Reviews

Grand Master Kim Bok-Man is one of the most profound Taekwon-Do pioneers of our day. He is world renowned as a key technical advisor and was an instructor "par excellence" during the founding period of our beloved martial art. Tae Kwon-Do: Origins of the Art: Bok Man Kim's Historic Photospective is an important publication which highlights his lifetime commitment and contributions as one of the most active and influential persons to affect the development of Taekwon-Do, under the stewardship and in concert with the Father and Founder, General Choi Hong-Hi. Michael Cormack, 4th Dan Member of the 6th ITF Demonstration Team, Argentina, 1979 Member of the 7th ITF Demonstration Team, Sweden, Former USSR & DPR of Korea, 1980 2nd ITF World Champion, 1978 General Choi Hong-Hi 사위 ------------- As the saying goes, if a picture is worth a thousand words, then this book is worth so much more, truly priceless! It is a compilation of historic photographs and other digital images that correctly paint the true timeline of Taekwon-Do. No longer can people give any credence to the myth that Taekwondo is 2,000 years old. Here in the latest book by Grand Master Kim Bok-Man, a former Master-Sergeant in the Korean Army, one can see Taekwon-Do develop and expand outside of Korea from the very onset by the man largely responsible for the initial dissemination. This book also goes a long way in crediting the true original pioneers, who have been ignored for far too long by the political nonsense often offered as Tae Kwon Do history. I have been blessed to have spent so much time in Grandmaster Kim's company. Now all of the Tae Kwon Do world can invite him into their homes and dojangs for a visit with the pictorial history of our beloved Korean Martial Art of Self-Defense. Dr. George Vitale, Ph.D. & 8th Dan Recipient of the Taekwondo Hall of Fame(R) Lifetime Achievement Award, 2009 ------------- This beautifully presented book provides a photographic history of Tae Kwon Do from the personal collection of one of its most influential figures. The astounding quantity of photographic material makes it both a unique historical resource and a fascinating depiction of the lifetime martial arts journey of the man who helped shape the art in its formative years and continues to evolve and innovate today. This is an unprecedented opportunity for all practitioners, regardless of affiliation and style, to glimpse where Tae Kwon Do comes from, the path it has walked and how it may continue to grow and develop. Simon O'Neill, 4th Dan Author of The Taegeuk Cipher book and video series ------------- Grandmaster Kim Bok Man was there before 'Tae Kwon Do' was born, before it was named, helping General Choi Hong Hi shape the very art we practice, before it was even called 'Tae Kwon Do', helping to design the actual techniques, helping put together the first English-language book about Tae Kwon Do and then helping to design a majority of its tuls, the tuls millions around the world practice to this very day. His illustrious history in Tae Kwon Do is not a 'mere' thing... it was a pivotal role that all of us should be grateful for, that all of us should be aware of, and now, thanks to this wonderful book, all of us can share in and see for ourselves. Take a trip through Grandmaster Kim's life in Tae Kwon Do and you take a trip through the history of Tae Kwon Do itself; they are one and the same! Every student of Tae Kwon Do should own this book!" Stuart Anslow, 5th Dan Editor, Totally Tae Kwon Do Magazine Author of From Creation to Unification: The Complete Histories Behind the Ch'ang Hon (ITF) Patterns, Ch'ang Hon Taekwondo Hae Sul: Real Applications to the ITF Patterns (2 Volumes), and The Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do Patterns (3 Volumes)