2 comments about Hapkido Special Self-Protection Techniques.

1. This is a continuation of material covered in his "Ancient Art of Masters". This one is a good sized book with a softbound cover, making it very portable and easy to use, yet covers a lot of material. There is a great depth of detail covering the basic strikes as well as combination and special combination strikes. There is a wealth of material covered for specific self defense situations ranging from wrist grabs to garment grabs to kick defense (and everything in between). Reagrdless of the editorial comments, this is a book about self defense skills, not martial competition.
   
   The photo layouts and such are very clear and well done, making it very easy to reference the material. For students of GM Myung's system, I imagine this is a very handy reference. For martial artists of other Hapkido schools (or other traditions) it presents a grand survey of what Hapkido is from its physical techniques.
   
   Of special interest is that the book is in English and Korean (Hangeul) with the text repeated in each language side by side in columns, making references to Korean words and such very, very easy. For anyone interested in such things, this book is a must-have (most books either are all Korean or all English w/ romanized Korean).
   
   
   The only complaint I have is that the history section was not updated (and corrected) since the previous book. As a "newer" book, it would have been a good time to fix this. But don't let that prevent you from buying this book. This book, along with "Anceint Art of Masters" and Dr. Kimm's "Hapkido I" would make for an excellent reference library for Hapkido enthusiasts.



2. To the very best of my knowledge, without a question, this book is the best work on Hapkido I have had the good fortune to study. But at the outset, I must confess that my black belt rank is in Combat Hapkido, regardless this is well organized, illustrated with good, but black and white pictures. I am exceptionally happy that many of the joint manipulative techniques have the Korean names as well as the English. This is going to help round out the curriculum which I teach.
   
   For younger people, there are some fantastic acrobatic techniques included, and I think that this might appeal to many. But as I am not young, and not as flexible this does not concern me as much. Yet, the sections on self-defense with joint manipulations was fabulous. There were several sections of this material, and the exceptionally logical sequence and pacing is a testament to Kwang--Sik Myung 10th Dan status.
   
   This book is not simply included into my large Martial Arts section of my personal library, more accurately it is now taking "centre stage".

3 comments about Hapkido: An Introduction to the Art of Self-Defense.

1. If you have Tedeschi's first book, the big one Hapkido trad/phil/tech.
   You will be very upset when you find out that this book is a very
   condensed version of that book.
   The first book was like 1300 pages, this book was something
   like 200 pages. It has the same everything, pictures, techniques
   , information just condensed. I was hoping for something new.
   And I felt like I was jipped, because it was not listed anywhere
   that this book is useless if you already have the big one.
   
   Yes the book is probably the best intro to Hapkido that I've seen.
   For sure the big book is the best that I have ever seen on the art
   of Hapkido.



2. This is a very good book for anyone interested in learning Hapkido. It explains the basics of the art very well, but doesn't cover many details. Besides its relative lack of complexity, my only other complaint is that this book seems to be just one big ad for the larger and more complete version.



3. Not very helpful, too many references to the authors other 1163page book throughout the entire book.
   
   Very vague and a difficult 'introduction', but some really good pictures.
   
   I wouldnt refer it to anyone.

No comments about Elementary Hapkido.

5 comments about Roundhouse Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 9).

