| "Taekwondo a path to excellence" by Doug Cook is | | | | Three addresses becoming a steadfast practitioner of |
| an exceptional book for martial artists, not just those | | | | the art. I really liked this part and think most |
| who practice taekwondo. The subtitle of this book is | | | | practitioners can relate the author's message to their |
| "Achieving Physical and Spiritual Enrichment Through | | | | own practice, regardless of art. The fourth section of |
| Disciplined Practice," and while Cook's specific practice | | | | the book has some very good advice aimed at |
| is the art of taekwondo from Korea, I believe much of | | | | beginners. Since we are all beginners at some part of |
| what he writes is applicable to any martial art, | | | | our art, this chapter is good for everyone, but |
| regardless of style or country of origin. This is not a | | | | especially those starting their journey. Part Five is more |
| technique book, but rather a text that shares the | | | | personal to the author regarding his students, |
| author's journey and how taekwondo positively | | | | colleagues, and experiences. I found it an inspiring |
| impacted his life. | | | | chapter. Part Six is fairly short, but provides some |
| Through Cook's journey, this book explores | | | | wisdom regarding the economics of the martial arts, |
| taekwondo and can stimulate others to explore their | | | | something anyone who wants to make their living by |
| own martial art path. Yes, I do believe those who | | | | teaching must deal with. Finally, Part Seven, relays |
| practice the Korean arts will enjoy this book the most. I | | | | some of the experiences of the author on his training |
| personally do not do taekwondo, but my experiences | | | | trips to Korea. Those practicing Korean arts that have |
| with my chosen art of hapkido are similar, and when | | | | not yet traveled to Korea may be inspired by this |
| Cook wrote about his trips to Korea, it reminded me of | | | | chapter to journey themselves to their art's country of |
| my time in the Land of the Morning Calm. (Not to | | | | origin. As I mentioned, it made me think of my time |
| mention, it made me a bit homesick to return) | | | | there and made me yearn for my next visit. |
| The book is divided into seven parts. Part One | | | | This was an enjoyable well written book that |
| focuses on what taekwondo is. The author explains it | | | | prompted me to ponder my own journey in the martial |
| as more than just striking and kicking, and I found | | | | arts. I think it is a valuable book for martial artists, |
| myself agreeing with much, especially the importance | | | | especially those that practice taekwondo or other |
| of "Do." The second part explains a bit of history of | | | | Korean arts. Definitely recommended reading for all |
| taekwondo, including a bit of Korean history. Part | | | | taekwondo stylists. |