Post by Steven Wray on Mar 29, 2008 9:46:22 GMT
This is a wonderful book, a must-have for every Tae Kwon-do student and instructor, and a worthwhile purchase for serious students of related arts such as Shotokan Karate.
Stuart Anslow has opened a door to a hitherto unknown world of combat applications of the Tae Kwon-do patterns. To take one example, the four-directional punch exercise performed by the beginner, which is so simple as to not even rank as a pattern. Stuart shows how the basic movements that are taught as a block, punch, and turn can also be used to effect a basic throw, and a simple chokehold.
This volume deals with the patterns from beginner level to red belt, and will provide the basis for many hours working with the patterns, not through endless solo repetition, but in partner work, trying out and practising these applications. Those students (and instructors) who at the moment find patterns work dull will discover a whole new world of interest. Of course, not everyone will agree with every one of Stuart's ideas, but in the process of trying them out, practising, teaching, questioning, improving, and developing alternatives, not only will the depth of understanding of and capability in Tae Kwon-do grow, but also the patterns will be given their rightful place at the centre of the art, as the link between learning individual techniques and applying them in combinations for sparring and self-defence.
Stuart Anslow has opened a door to a hitherto unknown world of combat applications of the Tae Kwon-do patterns. To take one example, the four-directional punch exercise performed by the beginner, which is so simple as to not even rank as a pattern. Stuart shows how the basic movements that are taught as a block, punch, and turn can also be used to effect a basic throw, and a simple chokehold.
This volume deals with the patterns from beginner level to red belt, and will provide the basis for many hours working with the patterns, not through endless solo repetition, but in partner work, trying out and practising these applications. Those students (and instructors) who at the moment find patterns work dull will discover a whole new world of interest. Of course, not everyone will agree with every one of Stuart's ideas, but in the process of trying them out, practising, teaching, questioning, improving, and developing alternatives, not only will the depth of understanding of and capability in Tae Kwon-do grow, but also the patterns will be given their rightful place at the centre of the art, as the link between learning individual techniques and applying them in combinations for sparring and self-defence.