Forward
Modern training in the Korean martial arts places great emphasis on the collection of techniques and pre-established sequences according to a belt grading syllabus. While this structure is useful for categorizing and sequencing the material which the art consists of, it is rarely anything more than a list of contents, rather than presenting an actual didactic proposal complete with all its elements.
Students often have difficulty understanding how the arts’ components fit together. Typically, there is a dissociation between basic technique, forms, step sparring, free sparring and self-defense work. This is particularly incomprehensible – even allowing for the inclusion of sport sparring – when one considers that the original purpose of the arts is that of self-defense. Why, for example, is the striking portion of the syllabus apparently approached as a separate entity to the self-defense portion? How are forms and free sparring related? How can the instructor reconcile such apparently disparate methods for the expression of fighting technique?
John Kedrowski is a professional educator, and he brings an educator’s vision to his presentation of Tang Soo Do. In this book – the first of its kind, as far as I am aware – he offers a solid, coherent proposal for effective teaching of the art for self-defense. He identifies needs and establishes clear objectives, contents and methodology – the basic elements of any serious pedagogical model. He informs his knowledge of Tang Soo Do with his experience of other empty-hand and weapons-based arts, and his detailed research into the origins of his primary art. He presents all of this in an accessible, structured package which will transform the way Tang Soo Do and its hyungs are studied.
This is not a hyung analysis manual, although the author bases his approach firmly on the interpretation of the forms for practical self-defense application. He does not limit his modus operandi to analysis of hyung sequences, but presents an innovative methodology for linking the training of basic technique, forms and sparring. This book redefines Tang Soo Do training in a fashion which is both subtle and radical, remaining faithful to its fundamental concepts while presenting a highly functional framework which I believe will become an industry standard in years to come.
Simon John O’Neill
Author of The Taegeuk Cipher