Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.2/5)
Genre: Martial Arts, Taekwondo, Self-Defense

Book Review:
Scott Shaw's ''Advanced Taekwondo'' is exactly what its title promises: a comprehensive guide for practitioners who have moved beyond basics and are ready to deepen their understanding and skill. With over 400 illustrations and instruction from a master teacher, this book serves as a valuable resource for serious students.

Shaw's approach recognizes that advanced training involves more than technique. It requires understanding the history, philosophy, and concepts that give Taekwondo its depth. The book begins with an in-depth look at origins and philosophies, providing context that enriches physical practice.

The technical coverage is comprehensive. Essential techniques are discussed with tips for mastery. Poomse sequences (the formal patterns that are Taekwondo's equivalent of kata) are illustrated, including both Taeguek forms (for color belts) and Black Belt forms. This coverage makes the book useful across rank levels.

Self-defense strategies and skills address practical application. Effective self-defense requires different skills than sport competition, and Shaw addresses this distinction.

Perhaps most valuable for advanced practitioners is the section on weapons techniques, including Kumdo—the Korean art of the sword. Weapons training adds another dimension to martial arts practice and is often neglected in Taekwondo books.

Shaw's credentials are impressive. He began training as a young boy and holds master instructor certification in both taekwondo and hapkido. His frequent contributions to martial arts magazines and previous books demonstrate his communication skills.

For Sri Lankan Taekwondo practitioners, this book offers advanced instruction from an international expert. The techniques and philosophies are universal, applicable regardless of where one trains.

Tuttle Publishing is known for quality martial arts books, and this volume maintains their standard.

The main limitation is its focus on advanced practitioners—beginners should start with Shaw's ''Taekwondo Basics'' or similar introductory texts. But for its intended audience, it's excellent.

Overall, ''Advanced Taekwondo'' is a valuable resource for serious practitioners. Its combination of philosophical depth, technical instruction, and practical application makes it a worthy addition to any martial artist's library. Recommended for black belts and dedicated color belts aiming for higher rank.