The Art of Self: An Interpretation of Traditional Taekwon-Do [Paperback]

Taekwon-do is a well-trod path to self-improvement, an “art of self." The philosophy of taekwon-do is simple yet profoundly powerful: To cultivate a strong body and sound ethical and moral character in each practitioner is to contribute to a more peaceful world. If you practice, you will develop increased physical fitness, but you will also discover new stores of mental and spiritual strength.

David Ippen is a fifth-degree black belt and a Grandmaster in taekwon-do. He has taught traditional taekwon-do since 1995 and opened adojang,the Traditional Taekwon-Do Center in Honolulu, in 2009.The Art of Selfis the culmination of almost twenty years of intense study and practice, offering Ippen’s interpretation of the traditional taekwon-do philosophy. Elucidating the aspects of a taekwon-do practice, Ippen guides practitioners and non-practitioners alike through an accessible process for incorporating the moral and philosophical precepts of taekwon-do to achieve an empowered and harmonious state of mind.

David Ippenis a fifth-degree black belt, a Grandmaster in taekwon-do, and a licensed physical therapist. In 2009, he opened the Traditional Taekwon-Do Center in Honolulu.

1. What is Taekwon-Do?

2. The Three Parts of Traditional Taekwon-Do
2.1 Hyeong
2.2 Taeryon
2.3 Breaking (Kyek Pa)

3. Training Taekwon-Do
3.1 Technique
3.2 Stretching
3.3 Conditioning
3.4 Mental Conditioning

4. Teaching

5. Moral Culture
5.1 Courtesy (Ye Ui)
5.2 Integrity (Yom Chi)
5.3 Perseverance (In Nae)
5.4 Self-Control (Guk Gi)
5.5 Indomitable Spirit (Baekjul Boolgool)

6. Spiritual Aspects

Afterword