From Creation to Unification: The Complete Histories Behind the Ch'ang Hon (ITF) Patterns

From my book review blog at:[...]as well as my martial arts blog at:[...]First, a note for the sake of full disclosure. As the author worked on finalizing this book, I shared with him a similar report I had written as my thesis when testing for 1st degree black belt. We Battleshipped back and forth about various factual and stylistic questions after he had read my report. He was even so kind to include me in the acknowledgements and bibliography.While I consider Mr. Anslow a friend, and I might have contributed in this book in some small way, I am not obligated to give the book a positive review. Just as I would expect him to provide constructive criticism of my writing or taekwon-do technique, I will do the same for this book. I certainly can't be critical of his taekwon-do technique since he outranks me. :)That said, let's get to the brass tacks of this review.Taekwon-do practitioners who perform the Ch'ang Hon patterns or, as is the case with my school, a derivation of them due to various splits over the years will be familiar with the pattern set that goes from Chon-Ji through Tong-Il. As students, we are expected to learn the meanings as put forth by General Choi Hong-Hi in the ITF Encyclopedia. Often after a student gives a correct meaning during class or testing, I will ask them, "Correct, but what does that mean?" This is my way of telling the students they need to do more than just rote memorization of the meanings. It's no different than learning how to perform a pattern correctly but not understand the applications of the various techniques.As noted at the outset, when I tested for 1st degree black belt in 2002, my thesis was a 97 page (what, you complain about a two page report for your belt testings? :) ) history of the patterns from Chon-Ji through Kwang-Gae (at that time the highest pattern I knew). I had started at blue belt with Joong-Gun, as I found his life and patriotism fascinating. It continued until black belt, when I went back and did histories for the patterns prior to blue belt.That said, I might have more insight than the average person when it comes to analyzing this book my Mr. Anslow. And, without a doubt, I was not disappointed.He provides detailed information about each of the 25 patterns from the ITF curriculum (including both Juche and Ko-Dang, for those expecting 24) as well as the six GTF patterns created by Grandmaster Park Jung-Tae prior to his death in 2002. Included as part of of each pattern is a listing of the definition as put forth by Gen. Choi, even if it is incorrect (such as the birth year of Do-San Ahn Chang-Ho), then Mr. Anslow proceeds to dissect and analyze the meaning, determining, if possible, the reason behind the number of moves in the pattern.Mr. Anslow also provides much detail about the history behind the person or concept for which the pattern was named, supplying many pictures about the people involved and giving very detail footnotes. These footnotes naturally tie to an extensive bibliography at the end of the book.The author is also not shy about pointing out errors in the original meanings, not in an effort to discredit or demean Gen. Choi, but rather point out that Gen. Choi was first and foremost a solider and martial artist, not a historian. Consequently, it's not unheard of that some facts may not be as accurate as at first glance.Overall, I am very impressed with this book. Mr. Anslow has been doing research on this for decades, and it shows. I can also know from personal interactions with him that if he was not able to validate as factual something he ran across, he excluded it from the book rather than risking the integrity of the book. There are some stylistic things that annoyed me, but those have no bearing on the overall quality of the book. Naturally, I did find a couple of items that I believe are factually incorrect, which is inevitable in a first edition. If those due bear out to be inaccuracies, I have no doubt the author will make every effort to correct them prior to the next edition.Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)

The book gives you a deeper look of the Taekwon-Do ITF patterns meaning and the people and events in Korean history chosen by General Choi Hon Hi to be honored in the patters, I just finished it and will read again to share it with my students.

Mr. Anslow has written a masterpiece here. Although no history buff, I have always wanted to learn more about the meanings of the Chang-Hon forms. This book was the perfect answer to all of my questions. Stuart writes in a style that is very accessible, and doesn't feel text book like, even though you are getting hit with textbook level knowledge. I found myself glued to the book; leafing through it the first weekend looking at all the meanings I so desperately wanted to know more about early in my career. I easily read half the book the first weekend I got it.If you practice TKD, and do the Chang-Hon form set - this book is a must read if you do more than memorize the very general definitions set out by the founders. If you love the art, you owe it to yourself to buy this book and read it. You won't be disappointed by the level of information you find, and you won't be bored or feel like you are back in history class. I couldn't recommend it enough.

I just received this book finally a short time ago and must say it was well worth the wait. I was unable to put it down once I began. Master Anslow's books are all of the highest quality and the value to anyone who loves and practices Taekwon-do can not be overstated. This is an indispensable addition to the library of all who practice the Chang Hon tuls, as well as those who are just interested in Korean martial arts history. The addition of the photographs and color plates set this book high above all others. No more cryptic 2 sentence introductions to the forms that leave you scratching your head and wondering just how the form description possibly fits in with Taekwon-do as most other books leave the practioner. You have outdone yourself and raised the bar yet again Master Anslow with another volume that will be benefiting Taekwon-do students and instructors long after we have gone and our belts have turned to dust. Bravo and thank you!