1. I have been practicing the martial arts since the age of 14. This year will mark the 40th year that I've studied one system of combat or another. Additionally, I have been a police officer for 31 years and my profession has occasionally offered me the opportunity to use the thingS that I've learned in the Dojo. I have an entire set of Shawn Kovacich's superb series on Achieving Kicking Excellence (Vol. 1- 10) and can truthfully say that I have seen no more thorough books on the art of kicking in the all my years in the martial arts. The kicks covered (one per volume) include the back kick, the heel kick, the axe kick, the crescent kick, the reverse crescent kick, the front kick, the hook kick, the hatchet kick, the round house kick, and the side kick.
   Each volume begins with an overview of the kick and instructions on how to make the best possible use of the kick. Chapter 1 delves into the anatomy of the kick and which muscles are used, and in what manner, to achieve the maximum possible efficiency in kicking.
   Chapter 2 outlines a stretching program and offers helpful tips in that area for the student. Chapter 3 deals with the basic principles of kicking movement. These include the striking implement, target areas, stability (a biggie!), balance, alignment, sequence of movement, accuracy. Strength, speed, timing and distance, impact, retraction, and visualization. Each area is explained in detail as it relates to developing your kicking ability.
   Chapter 4 deals exhaustively with the primary kick. It follows the kick from initiation through each phase of the kick to impact, recoil, and recovery. He troubleshoots the problems that many martial artists experience with the kick at each phase and offers corrective actions for each problem.
   Chapter 5 goes over pretty much every variation of the kick known to man and these are dissected with master Kovacich's usual thoroughness.
   Chapter 6 is one of the strongest parts of the book for me. In this chapter, Master Kovacich discusses training and practice methods. He details skill, strength, speed, and power training. Learning how to do the kick is only half the battle. Developing the kick through specific training methods and exercises is the other half and is usually overlooked by other authors.
   As if he hadn't already done enough in this area, Master Kovacich outlines further specific trouble areas for the student in chapter 7. Chapter 8 covers kicking applications for tournament and street.. Master Kovacich shows how the kick is set up and how delivery can be affected by your opponent's actions as well as your own.
   In chapter 9 you can see why Master Kovacich's kicks are so good and why you should pay attention to his advice. He is in the Guiness Book of World records for throwing more high kicks in an afternoon that I believe I have thrown in my life.
   If you desire to become a more powerful, competent kicker, then these books represent an important investment for you . I can tell you that, even after 40 years of fighting experience, there are things in these books that have made me re-think some of my training methods regarding kicking.
   Master Kovacich will be coming out with a new series of books dealing with the combat applications of each kick in the near future. As I'm sure these books will cover combat applications with the same thoroughness of this series, I eagerly await their publishing.



2. After reviewing this book I can't without hesitation that I learned quite a lot about the proper execution of the roundhouse kick. For a kick that I thought looked simple, I was surprised to see how many details there are to it. It's a surprisingly technical type of kick that requires much practice to deliver it properly.
   
   I've been doing martial arts for the past years and I've had competent instructors show me how to perform the roundhouse kick. However, I was never told the little details about the kick that really makes it work correctly. Either my instructors didn't tell me the details or they were unaware of them. That is why I think it's very important to read this book if you want to learn the roundhouse kick properly because even instructors can miss details with techniques.
   
   The roundhouse kick is broken down into various stages of it's delivery, Shawn writes each stage in extreme detail covering everything about the roundhouse kick. Also included in the book: the basic anatomy of the kick, warm up and stretching, variations of the kick, training and practice methods, trouble shooting guide and even a small section of the applications of the kicks.
   
   Reading this book has definitely improved my understanding of the roundhouse kick, it was very helpful for me to really understand why the kick is done the way it is. Now that I have a better understanding of it, I just need to practice thousands of repetitions :)
   
   Whether you are a complete beginner or an advanced martial artist you will still benefit, even advanced students will learn something from this book.
   
   While it is important to train hard, it is even more important to train smart. This book will show you how.
   
   Thanks Shawn



3. As a student of Martial Arts holding 2nd Dans in Taekwondo and Shotokan Karate and a amatuer competitor in sports karate ,I wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Kovacich's books.
   I own several of Mr. Kovacich's books , Axe Kick , Back Kick , Crescent Kick , Front Kick ,Hook Kick ,Roundhouse Kick, and Side Kick .
   each book stands on its own fully describing each particular kick to the nth detail.
   The muscles needed to throw the kicks , the proper methods to throw the kick different various ways to throw the kick for example front leg , rear leg , spinning , jumping etc are fully described , the strength and conditioning exercises used to help develop the kick. Even common mistakes are discussed.
   I really feel its must reading for any serious student of Martial Arts that uses kicking as a technique to really amp up their kicking abilities.
   Im actually hoping my competitors don't read these books.
   Seriously a great read.
   Well Done Mr. Kovacich . OSU



4. There are four kicks that are the bread and butter of kicking. The front kick, the side kick, the back kick and the roundhouse kick. Shawn has managed to convey to the reader the mechanics of all four and with this book the roundhouse kick. If you have never learned the roundhouse kick try the instructions Shawn gives you in this book. When you think you have it go to a martial arts school in your area and try it. I'm not asking you to challenge anyone, just try the kick. See if yours is at least as good if not better than theirs. This doesn't mean you don't need a teacher only that, this is a good substitue until you can find a teacher to your liking.
   
