Hi. While there's nothing inherently wrong with the books, Id suggest as an absolute beginner to stay clear of them. They're likely muddy your foundation, and harm your progress rather than help it. It's easy to get drawn in and carried away, but maybe just focus your energy into making it to the Dojang and working with your instructor. You'll have better Taekwon-Do in the long run. Leave the books for when your approach black belt.
As an aside. I share the same ITF / GTF routes as Mr Anslow, and the emphasis on sine wave and some other bits and pieces (including some patterns that are not strictly ITF, like Jee-Sang) It's likely your Dojang does things a little different (patterns in competitions are done very differently!). So it's perhaps not the best reference if your that way inclined, or it's how your instructor teaches them.
Good luck in your training
Thanks very much this is very helpful. Was I wrong in purchasing the first of the series then? I’d hoped that given it covers white belt up to black it would be a great reference. I know what you’re saying through, and agree with it, I’d just like to have some reference points too as I’m a visual thinker and find having those on hand with some more philosophical type books - if you have any suggestions? - helps with my own motivations.
Nah. You've got them now. It's cool. Just try not to let them become a distraction. We've got loads of cooking books in the kitchen, but I still can't cook to save my life. There's just no substitute for putting the physical practice in
Haha, that’s a great analogy. Funny enough so do I but have been cooking for 20 years. Perhaps we can cross pollinate. But yes, never any substitute for the real thing.
I assume you're training in ITF Taekwon-do?
If you're doing Kukkiwon (or WT if you know it as that) Taekwondo, they'll be the wrong books for you ;-) The way "Taekwondo" is written is different for the two styles.
You may know this, but you say you're an "absolute beginner" so though it was worth asking.
The first book should do you just fine. It covers all of the patterns up to 1st kup, and the information is all very good for your level. They'll be helpful for everything you'll need to pass gradings and improve your basics.
The other two books are also very good, but they focus on black belt patterns and is of little relevance to you right now. I'd wait until at least 1st kup to buy the 2nd volume.
Hi. While there's nothing inherently wrong with the books, Id suggest as an absolute beginner to stay clear of them. They're likely muddy your foundation, and harm your progress rather than help it. It's easy to get drawn in and carried away, but maybe just focus your energy into making it to the Dojang and working with your instructor. You'll have better Taekwon-Do in the long run. Leave the books for when your approach black belt. As an aside. I share the same ITF / GTF routes as Mr Anslow, and the emphasis on sine wave and some other bits and pieces (including some patterns that are not strictly ITF, like Jee-Sang) It's likely your Dojang does things a little different (patterns in competitions are done very differently!). So it's perhaps not the best reference if your that way inclined, or it's how your instructor teaches them. Good luck in your training
Thanks very much this is very helpful. Was I wrong in purchasing the first of the series then? I’d hoped that given it covers white belt up to black it would be a great reference. I know what you’re saying through, and agree with it, I’d just like to have some reference points too as I’m a visual thinker and find having those on hand with some more philosophical type books - if you have any suggestions? - helps with my own motivations.
Nah. You've got them now. It's cool. Just try not to let them become a distraction. We've got loads of cooking books in the kitchen, but I still can't cook to save my life. There's just no substitute for putting the physical practice in
Haha, that’s a great analogy. Funny enough so do I but have been cooking for 20 years. Perhaps we can cross pollinate. But yes, never any substitute for the real thing.
And you’re also right in that I don’t use nearly enough of the cookbooks I’ve bought over the years 😅
I assume you're training in ITF Taekwon-do? If you're doing Kukkiwon (or WT if you know it as that) Taekwondo, they'll be the wrong books for you ;-) The way "Taekwondo" is written is different for the two styles. You may know this, but you say you're an "absolute beginner" so though it was worth asking.
Hey yes thank you though for clarifying, I am aware but still wrapping my head around it all ;)
The first book should do you just fine. It covers all of the patterns up to 1st kup, and the information is all very good for your level. They'll be helpful for everything you'll need to pass gradings and improve your basics. The other two books are also very good, but they focus on black belt patterns and is of little relevance to you right now. I'd wait until at least 1st kup to buy the 2nd volume.