Start Anslow delivers an updated and historically accurate meaning behind the Chang Hon Tae Kwon-Do patterns used by many groups including the ITF where the patterns were originally created. For each pattern Anslow proceeds to explain deeper history into the inspiration of each pattern. Many things will surprise Tae Kwon-Do practitioners and many mis information you have been told will be explained by reading this book. I think any Chang-Hon practitioner should read it. Additionally to each pattern history, Anslow provides a brief history of Korea that is very enlightening. The book is very easy to read and does not feel dry or hard to pass, it is a enjoyable ride thru the Korean culture and history that gave birth to the patterns that many people practice.

Any Taekwondo-in (Chang hon or ITF-style/GTF-style) need 2 things in the bookshelf.One is the Encyclopaedia from General Choi, either the condenced or the full 15 volume set.The second is this book.Covers everything from Chon-Ji to Tong-Il.

Both informative and educational on the history of Tae kwon do and Korea - this book lived up to the expectations and the previous reviews - not deeply in depth but well enough to give you a starting ground to be able to go back and learn specifics of their rich history

Sabumnim Anslow - as he has done with his previous books - has created a top-shelf volume worthy of every taekwondoist's book case. It is so important not simply to be competent with the sequences of a tul or poomsae, but to grasp its underlying philosophy or historical value as well. This book brings life to your practice and is very highly recommend for all practitioners regardless of taekwondo pedigree, ITF or WTF. Thank you Sabumnim for your deep and caring research!

This book is an exploration of the historical inspiration of 25 patterns of Tae Kwon Do, a Korean martial art, as practised by the International Tae Kwon Do Federation (ITF).The history of TKD is complicated and dirty. Different associations lay different claims and international politics plays a part, however, a knowledge of this is not important for the reader. Basically, following Korea's independence from Japan in 1945 a number of high ranking martial arts masters sought to create a unified system of Korean martial arts. The driving force behind much of this was an army general, Gen. Choi Hong Hi.Choi, along with some other masters, began to codify a system based largely on Japanese Karate (Korean arts had been illegal under the Japanese) with aspects of Korean fighting arts (especially those using high kicks), such as Taekyon. Eventually, Choi named his system Tae Kwon Do (The Way of the Foot and Hand) and it was adopted by sections of the Korean military. Choi later formed the ITF and spread his style throughout the worldAs a way of emphasizing the Korean nature of the art, and educating practitioners about Korean culture and history, Choi named the 24 training patterns (what many people will know by the Japanese word"Kata") after famous patriots or events in Korean history. Students of this style of TKD are expected to know a brief piece of the history and symbolism of each pattern.This book takes a deeper look at the history of the figures which inspired the patterns, sometimes contradicting the "official" interpretation) and provides a fascinating look at Korean history which any reader, regardless of whether they practise TKD, will find interesting. It even covers the matter of one pattern which was part of the original 24 and later replaced when Choi took his art to North Korea in the 1980s.

Again Stuart Anslow has provided an excellent book, this time he has researched the pattern meanings and backgrounds in much greater detail than the standard ones provided in the likes of the Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do. Instead of a couple of sentences on a pattern meaning Stuart has expanded these into full chapters with background history etc on each pattern. The book has a lot of pictures and colour illustrations which again add detail.I have heard of a few associations updating their grading requirements to these revised descriptions and it is hard to argue against that, especially when it comes to things such birth/death dates of historical figures etc (read the book for more details!).Stuart has a knack for writing books which add to Taekwon-Do rather than just simply reprinting sections of the Encyclopedia with his own branding on it. This book and his pattern applications books both sit alongside the Encyclopedia and provide more information to those who are interested.Highly recommended for anybody who studies Taekwon-Do - especially Chang-Hon/ITF Taekwon-Do.

this is well written and easy to read, knowing the history behind the patterns helps when it comes to the theory section in a grading and help gives an understanding of the Generals intentions has he built Taekwondo

I believe Gen. Choi's intention was to spread Korean history through Taekwondo so it could never be forgotton. This book does a better job than even the encyclopedia at bringing korean history to the west!A great read for TKD practitioners and lovers of world history.Any change of a Kindle edition?

A great addition to Stuart Anslow's other publications. Very informative and eye opening. An excellent addition to your library for any Tae Kwon Do practitioner.