   Shawn gives you solid training techniques to learn the roundhouse kick. You get to see the progression of the kick in pictures. Shawn also asks you at the end of the book if you see anything improper. That helps to train you to look for errors in your kicking. Shawn Kovacich, has done his research to make sure you have the best information to perform the roundhouse kick correctly. The only way to get better is to get a teacher or at the very least a training partner.
   
   Shawn has done you a service by repeating certain training techniques throughout the book and the series. You don't have to keep flipping pages to find information you need. That was done, I believe, intentionally because this is a reference book. Something to be referred to again and again to help you learn the roundhouse kick.
   Note: For those of you who have an awesome kicking regimine might I suggest you try Shawn Kovacich's kicking application series, who knows you might learn something your classmates don't.



5. As are all Mr. Kovacich's kicking books that I have read, Achieving Kicking Excellence - Roundhouse Kick is a must read for the martial arts practitioner. The Author provides a very detailed breakdown of the roundhouse kicks and variation. As this is one of my most used kicks, I found this publication useful in understanding what I was doing right and what was wrong. I highly recommend this book to all that want to master this important kick.

5 comments about Hapkido: Korean Art of Self-Defense.

1. Having practice the martial arts for over ten years, I find this book to be an excellent resource for both the Korean martial art of hapkido and self defense. The history section is great. The ki section is very interesting. The self defense section is very detailed and teaches true hapkido. This book is a necessary addition to anyone library. Recommended.



2. This is a straight to the point book on Hapkido Self Defense. No nonsense, just straight-ahead techniques. Recommended!



3. As one of the few practitioners of Hapkido in Hong Kong I have read Scott Shaw's articles on Hapkido in magazines like Black Belt and Taekwondo Times for years. So, it was no surpirse to me when I picked up this book that I found it to be well put together and a great source of information on this advanced system of self-defense. There are two things I really like about this book. The first is the presentation of the true history of Hapkdio. The second is that each self-defense technique is clearly and completely described. This book is a great source of reference on Hapkido. RECOMMENDED.



4. This very thin book covers some good variations on locks & throws as well as some interesting self-defense options. The information is a good supplement if you already have a strong foundation in these types martial arts techniques.
   A very big drawback is that the sequential pictures are not clear at all, contrary to what is stated in the editorial review. Fortunately the instructions of each technique should suffice, but only if you are familiar with the type of technique presented.



5. I think this book does a great job of presenting an overview of the self defense techniques and the overall philosophy of Hapkido. I also like the history of hapkido that is presented in this book. It does a good job of providing the reader with a deeper understanding of the art.
   
   This book is a good resource and a good addition to anyone's self defense library.

5 comments about Hap Ki Do: The Korean Art of Self Defense.

1. This book is straight to the point on joint locks and take downs. The book is broken down into chapters by how the joint is locked with varying grabs and attacks. One must already have good control and be familiar with stretching, striking and falling before applying this text. Master Choe's other book (Practical Hapkido Textbook) is a better introduction and includes some striking and falling techniques.



2. Excellent Hap Ki Do book. I'm a taekwondo'er and found this book very easy to understand with big clear pictures for illustration. I've purchased all three of Master Choe's HKD books and found a certain amount of redundancy in the techniques, but highly recommend all three any way. I originally found one of these in the library and realized right away that these books were the best I've found.



