Something A Little Different: Book Review of "Tae Kwon Do: Black Belt Poomsae" by Richard Chun

Tae Kwon Do Black Belt Poomsae: Original Koryo and KoryoTae Kwon Do Black Belt Poomsae: Original Koryo and Koryo by Richard Chun
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have attended three different Martial Arts schools over the years. There have been significant approaches to Tae Kwon Do in each. In fact, moving from one school to the next feels similar to moving from one branch of the military to another: there are commonalities and then there are distinctives. In the first portion of the book Grand Master Richard Chun gives an historical accounting to Tae Kwon Do that helps the reader and practitioner to grasp these differences. His approach is neither demeaning toward any other form of martial art, nor is it disparaging of any of the fellow Tae Kwon Do Kwans.

The second segment of the book walks the reader, step-by-step, picture-by-picture through two Poomsae; the original Koryo and the more modern Koryo. Next Grandmaster Chun dispays the combat aspects of several moves for both poomsae. The pictures and explanations are easily comprehended, especially for those already involved in Tae Kwon Do. I found the combat applications simple and helpful.

"Tae Kwon Do: Black Belt Poomsae" is an informative little paperback that will encourage the reading practitioner to look at their training with a new set of eyes. This would be a great resource for instructors to maintain at their schools, and a valuable aid to anyone aiming achieving Black Belt. I recommend the book.


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