The Art of Self: An Interpretation of Traditional Taekwon-Do

by David Ippen

Overview

A revised edition that details the art of Taekwon-Do.

The Art of Self is an interpretation of the philosophy of Traditional Taekwon-Do. It elucidates the different aspects of Taekwon-Do practice and its impact on body, mind, and spirit. It gives access to the moral and philosophical principles of this art to both the practitioner and non-practitioners alike. This book shows, by using Taekwon-Do as an example, how one can achieve a harmonious, aware, empowered, and peaceful state of being.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783777445977
Publisher:	Hirmer Publishers
Publication date:	09/19/2025
Edition description:	Second Edition
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	5.31(w) x 8.27(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

GM David Ippen was born and raised in Germany. He has been studying traditional Taekwon-Do since 1990 and currently holds the rank of 6th Dan. In 2009, he opened the Traditional Taekwon-Do Center in Honolulu.

Table of Contents

Contents
I. What is Taekwon-Do? 17
II. The Three Parts of Traditional Taekwon-Do 29
1. Hyeong 29
1.1 Technical Understanding and Application of Hyeong 30
1.2 Symbolic Meaning of Hyeong 33
1.3 Psycho-Spiritual Aspects of Hyeong 52
2. Taeryon 55
2.1 Step Sparring (Ilbo, Ibo, Sambo Taeryon) 56
2.2 Free Sparring (Chayu Taeryon) 59
2.3 Self-Defense (Ho Sin Sool) 66
3. Breaking (Kyek Pa) 70
III. Training Taekwon-Do 75
1. Technique 75
2. Stretching 84
3. Conditioning 90
4. Mental Conditioning 93
IV. Teaching 97
V. Moral Culture 109
1. Courtesy (Ye Ui) 111
2. Integrity (Yom Chi) 114
3. Perseverance (In Nae) 117
4. Self-Control (Guk Gi) 119
5. Indomitable Spirit (Baekjul Boolgool) 121
VI. Spiritual Aspects 125
Afterword 133