3. I would say if you are new to Hapkido, or looking maby to join a class then this book is a must. I just started several months I use it as a reference. The one thing you will find about Hapkido is there are slight varations fom school to school. The one thing I do recomened is if you are going at a school look at what federation your school belongs to. Just happends my school belongs to this association. I gave this a five rating for couple reasons. The pictures, directions are easy to follow,great if you want to have a reference,or you want to get a friend willing let to practice.The one negative I did find on this book was that it should went over breaking falls better. There isn't to many Hapkido books out there good as this! IT was money well spent, I am giving it ***** !



4. A complete waste of money. Way too basic to learn anything new for anyone that has even minimal experience in Hapkido. And some of the pictures were poorly taken and made it hard to see the grip applied throughout the entire technique. I looked at this book for all of MAYBE 5 minutes!



5. The title is a little disinformattive - this book is very good as a "traditional" Hapkido reference, but if you're looking for self-defence - try something else. Lucky for me I was aware of that fact when buying the book :)
   Nevertheless, it is a nicely written book that will give You a good overview of Hapkido from one of the its great masters point of view. So it is definitely worth buying.

2 comments about Hap Ki Do: A Guide to Black Belt Studies.

1. This book is an extended version of Master Choe's other book, Hap Ki Do The Korean Art of Self Defense. The new book is arranged a little better and includes more text on philosophy, training and teaching techniques. This book is a great reference and is worth getting, even if you already have the other book.



2. The title of this book, in my opinion, is misleading. I was under the impression that it would lead a Hapkido student from white belt through black belt, but no. As you can tell from the table of contents, this book is not organized according to belt progressions. In fact, there is no mention which technique belongs to which belt/ranking category.

   I purchased this book, mainly because I was overwhelmed by the number of techniques that I had to learn from my Hapkido school, and I thought a book that showed details and sequences of those techniques would greatly aid my learning. (At my dojang, which belongs to Korea Hapkido Federation, most techniques do not have proper names but are simply numbered. e.g., Technique #1, #2, etc. It can test the limits of your memory when dozens and dozens of these techniques pile up on you.)

   For my own purposes, this book is of little use. Most of the techniques I have been learning are not even covered in this book. The author of this book, Master Choe, heads the World Hapkido Federation, different from Korea Hapkido Federation. Hapkido schools are divided into many federations, and apparently each federation adopts different teaching methods and techniques. If I had the chance to look over this book prior to purchasing it, I would have passed.

   While the book includes some nifty throws and grappling moves that are missing in other hapkido books, the bulk of the material is based on joint locks that can be applied in response to a wrist grab. There is no section on any kicking or punching.

   The techniques illustrated here can definitely help a hapkido practitioner. But a guide to black belt studies? I think not.

5 comments about Hap Ki Do: The Korean Martian Art of Self Defence: Practical Hap Ki Do Textbook.

1. This is an excellent reference book for anyone starting in hapkido. The pictures are detailed and easy to do. I really enjoyed working through is book.



2. This is the book to start with for Hapkido. Master Choe's other book (Hap Ki Do - The Korean Art of Self Defense) focuses mainly on joint locks and takedows and how they can be varied from different grabs. This book however, shows a variety of striking techniques and counters in addition to the joint locks. Also, more realistic situations and the effective techniques are presented here. Although both books are lacking in text they are definitely worth getting as excellent references.



3. As a beginner in hapkido i would recommend this book for others that are also interested in starting hapkido. This book offers step by step pictures on how to execute kicks and basic self defense, and plus it is very short on words which makes it interesting and easy to learn techniques.



4. Looks a lot like his work. Good book. Should give credit where it is due however.



5. Excellent Hap Ki Do book. I'm a taekwondo'er and found this book very easy to understand with big clear pictures for illustration. I've purchased all three of Master Choe's HKD books and found a certain amount of redundancy in the techniques, but highly recommend all three any way. I originally found one of these in the library and realized right away that these books were the best I've found.

5 comments about Combat Hapkido: The Martial Art for the Modern Warrior.

