Complete Tang Soo Do Manual?

[jruner]

Has anyone read "Complete Tang Soo Do Manual" I beleive the author is Grand Master Ho Sik Pak. Is this a good overview of the art? I am trying to learn more about its history and principles.

Thanks
John Runer

[kodanjaclay]

John,

I have a copy of it. It is well written. As for history, you would do better to get a book from the US Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation called the History of the Moo Duk Kwan. Aside from their political BS claiming only one MDK, the book has some decent stuff. Pak's book is an excellent book to help with practice. The sections on hip rotation are pretty cool. I highly recommend it.

[jruner]

Thankyou MR. Clay I took Tang Soo Do in Boise, Idaho years ago and really enjoyed it. I am just looking for good books on it now. I currently have few choices in Martial arts instruction. So I just do the best I can on my own. I also have a knee probelm so am interested in hand techiques.

Thanks
John Runer

[jruner]

I got the book and read it yesterday, it is very nice! I was just wandering if anyone has his his video's and what they are like?

Thanks
John Runer

[kodanjaclay]

Depends on the video. I have a couple. The advanced ones, fifth and above are useful to check your form against, but if you do not know the hyung, you will be lost.

I have actually trained with Master Pak as his school in Canoga Park. He is an excellent tactician and a wonderful master. He will spar a senior, slightly above their level, and coach them which is something I do. He is the only Korean I know who does that. He also doesn't ask anyone to do something he doesn't do first, and continues to do with the class.

The tapes are a decent investment. They can be used to check your hyung against, and to help make you sharper.

[jruner]

Thank you for your reply MR. Clay. I hope some day to get out of my current Martial Arts "Black Whole" and move to an area with more Dojo's/Dojang's. Until then I will just keep looking for the best study material I can find.

Thanks again!
John Runer

[kodanjaclay]

John,

I realize that as a Sabum, many prefer to show respect even on a message board. I appreciate it, but it is not needed. Please, call me Frank.

[jruner]

O.k. I will call you Frank. My Jujitsu Sensei taught me to refer to all teachers as MR. or MRS.;even in informal situations, so it is just habit. Could you please give me any of your personal ideas for keeping up training when you live in rural area without a lot of options. Even if I move I may have to do a lot on my own due to my knee problem. I do kicking but mostly with my good leg. I am trying to work on learning more self defense type hand techniques. But I do love kicking targets and bags.
.
Thanks
John Runer

[kodanjaclay]

John,

I really know very little about jujutsu, so I am not sure of what you know or do not know. You might want to ask the webmaster. He is a jujutsu player and pretty decent too. I've been on the mat with him.