Taekwondo: Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Warrior

This is a incredible book. It is just what I was looking for. I had searched for a book on Tae Known Do history and philosophy for some time before finding this one. All I had found was stuff about competitions, the World Tae Known Do Association rather than the art itself, and even stuff about the business opportunity involved in opening a dojo. It was depressing. Then I found this book.This book is about the art itself. It talks about the techniques, and the forms, and the other physical aspects, but only so far as they relate to the mental and spiritual aspects. That is where the art is. The physical nature of Tae Known Do is only a manifestation of the mental and spiritual aspects. It is thanks to this book that I can finally, sincerely, believe that.I have a black belt in Tae Known Do, 1st degree, which is the lowest ranked black belt. After over a decade of attending classes from two dojos, I had little knowledge of the mental and spiritual aspects. Those aspects were not taught, referenced, or alluded to in the classes that I attended, neither the all-belts version nor the advance version. I did not seek them out, so I didn't notice at first. Over time, however, it began to distress me.I started to think that the whole point of this practice was for tournaments. Not for belt promotion, self-defense, or personal growth, but for winning medals in tournaments. I was not a competitive guy; wining medals in tournaments was not my goal. I mean no disrespect to anyone who takes pride in tournament competition, or finds meaning and fulfillment in tournament preparation. For me, personally, it wasn't something that inspired me. I wanted to use the physical practice to develop as an individual; competing against oneself, so to speak.This book helped me to do that. It contains all the stuff that I wished I was taught in the classes. I would have liked to have attended Master Cook's classes, because they sound like the full package of physical, mental and spiritual conditioning.1. This book speaks of the history of Tae Known Do: where it came from, who started it, why they practiced it, and how the development of personal virtue merged with the development of fighting ability.2. This book speaks of the distinction between "martial sport" and "martial art", and how a given dojo might give more weight to one or the other. It advises that a perspective student should examine a particular dojo and evaluate if it is the variety that they want to invest their time and energy (and, of course, their money). The book is respectful to both, though I feel Master Cook gives the impression that too much emphasis on "martial sport" can lead to students missing out on the majority of the art itself.3. This book speaks of the value of Tae Known Do in every day life, and every day situations that do not include physical fighting. There is a chapter that is bookended with three such situations, where only one of them involves any physical fighting.4. This book speaks of the role of a mentor in guiding students through their development as martial artists. In particular, it speaks of instructors who are worthy of being called a "mentor", and those who have no interest in truly teaching anyone, seeking only payment for classes.5. This book goes into detail about the Tenants of Tae Known Do: Courtesy, Integrity, Preservice, Self-Control and Indomitable Spirit. I memorized these when I was a kid attending classes, but I didn't understand what they meant at the time (frankly speaking, neither in regards to the martial art or in general). This book explains what they mean in context of the martial art.It is through Master Cook's book that I gained a deeper appreciation of my art. I was able to recognize, in hindsight, that the dojo I attended, particularly the second one, were more the "martial sport" sort of dojo. I was never going to find the "martial art" aspect that I was looking for at that second dojo because that was not its focus. That's fine.Seriously, it's fine. It was a matter of contrasting expectations. I recall other black belts at the second dojo who excelled at "martial sport". At the time, they took practice and training more seriously than I did, so they were the better martial artists. I found what I was looking for in this book.This is not a "how to punch/kick/block" sort of Tae Known Do book. This is book for those who want to know /more/ than how to do all of that. It can teach you the mental and spiritual aspects that underpin the kicking, punching and blocking.Trickster Eric Novels gives Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Warrior A+

This is a very well written book. It delves into the true philosophy of Taekwondo and the importance of the traditional art staying alive in the Sport world. Highly recommended read!

I needed to write an essay on the history of Taekwondo for a belt test at my dojang. This book was a solid resource of information for that report. It is also would make a wonderful primer for someone who has no idea what traditional martial arts are like from what training is like, why we do what we do and how it can be a benefit for their life.

I started training in Taekwondo in July 08 (and I am writing this in September 08). this means that I am a total beginner and I have no way of evaluating the technical part of the book. Because I am enjoying TKD a lot, I decided to go a bit deeper into the subject and learn a bit of what is behind the art itself. So, I started with this one. It seemed to cover enough of history, philosophy and personal experience to make me appreciate the Art even more. And I was right. The book covers all these subjects quite thoroughly (again, this is the opinion of a beginner).What i enjoyed the most is the fact that each chapter is very manageable; the chapters are written very nicely with a mixture of personal anecdotes and history.What I really did not like is the absolute absence of footnotes: the author quotes a lot in this chapters but there is no way I can find that material. on the plus side, there is a bibliography in the back.Also, I am oddly amazed at the total lack of mention of other "schools" of TKD. It gives the impression that his is THE way of doing TKW and nothing else compares to it. Well.... it's odd.Whether an author likes or dislikes any other forms or schools, it is only right that at the very least he should mention them. I am training with ATA and I was amazed at the complete silence about the largest organization in USA.

As other reviews have states, this is not a book of techniques. This is a book about the history and philosophy of Taekwondo.The book begins by giving a brief lesson on korean history, and the events that led up to taekwondo's creation. This is useful for someone getting into the art, who wants to learn a little bit more, but there is nothing really groundbreaking at this point.The remainder of the book consists of chapters relating to a serious attitude, virtue, courage, and topics along those lines. These are things which are important to all people, regardless of which art they study (of even if they study one at all). Anecdotes relating to the author's martial arts career cement how taking classes can help people unite themselves with these qualities that I meantioned above.I believe this is a great book for someone who is taking classes, and wishes to make the most out of them. It will enable you to be able to take these concepts out of the dojo(jang) and beyong simple self-defense, and try to help you become a better person.

Taekwondo has a rich history, and it’s philosophy captivates the mind, body and soul of its true practitioners! Great read!

I highly recommend this book to any enthusiast, master and any belt rank who is learning this amazing martial arts, As I am! Very truthful, open and honest. No sugar coating here! Great insight to the history and making of Taekwondo as well as fulfilling the promise of the title of this book by relating ancient knowledge to the modern world we live in. It gives reader a 'bird's eye' view of everything associated it with in general. It goes over everything and I mean everything in a readable and understandable way! Really, it's so amazing I can not find the right words. Honestly, you just need to read it.

A very insightful book.Being a Taekwondoist for the last 25 years I found this book very profound in its analysis of the roots of the martial arts Taekwondo.A must for all those who wants to have a deeper holistic approach to the martial art.

This is a good read on the back story of Taekwondo. It brings me to the times when Taekwondo was first created instead of just focusing on the Taeguks and techniques.