Modern Taekwondo is a special martial art that emerged in the 1950s and has a history full of contradictions. It is a descendant of Shotokan karate and at the same time designed as its counterpart. It is Olympic discipline on the one hand and a philosophical work of art on the other.
This book Taekwondo - Background and Philosophy of an Asian Martial Art deals with the causes of this contradiction, it reveals what is hidden behind the Taekwondo that we know today, how it became what it is. The political motivations of its founders are highlighted and the philosophical aspects of Taekwondo are analyzed. In particular, the close relationship to Yijing (I Ching) is explained in detail. At the same time, it takes a critical look at the recent developments in Taekwondo in comparison to the intentions of the fathers of Taekwondo. The presentation of movement sequences and any discussion of physical forms of exercise is deliberately avoided. It is about conveying a deeper understanding of Korean thought and this martial art, which arose under difficult circumstances on Korean soil. The
Author Dr. phil. Dr. rer. medic. Andrea-Mercedes Riegel, born in 1957, did her doctorate in sinology and theoretical medicine and has been practicing Taekwondo in the WTF since 1980 and has a 6th Dan. She works in the Mannheim-Heidelberg area as a non-medical practitioner and therapist as well as a trainer for Chinese medicine.
Please note: The book is only available in German.
Characteristics:
Editor: Kristkeitz, Werner (January 2, 2014)
Language: German
Hardcover: 160 pages
ISBN 978-3-932337-58-1