8 Beginner-Friendly Taekwondo Books to Start Your Journey

Grandmaster Tae Sun Kang's decades of Taekwondo expertise led to a fitness guide that merges martial arts principles with everyday wellness. You’ll learn a seven-week regimen structured around Taekwondo’s belt system, focusing on Combined Dynamic Stretching that simultaneously improves flexibility, balance, stamina, and mental focus. The book also incorporates a balanced eating plan designed for sustainable weight management rather than quick fixes. Whether you're a newcomer to exercise or looking for a fresh approach to fitness, this book offers a clear path to maintaining lifelong health through movement and nutrition rooted in martial arts.

Scott Shaw's extensive experience in Korean martial arts shapes this accessible guide to Taekwondo fundamentals, designed for newcomers eager to understand the sport without feeling overwhelmed. You learn everything from basic kicks and stances to the philosophy and history behind Taekwondo, as well as practical advice on choosing the right class and preparing for your first session. Chapters on conditioning exercises and different training methods, like partner drills and free-sparring, provide a well-rounded approach to building skill and confidence. If you're looking for a clear, stepwise introduction that balances technique with context, this book meets that need without assuming prior knowledge or advanced ability.

This tailored Taekwondo Starter Blueprint offers a unique learning experience crafted specifically for beginners eager to master foundational skills at their own pace. It explores essential techniques, building confidence through clear, customized training plans that align with your background and comfort level. The book reveals a thoughtful progression that removes overwhelm by focusing on core movements and personal goals, ensuring each step feels achievable and engaging. By matching content to your interests and skill level, it provides a supportive introduction to Taekwondo that empowers steady growth and skill acquisition.

Marc Tedeschi’s decades of martial arts mastery inform this extensive guide, which dissolves the barriers many newcomers face when approaching Taekwondo. You’ll explore over 700 techniques—from foundational stances and footwork to advanced Olympic-style sparring—each clearly illustrated in more than 8,600 photographs. The book also delves into Taekwondo’s rich traditions and philosophy, offering chapters on history, breathing, meditation, and flexibility that ground your physical practice in deeper understanding. Whether you aim to compete, study forms, or appreciate Taekwondo’s cultural roots, this book provides a thorough, approachable roadmap that balances sport and self-defense effectively.

Unlike most martial arts guides that focus solely on technique, Jim Hogan’s book dives into the practical application of Taekwon-Do patterns, bridging the gap between form and self-defense. Hogan, a decorated UK champion and respected coach, breaks down the first nine patterns leading to a 1st degree black belt, explaining not just how to perform each move but why it matters in real situations. You’ll find detailed sequences paired with clear explanations of their defensive uses, making it easier to internalize and apply the skills. This approach benefits beginners who want a solid foundation and a deeper understanding beyond memorization, though those seeking advanced sparring tactics may want to look elsewhere.

Drawing from decades of expertise, Dr. Richard Chun Ph.D. crafted this guide to make Taekwondo accessible for everyone, especially beginners. You’ll find clear explanations of foundational stances, striking techniques, and forms, alongside the philosophy and history that ground the practice. The book walks you through everything from basic calisthenics to advanced sparring, offering a structured path from novice to black belt. Its detailed coverage, including internationally recognized forms like Palgwe and Taegeuk, benefits newcomers seeking a solid, well-rounded introduction without feeling overwhelmed. If you want a thorough yet approachable manual that respects tradition and competitive standards, this book fits the bill.

This tailored book explores the foundational elements of Taekwondo kicks and stances with a focus on your individual learning pace and background. It covers the essential techniques step-by-step, ensuring a clear and confident progression for beginners. The book takes a personalized approach that matches your specific goals and comfort level, helping you build solid basics without feeling overwhelmed. By focusing on core kicks and stance mastery, it reveals how to develop strength, balance, and precision through progressive practice. Designed to ease beginners into Taekwondo, this book emphasizes a learning experience that respects your unique skill level and preferences, making martial arts both accessible and rewarding. The tailored content supports steady confidence building and skill refinement in a way that fits your personal journey.

What happens when a 9th Degree Grandmaster teams up with a seasoned instructor to craft a beginner’s guide? Grandmaster Yong Mok Lee and Jon Paul Istre remove the usual intimidation of martial arts by breaking down Taekwondo's core techniques and etiquette with clear, interactive guidance. You’ll find detailed explanations of the World Taekwondo Federation Taegeuk forms, supported by QR codes that demonstrate tricky movements like the Snap Kick and Tornado Kick. Whether you’re just starting or progressing through colored belts, this handbook offers practical steps and warmups designed for all ages, making the fundamentals approachable and manageable for your training journey.

Scott McMillan's four decades of coaching and competing at national and international Taekwondo levels shaped this guide, designed to bring beginners and intermediate sparring students up to speed. The book breaks down biomechanical movements and basic techniques, illustrating how to combine them into drills that build timing, distance, and movement skills essential for sparring. You’ll also find a detailed explanation of the four sparring phases, a framework McMillan uses to analyze matches and training. If you're looking to understand sparring fundamentals or prepare for competition under semi-contact or light continuous rules, this book guides you through the progression in a clear, logical way that’s approachable for newcomers.

When Maeda Press crafted this training journal, they focused on creating a clear pathway for beginners and young students to engage actively with their Taekwondo practice. The book guides you through documenting your training sessions, helping you internalize techniques by reflecting on key points like instructor feedback, belt progression, and personal challenges. It offers structured prompts for daily reviews, encouraging a habit of mindful practice that benefits learners from white belt novices to those advancing toward black belt mastery. If you're seeking a practical way to track your Taekwondo journey and deepen your understanding beyond the physical moves, this journal provides a simple yet effective framework.