Post by johndowding on Aug 17, 2006 14:55:44 GMT
A review of Ch'ang Hon Taekwon-do Hae Sul - Real Applications to the ITF Patterns: Vol 1
As a serious collector of TKD books, training manuals etc I rate this book as the most important book on the Chang Hon style of Taekwon-Do released since the 15 volume encyclopaedia was published. I have a large collection of TKD books but they are all pretty much the same, clones of Gen Chois books. They all follow the same format that the original book on Taekwon-Do (published 1965) started, in that the applications listed are all the same. The format being a block is a block and a strike is a strike. Have you ever wondered why the application shown for 9th kup technique such as low section outer forearm block is the same application shown for a first degree technique such as 9 shape block? Why are there so many tools that all perform the same function according to the existing manuals? If you have a spanner that fits a nut perfectly and it works well why would you want another hundred spanners that do the same job?
Stuart’s book is completely different and packed with interesting, informative, useful, inspirational and perhaps controversial information. The first few chapters provide the background to the approach taken in the book, the Korean roots of Taekwon-Do and the link from Shotokan Karate, and from then on it’s down to the pattern applications themselves. Each fundamental exercise and pattern from Sajo Makgi to Toi Gye is treated to a comprehensive chapter which provides detailed explanations of possible alternative self defence applications for each individual move and step. There is a wealth of photographs to accompany each technique which make the applications very easy to follow.
The great thing is the applications suggested actually fit the patterns as they are normally performed, as Stuart says the piece must fit the jigsaw as intended you should not have to alter the jigsaw so the piece fits (a rough paraphrase!).
At the start of each chapter there is also a wealth of information on the Korean Characters and mythology that relate to the pattern meanings. Three pages on the meaning of Dan Gun alone!
If you have ever been dissatisfied with the stock answers to why we perform various pattern movements, or if you want to find out how to get the best from your reaction hand (have you ever even thought about it before?) then you need this book. This book is the missing link between pattern practise and workable self defence. You may not agree with everything in the book but it will certainly make you think and question which can only be a good thing.
If I was forced to get rid of my collection and allowed to keep two reference manuals, I would keep the 15 volumes and Stuarts.
If you are serious about ITF Chang Hon TKD then this will be money well spent. Roll on the hardback version!
Reviewer John Dowding 3rd Degree
As a serious collector of TKD books, training manuals etc I rate this book as the most important book on the Chang Hon style of Taekwon-Do released since the 15 volume encyclopaedia was published. I have a large collection of TKD books but they are all pretty much the same, clones of Gen Chois books. They all follow the same format that the original book on Taekwon-Do (published 1965) started, in that the applications listed are all the same. The format being a block is a block and a strike is a strike. Have you ever wondered why the application shown for 9th kup technique such as low section outer forearm block is the same application shown for a first degree technique such as 9 shape block? Why are there so many tools that all perform the same function according to the existing manuals? If you have a spanner that fits a nut perfectly and it works well why would you want another hundred spanners that do the same job?
Stuart’s book is completely different and packed with interesting, informative, useful, inspirational and perhaps controversial information. The first few chapters provide the background to the approach taken in the book, the Korean roots of Taekwon-Do and the link from Shotokan Karate, and from then on it’s down to the pattern applications themselves. Each fundamental exercise and pattern from Sajo Makgi to Toi Gye is treated to a comprehensive chapter which provides detailed explanations of possible alternative self defence applications for each individual move and step. There is a wealth of photographs to accompany each technique which make the applications very easy to follow.
The great thing is the applications suggested actually fit the patterns as they are normally performed, as Stuart says the piece must fit the jigsaw as intended you should not have to alter the jigsaw so the piece fits (a rough paraphrase!).
At the start of each chapter there is also a wealth of information on the Korean Characters and mythology that relate to the pattern meanings. Three pages on the meaning of Dan Gun alone!
If you have ever been dissatisfied with the stock answers to why we perform various pattern movements, or if you want to find out how to get the best from your reaction hand (have you ever even thought about it before?) then you need this book. This book is the missing link between pattern practise and workable self defence. You may not agree with everything in the book but it will certainly make you think and question which can only be a good thing.
If I was forced to get rid of my collection and allowed to keep two reference manuals, I would keep the 15 volumes and Stuarts.
If you are serious about ITF Chang Hon TKD then this will be money well spent. Roll on the hardback version!
Reviewer John Dowding 3rd Degree
