This book presents the best Taekwondo techniques and training forms in order to effectively learn self-defense independent from competition. This allows not only for a successful promotion test in the domain of self-defense but also for a greater chance of successfully responding to dangerous situations in everyday life. The series of techniques introduced are designed to let the reader develop his or her own self-defense strategies by using the exercises presented.

Sang H Kim adapts traditional Taekwondo skills for the modern day Taekwondo classroom. The self-defence techniques presented blend Taekwondo kicking, blocking and striking skills with locks, throws and takedowns drawn from other Korean self-defence arts. Learn how to use your Taekwondo skills to defend against a wide variety of common empty hand attacks including holds, locks, chokes, punches, kicks and pins. Plus, learn defences against an attacker wielding a blunt weapon, knife or gun. Each defensive scenario is illustrated with high quality photographs and explained in step-by-step detail that includes key points to successfully applying advanced techniques, multiple ways of defending against the most common attacks and alternative responses to help you prepare for the fluid reality of a real-life self-defence situation. Features defences against: Strikes; Punches; Arm Locks; Wrist & Arm Grabs; Wrist Locks; Bear Hugs; Kicks; Tackling; Ground Pins; Choking; Headlocks; Club & Stick Attacks; Gun Attacks; Knife Attacks.

This is a comprehensive guide to the kicks of Taekwondo from white belt to black belt and beyond. Sang H. Kim shares his expert knowledge of fundamental, jumping, spinning and multiple kicks. You will get in-depth instruction for over 40 kicks, including the purpose of the kick, key points to pay attention to when practising, step-by-step execution of the kick, the best targets for each kick, applications for sport fighting and self-defence, plus the most common kicking mistakes and how to fix them. As you progress, you'll also learn exercises designed to improve your kicking flexibility, power, speed and balance. This book goes beyond the basics and explains the concepts behind awesome kicks including how to generate power using your whole body in every kick, how to generate maximum impact, how to use body mechanics to kick higher, and how to get the most out of every practice session. This is the ultimate reference for martial artists of all styles who want to master the art of kicking. Kicks included: Front Kick; Roundhouse Kick; Side Kick; Knee Kick; Raising Kick; Outside Crescent Kick; Inside Crescent Kick; Axe Kick; Whip Kick; Twist Kick; Pushing Kick; Flying Side Kick; Back Kick; Turn Kick; Spin Whip Kick; Hopping Kicks; Jumping Kicks; Jumping Spin Kicks; Multiple Kicks; Combination Kicks.

Undoubtedly the most popular martial arts system in the world. Follow a pioneer of Taekwondo who helped to establish the art in America when nobody knew what it was.

In the martial arts, especially Taekwondo, only three questions are really important as you begin, and this book answers all of them: 1) Will the techniques I'm learning really work in self-defense and competition? 2) Am I learning these techniques the best possible way? 3) How can I remember, master, and apply all I am learning? The answers are those of an internationally renowned master instructor, whose wisdom is captured on these pages along with clear illustrations by an award-winning photographer. The techniques are organized just like a workout session. Start with preparation, conditioning, and weight-room workout. Go on to the basic stances, the seven principal kicking techniques, hand punches and blocks, and to other strategies and applications. The most important aspect of training--the psychological component--shows how to keep yourself motivated through continuing education, proper rest, and relaxation. You, too, can experience those breakthroughs which Taekwondo veterans refer to as times when "the indomitable spirit hits home." Sterling 128 pages, 296 b/w illus., 8 x 10.

Weapons, sparring, and patterns from Taekwondo's technical founder.

Discover the original purpose and training of taekwondo The principles and techniques illustrated in this book, having been handed down over the decades, if not centuries, emphasize a core philosophy rich in defensive strategy. Taekwondo, literally translated, can be defined as "foot, hand way" or "the way of smashing with hands and feet." Such descriptive nomenclature understandably implies a curriculum rich in self-defense. Too often, however, this is simply not the case. Given the current popularity of sport competition in the martial arts, many techniques of defensive value have been stripped away or forfeited altogether in favor of those certain to score in the ring. While the thirst for Olympic gold has clearly played a significant role in propelling taekwondo into the forefront, it should be remembered that this native Korean martial art contains over 3200 distinct self defense techniques. This book describes in detail, the history and evolution of Taekwondo from its ancient roots to modern day applications. Also included are exercises in "Ki" or internal energy development, meditation practice, and practical self-defense strategies. This work focuses on the traditional aspects of Taekwondo rather than on its sportive component.

A well-placed kick can mean the difference between victory and defeat in a fight! This illustrated guide to martial arts kicks provides the reader with a wealth of information on 89 different types of kicks from various styles. This martial arts book features kicks from Karate, Muay Thai, Taekwondo, Kung Fu, Kempo, Capoeira, Jeet Kune Do, and more. In a self-defense situation, there is no room for defeat. Readers will learn how to unleash a devastating barrage of kicks to throw their opponents off guard and leave every match in victory. The Essential Book of Martial Arts Kicks has one purpose: to help readers hone their kicking proficiency so that they can readily deploy the most powerful tool in the fighter's repertoire. It contains thousands of photos and diagrams to show readers exactly how to perform all of the 89 kicks inside this book. Packed with full-color photos, detailed diagrams and a companion DVD featuring 50 of the most powerful kicks, this book is required reading for every martial artist who wants to sharpen and expand their kicking skills. You'll learn all about: Front Kicks Side Kicks Roundhouse Kicks Back Kicks Hook Kicks Crescent Kicks 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

"..Packed with advice and instruction to help you hone your techniques through home practice."-p. [4] of cover.