8 Best-Selling Taekwondo Books Millions Love

Unlike most martial arts books that focus broadly on forms or philosophy, this one dives deep into the competitive world of Taekwondo sparring as practiced at the Olympic level. Authored by Kuk Hyun Chung, an Olympic gold medalist, alongside Sang H. Kim and Kyong Myong Lee, it offers detailed drills, strategies, and coaching methods used by Korean athletes, including footwork, combinations, conditioning, and official Olympic rules. You'll find 120 photos illustrating techniques and scientific analysis of scoring that sharpen your understanding of competition tactics. This book is especially useful if you want to elevate your sparring skills with authentic insights from top-tier Korean coaches and competitors.

Doug Cook's decades of experience as a 6th Dan Black Belt and six-time gold medalist culminate in this exploration of Taekwondo beyond just physical techniques. You gain a comprehensive understanding of the art's rich history, philosophy, and principles like honor and perseverance that extend into everyday life. The book delves into the differences between Taekwondo as a martial art and as a sport, and offers meditation practices to enhance internal energy development. If you're looking to deepen your appreciation for Taekwondo's cultural roots and integrate its wisdom into your training or life philosophy, this book delivers clear insights without overcomplication.

This tailored book explores battle-tested sparring strategies and conditioning techniques designed specifically for Taekwondo athletes aiming for Olympic-level success. It combines widely respected sparring principles with insights tailored to your background and goals, ensuring the content directly addresses your unique journey in Taekwondo. Readers will discover how to refine footwork, timing, and counterattack skills while developing the physical conditioning necessary for high-level competition. This personalized approach focuses on your interests and skill level, helping you absorb proven knowledge efficiently and apply it in your training. With this book, you get a focused learning experience that supports your ambition to excel in competitive Taekwondo sparring.

What started as Dr. Richard Chun's personal journey from Korea to America became a vivid exploration of Taekwondo's deeper values beyond mere self-defense. Drawing from his experiences teaching celebrities and everyday people alike, Chun reveals how Taekwondo instills discipline, respect, and perseverance, particularly for children. You’ll gain insights into the cultural heritage of Taekwondo and its role as a lifelong practice that shapes character and community contribution. Chapters detailing his challenges as an immigrant and the art’s adaptation in the West add a human dimension that enriches your understanding of Taekwondo’s spirit and tradition.

Scott Shaw, Ph.D., brings a distinctive blend of scholarly insight and martial arts mastery to this guide, drawing from his extensive experience as a high-ranking black belt and advocate for spiritual integration in martial arts. You’ll find detailed instruction on foundational kicks, blocks, and stances alongside structured training and competition preparation, making it a practical manual for novices and those seeking a clear path into Taekwondo. The book’s straightforward approach demystifies complex techniques, emphasizing physical precision and mental focus, evident in chapters that break down each movement step-by-step. If you’re committed to building solid basics and understanding the discipline’s core, this offers a measured, knowledgeable entry point.

The methods Yong Kil developed while competing as a world champion form the backbone of this guide, which emphasizes the subtle technical details that separate winners from the rest. You’ll learn how precise elements like stance, foot angle, and timing can transform your direct, indirect, and counterattacks into effective weapons in the ring. The book also delves into fight strategy, teaching you to create openings and set up counters to dominate your opponent. Beyond technique, it offers conditioning drills for flexibility, strength, and endurance, plus advice on weight management and mental preparation to sharpen your focus before matches. This book suits practitioners aiming to elevate their competitive edge through disciplined training and tactical insight.

This tailored book explores a focused, step-by-step training plan designed to accelerate your Taekwondo skills over 90 days. It covers essential techniques, conditioning exercises, and drill sequences that align specifically with your current level and goals, ensuring every practice session is purposeful. By matching content to your background and training preferences, this personalized guide reveals how to efficiently build power, speed, and precision through drills that millions have found effective. Blending proven Taekwondo knowledge with a custom approach, it examines ways to deepen technique mastery, improve sparring readiness, and enhance mental focus. This book empowers you to fast-track your progress by concentrating on what truly matters in your individual training journey.

Drawing from decades as a UK tournament champion and coach, Jim Hogan offers a detailed guide through the foundational Taekwon-Do patterns leading up to first degree black belt. You learn not just the precise movements of each of the nine patterns but also how to apply them effectively in self-defense scenarios—often overlooked in pattern instruction. For example, the book breaks down sequences to reveal their practical combat uses, enhancing both technical skill and understanding. If you’re serious about progressing in ITF Taekwon-Do and want to deepen your grasp beyond form practice, this book aligns well with your goals.

Yeon Park and Tom Seabourne bring their combined championship experience to the forefront of this detailed manual. Their book breaks down 38 essential taekwondo techniques—from breakfalls to strikes—each supported by clear photos and practical advice. You will learn not only the physical moves but also conditioning strategies and tactical insights drawn from real competition, including tips on self-defense adaptations for street situations. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your skills, the chapters on origins and training choices offer a solid foundation, while seasoned practitioners will benefit from nuanced advice on competition and improving technique.

Soon Man Lee, head coach of the U.S. Taekwondo team, brings decades of hands-on expertise to this training manual, co-authored with Gaetane Ricke. This book offers a visual and technical guide through over 1,200 photographs, detailing everything from foundational forms to advanced techniques celebrated in Olympic competition. You'll also gain insights into Taekwondo’s history, philosophy, and competitive rules, including sparring and officiating, making it more than just a how-to manual. If you're serious about mastering Taekwondo techniques or understanding its competitive structure, this book provides a thorough, practical reference without unnecessary fluff.