1. 
   Over the years I have often seen "Combat Hapkido" in the articles and Ads in Black Belt magazine. Being a life-time student of the martial arts I was somewhat familiar with Hapkido. Since many of their techniques came originally from Akijujitsu and Tai Quan Do (Karate) I found this book easy to read and follow. In fact, the thing that really impressed me about this book was how similar the principles and techniques of Combat Hapkido and Bushi Satori Ryu Jujitsu and Karate Street Combat System (My methods) were exactly the same.
   
   There are a lot of things I loved about this book. (1) The simple and effective way "Combat Hapkido" is explained by the author. (2) The vast majority of techniques are based on the natural body reactions for self-defense. (3) The author uses THE VERY SAME hands open and up in front of your body interview stance and position that I have been teaching police and security officers for more than thirty five years. (4) The body movements and aggressive defense methods are the same that I have been teaching for more than thirty five years. (5) "Combat Hapkido" is not concerned with tournament techniques and their focus is pure self-defense like other reality based systems (Krav Maga, Wagner's Reality-Based System, Bushi Satori Ryu Jujitsu, Karate Street Combat System) (6) The color photographs are clear and large. (7) The instructions on how to perform the techniques are easy to follow.
   
   In conclusion, this is a book for anyone who is interested in an effective and simple reality based self-defense system. To be honest, I loved "Combat Hapkido." I highly recommend John Pellegrini's "Combat Hapkido" to anyone who is seeking a true self-defense system, which is what the original martial arts were actually designed for in the past. Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Combatives Vol. 1,2, Bushi Satori Ryu Official Student Manual, Monadnock Defense Tactics System, Use of the Monadnock Straight Baton, PR-24 Police Baton Advanced Techniques, Martial Art Myths, Never Trust a Politician).



2. John Pellegrini presents a very efficient variant of the Hapkido Art via "Combat Hapkido" -- which has been tested and PROVEN via real-world self-defense situations by "first-response" folks needing such an Art. The explanations and illustrations of the methods of Combat Hapkido in this book are easy to follow and well-organized via topics -- which includes "trapping" tie-ups -- unusual for Hapkido but added by John Pellegrini. It looks almost like a hybrid of Combat Judo and Classical Hapkido -- including an open-handed half-facing "Beachball" On-Guard -- which is best for the real-world -- if you have warning to get into it. This is quite possible as this kind of hands-up half-facing posture is a VERY NATURAL reaction to facing a stranger [or just about anyone]. Most folks will flinch into a posture much like this -- unless they cringe-away -- which is unwise. Combat Hapkido is like this On-Guard -- natural, practical and streamlined -- fluid, clear, sharp and COMPACT. Despite the modest medium size of this book -- a wide variety of methods are presented to counter likely threats and attacks in natural practical combos -- many using the "Beachball" On-Guard -- simular to other practical self-defense Arts. This is a PROVEN On-Guard, even if not appearing especially exotic. One much like it has always worked for me. This COMPACT "Combat Hapkido" work and Art looks to be a great complement to Classical Hapkido -- such as that presented via "Hapkido -- Traditions, Philosophy, Technique" by Marc Tedeschi. Or maybe vice versa -- for those needing or wanting Combat Hapkido +++



3. Impressive book and an easy read. Easy to understand illustrations and pictures. This was an excellent addition to my MA library and I would recommend this book to others interested furthering their knowledge of the subject.



4. I am a 1st deg. black belt in Taekwondo. I recently joined a Caombat Hapkido school because it is a good compliment with Taekwondo since this art seems to mostly use hands and some kicking which is great for closed distance combat. This was a great intro for me to review as I started so that I am able to follow along for the basic information to become comfortable. The book has lots of pictures and describes the actions in plain simple english that gets right to the point. I am very excited to be starting this style of martial art and look forward to getting additional books about this.



5. Poorly written.
   Strange, ineffective techniques.
   A joke. BIG waste of money... avoid this book and get into a good dojang.

5 comments about Hapkido: Traditions, Philosophy, Technique.

