Articles: Taekwondo

The Evolution of Tae Kwon Do Poomsae, Hyung and Tul-Part 2

Doug Cook, June 17, 2013

Throughout the 1950s and early 60s, when Tae Kwon Do, still referred to as taesoodo, tangsoodo and kongsoodo in many circles, was in its infancy, poomsae practice consisted largely of exercises derived from these Okinawan, Japanese and Chinese disciplines. More >>

The Evolution of Tae Kwon Do Poomsae, Hyung and Tul-Part 1

Doug Cook, June 10, 2013

Long before the advent of sport sparring and the invention of modern safety gear, in a time when to fight meant to defend one’s life from almost certain death an ingenious method of transmitting martial arts skills from venerated master to loyal disciple was developed. More >>

Surrender! Clear Your Mind To Learn A New Skill

Doug Cook, January 14, 2013

After teaching taekwondo for many years, I have come to some concrete observations. As an instructor and school owner I have noticed that many new students have a difficult time acclimating to Eastern customs. More >>

A Photo Shoot for the Ages

Doug Cook, July 23, 2012

As digital publishing and electronic readers begin to eclipse the charm of the printed word, books of paper, binding, glue, and ink become all the more dear, particularly to those of us who still take great pleasure in holding the editorial contributions of an author in our hands while mindfully turning pages infused with academic thought, one at a time. More >>

Taekwondo-A Powerful Tool for Self-Defense

Kim, Bok Man, May 14, 2012

The martial art of Taekwondo, literally meaning "art of hand and foot fighting," is more than two thousand years old. Yet its physical and spiritual content have never been so vigorously sought after and practiced as it is now. More >>

Visiting Korea: Land of the Morning Calm

Doug Cook, May 24, 2010

Having traveled to Korea on several occasions, I feel strongly that experiencing the culture of this vibrant nation firsthand is the way to fully understand the roots of taekwondo. In doing so, practitioners can make a geographical and historical connection with their physical training while sampling the unique heritage of the Korean people. More >>

The Doctrine of Purpose

Doug Cook, December 14, 2009

It is widely accepted that martial arts were originally developed as tools of war intended for use by soldiers on the field of battle. More >>

Remaining True to the Art

Doug Cook, October 5, 2009

I am always careful to remind my students that the practice of traditional taekwondo is not easy. I tell them that if it were, everyone would train. And it is not difficult to see why. More >>

The Korean Connection: Taekwondo Training in the "Land of the Morning Calm" - Part 3

Doug Cook, March 16, 2009

Grandmaster Nam is an exceptional instructor, nimbly moving from one component of the taekwondo curriculum to the next. From basic movements he continues on with one-step sparring drills, fourteen in all, ranging from axe kick/round kick combinations to spread block/double upper cut in twist stance techniques More >>