Fundamental Exercises: Foreword

FUNDAMENTAL EXERCISES (Gibon Yonsup)

Certainly the most important asset any training hall can have is a good instructor. There is no substitute for well-trained, intelligent, perceptive and patient instructor. Occasionally, however, a student may find himself in an area where he is not able to train under a qualified instructor; or a student may find the need to practice by himself from time to time; or there may be instances when an individual is sincerely anxious to learn Taekwon-Do but neither has the means nor time to travel to a distant training hall. In these cases, a dedicated person may be able to use this book as a guide. To truly gain complete comprehension of these techniques, however, a student will have to spend some time under the tutelage of a black belt instructor.

The sequence of fundamental exercises described here is neither absolute nor inflexible. It is, however, a sequence found to be most beneficial for the student, especially beginners.

Fundamental exercises are considered the back bone of Taekwon-Do, for the students can learn a great number of additional movements which are found neither in patterns nor sparrings.

Obviously the pattern cannot be performed effectively without suf- ficient knowledge of the fundamental movements involved. The student is therefore advised to exercise each fundamental movement correctly and thoroughly one by one before attempting to practise his pattern or sparring.

The object of this volume is to give the students (from beginners to 2nd degree black belt holders) clear purpose, principle method and a logical procedure of exercise of each fundamental movement.

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DIRECTION DIAGRAM (Bang Hyang Pyo) This is a guide to show the four directions the student will follow during the performance of an exercise.

IMPORTANT This must be thoroughly studied by all students before moving into exercise.