Taekkyon (2005) Reviews

A Korean martial art that was nearly forgotten in the 20th Century, Taekkyon was preserved by Grandmaster Song Duk-ki and branded a Cultural Asset by the Korean government. Despite the graceful and rhythmic beauty that defines Taekkyon, it is a deadly form of self-defense that can wreck absolutely devastating damage. Now aspiring martial artists seeking to learn more about Taekkyon can finally do so thanks to this collaboration between Korea Taekkyon Association Grandmaster Lee Yong-bok and the National Demonstration Team. Captured on location at Yongin's Korean Folk Village, this release offers a comprehensive crash course in Taekkyon: fundamentals, warm-up exercises, footwork and kicking skills, hand skills, a variety of partner practices, group kicking and technique exercises, basic and advanced forms, free sparring, an interview with Grandmaster Bok, a brief history of the martial art, and an introduction to the philosophy of Taekkyon all make this an ideal release for the uninitiated. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi