a while. Maybe I took a few hard shots while sparring or my middle aged body was just sore. It's then the true martial artist wields his (or her) "soul sword" and perseveres to the next class. Not only does Mr. Cook's book address these issues but it provides the martial artist (regardless of chosen style) a framework around why one should train and its benefits outside the dojang as well.
Read it with a highlighter in hand, you'll want to go back often!

Rating:
Summary: Worth a read. . .
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Worth a read. . .
Review: 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.