1. This very fine, but BIG, "Classic" has a great over-all style with clarity down to small detail. "Hapkido" is of excellent quality and quantity; as a textbook, and in its content. It is very well-bound and sturdy, with good paper and print, in a clear style and font. It offers a generous quantity of technique with a quality of skill, style and meaning. This is made possible by a very well done modular pattern of presentation of precise explanations, diagrams, pictures and photos -- easily matching the best of academic works.
   
   "Hapkido" has a nice balance of arts -- striking, avoiding and blocking, holding, throwing, weapons, internal and healing -- tradition and creation -- subtle and direct -- soft and hard. This reflects well the Art of Hapkido. Of a quiet, modest, eclectic Kenpo style, I especially enjoyed the honest respect in this "Classic" -- as shown by the page fifteen "Comparison of Eclectic Arts". Such a modest attitude and book-price for such a wonderful work +++



2. This book is really a great overview of Hapkido. Just don't expect to learn the art just from reading it! Also remember this is not "traditional" or "purely korean" Hapkido - a seasoned practicioner will see influences from many other, "modern" martial arts - like taekwondo and wing chun for example, so i like to refer to it as "modern" Hapkido. This is not bad, just remember this when buying the book.
   I personally think, that the interviews section could be omited, or sold as a solo book.
   Also, some of the photographs have a slightly distorted art/information ratio, but this was to be expected as the author is a professional photographer ;) But this also shows in the overall quality of pictures - they are beautifull and (most of them) very informative!
   Overall - this is a VERY good book if You want a VERY good overview of Hapkido. And if You're ready for a LONG read (over 1000 pages!) ;)



3. Being a martial artist myself, I have always been looking in ways to study other people's philosophies, techniques, and training tips. I have purchased a few martial arts books in the past few years and this book is so full knowledge, not just information about Hapkido, but just great information about martial arts itself and the history and philosophy. I am still working my way through the book because it has so many aspects of striking, blocking, foot work, self defense unarmed/armed, weapons, holds, locks, breaks, and so on. Defiantly worth having in your library as a great source of information.



4. This book is outstanding, as my title tells. I did not expect to receive all the information that I did, and I certainly didn't expect the book to be practically two inches thick! This book is chalk full of information, much of which I have already had exposure to from other different styles...I was not aware that Hapkido made much utilization of Chin Na (joint locks) and pressure points, two very important aspects of a system's regime (in my opinion) and a must for any martial artist intending on making his/her "martial walk" a lifetime effort.



5. These two 1,1300-or-so-page books,one titled "Hapkido"and the other one "Taekwondo", are quite unique in the field. Anyone who is a serious student of Korean martial arts should have both these books.
   
   Since I have given the highest accolade to them both, let me make a few caveats:
   
   The physical book: Mr. Tedeschi's 'resume' tells us he is, among other things, a "designer." The books were "designed and illustrated" by Mr. Tedeschi. I feel Mr. Tedeschi's obvious talent as a book designer should have an outlet---but not in these books. The shield on the inside back cover annotating the fiercely technical methods used to produce this book is impressive. But the result? Large, large pages--often with big spans of white space. The paper used is obviously high quality--and expensive. Many--many--of the photographs appear to be art work--and are too large and not enough crowded. I am assuming the typical martial arts student who will choose to purchase this book is not presumed to be
   well-off. When seeking reading re martial arts, he has no interest in a coffeetable book, an art book. For all its other merits, that is what this is. This book is not made to plop down on the bus seat, jam it in a book bag, hazard a cup of coffee near it. Such routine use, with its ordinary hazards, etc., are not for a book that should never leave the library with your other books.
   
   Substantively, I would review the table of contents, and query what appears immedidately---'offensive' techniques, 'striking' techniques, do appear until the last couple chapters---and they aren't lengthy. Mr. Tedeschi has employed a very novel approach---the methods of hapkido are overwhelming DEFENSIVE. The kicks and punches that comprise the bulk of most manuals, are, here, given, comparatively, VERY minor space.
   
   Mr. Tedeschi's books are the most ingenious and innovative works of the last thirty years. All serious students of Korean martial arts must have these books.