Tae kwon do is a harmonious combinations of art and sport, defense and discipline. Join Kyong Myong Lee, Secretary General of the World Tae Kwon Do Federation, for a straightforward lesson in the techniques and training needed to perfect this art. Practice movements like: Poomse, Jayu Gyoroogi, Kyukpa, and acquire exceptional concentration and focus, for a greater sense of self-confidence and humility.

Look at tae kwon do, from the basics of dress and types of competitions to the inner meaning of the sport and the way it affects our lives spiritually. Diagrams and illustrations clarify techniques and help you perfect your form and achieve the balance that is essential to the tae kwon do.

Warm-up exercises, tips to prevent injury, and rules for competiton round out your training and get you on your way.

Contents

1 Introduction
What is tae kwon do?
What does tae kwon do 'Do'?
The inner meaning fo tae kwon do
2 The developments of tae kwon do
Historical background
3 General techniques & training
The dynamics of tae kwon do
Tae kwon do training
What is 'Do'?
Dojang (training space)
Kyong-ye (Paying respect)
Kihop (Concentrated power)
4 Basic skills
Overview of tae kwon do techniques
Sogi (stance)
Maggi (blocking defense)
Konggyokki (attacking techniques)
Overview of attacking techniques
Poom & poomse
5 Technique combinations
Combinations of basic techniques
Han-bon gyoroogi (practicing compulsory sparring with a partner)
Baal-jit-ki (stepping techniques)
Countertechniques
Hosinsool (the art of self-defense)
Kyukpa (breaking test)
6 Competition
Positions assumed in conpetition
Suggestions for competitors
Tips to prevent injuries
Situations demanding tactical response
7 Performances of poomse forms
Pal-gwe
Tae-kook
Kum-kang
Tae-book
Meanings of the exercise diagrams (plan-view sequences of movements)
Training recommendations
8 Practice section
Pal-gwe 1-8 chang
Tae-kook 1-8 chang
Koryo
Kum-kang
Tae-book
9 Glossary of Korean terms
10 Index