The Complete Idiot's Guide to Tae Kwon Do

by Karen Eden

Book Overview

Thirty million people worldwide are performing tae kwon do-the Korean equivalent of karate-and thousands of centers have sprung up in America. Kids, adults, and even seniors are joining in the explosive fun. With easy-to-understand text and 75 clear line drawings and photographs scattered throughout, this layperson's book explains in simple terms the concepts of tae kwon do-how to limber up for practices, how to defend oneself, how to practice on...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0028623894
• ISBN13: 9780028623894
• Release Date: August 1998
• Publisher: Alpha Books
• Length: 298 Pages
• Weight: 1.26 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 7.4" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

The only thing wrong with this book is the title!

As an instructor and a school owner, I have found this book to be the best resource for the new (and not so new) student or parent that I have yet come across. It is clearly written, well organized, an easy read, and is full of relevant information.It immediately gained a place in my school library and I have recommended it to my members and their families. You are not going to learn to be a martial artist here, but you're not going to learn it from any other book, either. The writers concentrate on the ideas and concepts of the art that are universal, rather than on being a step-by-step "how-to" manual on techniques: Something which is best left to the instructor, anyway.One very nice thing: It is not specifically devoted to any one Taekwondo organization to the exclusion of all others, a flaw I have commonly found in other beginner books. It's too bad this book is burdened with the unfortunate "Idiots" label, because it is a very smart choice.

Terrific Beginner's Guide to the Art

For those parents who are unsure of the safety in the martial arts for theri children, or have any general doubts about how the martial art is designed and how it is run, this book is definetly for you.I am currently study Tae Kwon Do several times a week, and I am assistant instructor with the school I study at. Many times, when we have parents coming to see what a class is like before letting their child participate, they have a lot of questions. The biggest thing I have noticed, is that there is perhaps a bit of doubt for the parent in letting their child join.This is were the terrific layman's terms book written by Karen Eden comes in. Karen has done a masterful job of explaining some of the quirks and etiquette of the martial, and in a very humorous way at times.I read this book when I had already been in the Martial Art for a while, and I found it still helped to understand exactly who the head instructor thinks, and why the etiquette we have is in place.I highly recommend this book to any student that is studying Tae Kwon Do, and also to any parent who is considering letting their child join. This book is a wealth of resources that will be sure to benefit you many years down the line in your studies.

Excellant TKD guide book!

I've been learning Taekwondo since I was 9. I'm 13 now and I'm a jr. black belt. I find this book really good in explaining the art of TKD to beginners & learners.

Excellent:objective, informative and straight to the point

After purchasing several TKD books with little but personal advertisements for the authors, I finally found one that is not actually a tool for self promotion.It is specially suited for beginners contemplating a start in this wonderful activity

execellant book for the beginner

this book is great for the beginner or a person thinking about taking taekwondo. i wish i had found it before i began my training.. it would have eased me right into it with no problems. i recommend it for anyone.