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

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.

Excellent book well please with it

Mr Anslow's books are a must for anyone serious about fully understanding their Taekwon-D0.

Ordered Mr S Anslows book and what an excellent book it is, it puts so much more light on pattern definition as opposed to the one or two lines usually written and gives greater understanding to the figures / events etc behind the definition of the pattern names