Taekwondo is defined as a hard-style system of the amrtial arts-with penetrating kicks and punches, and forceful linear attacks. Dedicated practitioners know that advanced training means not only striving to master techniques, but also developing a deeper understanding of the history, philosophy, and concepts at the core of the martial art. In Advanced Taekwondo, Scott Shaw presents an in-depth look at the complete art of Taekwondo-from the underlying philosophies that drive the techniques and strategies to advice on mastering basic and advanced techniques fundamental to the art. Chapters include: An in-depth look at the origins and philosophies of Taekwondo. Discussion and tips on mastering essential techniques. Illustrated poomse sequences, including the Taejuek forms and black belt forms. Effective strategies and skills for self-defense. Weapons techniques including instruction in Kumdo, the Korean art of the sword. With over 400 illustrations and detailed instruction from a leading teacher in the field, even the most experienced black belts can benefit from the lessons in this book. Scott Shaw is one of the world's most prolific proponents of the Korean martial arts. He began training in hapkido and taekwondo as a young boy and today holds master instructor certification in both. He is a frequently published contributor to martial arts magazines and has authored a number of books, including Hapkido: Korean Art of Self-Defense and Taekwondo Basics.

Contents Introduction Part One Advanced concepts for inner development Chapter 1 Taekwondo philosophy for today's practitioner The history and philosophy of the Hwa Rang Developing a training philosophy Training the mind Chapter 2 The developpment and usage of ki in taekwondo The foundation of ki in taekwondo Understanding ki energy in the human body Ki gong exercises Part Two Advanced techniques-Refining the fundamentals Chapter 3 The stance The center of gravity Understanding the formal stance The fighting stance The advancing stance Chapter 4 The block Blocking injury Blocking with the hands The art of deflection Multiple methods The traditional taekwondo block Chapter 5 The hand and arm strike The straight punch Other linear hand strike techniques Chapter 6 The kick Fighting feet Advancing the basic kick Kicking strategy for competition Mastering the taekwondo kick as a defensive weapon Mastering taekwondo's spinning back kicks Part Three Advanced taekwondo techniques Chapter 7 Poomse: The foundation of taekwondo The types of forms in taekwondo The Taeguek forms and the I Ching The black belt forms Chapter 8 Training methods Solo training drills Partner training drills Focus training drills Footwork drills Part Four Advanced applications: Taking your practice to the next level Chapter 9 Sparring and competition Competition preliminaries Competiton training Closing the distance: Movement from long to short range Chapter 10 Self-defense Advnaced self-defense methods Understanding physical combat Taekwondo and th eprinciples of continuous motion Taekwondo kicks for self-defense Taekwondo's strategy against the street punch Ground fighting Effective defense against street weapons Chapter 11 Weapons training in taekwondo The Korean long staff The korean middle staff Kumdo: The Korean art of sword Appendix A: Taekwondo timeline Appendix B: Poomse performed at belt levels Appendix C: Pressure point locations Appendix D: Rear and frontal attack locations Appendix E: Meridian pathways Recommended reading (bibliography) Index Acknowledgments About the author