You’re no idiot, of course.  You’ve seen Tae Kwon Do centers pop up all over the place and know that the sport is the Korean equivalent of karate.  But when it comes to heading to a class, you feel like the new kid in town facing a room full of school bullies.      

Don’t hire a bodyguard yet!  The Complete Idiot’s Guide‚ to Tae Kwon Do provides you with all you need to join in the fun and become a serious student of the art.  In this Complete Idiot’s Guide‚, you get:

• Expert advice from two black belts on practicing with a partner and by yourself.
• Invaluable warnings so no one gets hurt.
• Practical information on teaching kids and seniors.
• Photographs that show you how to do the moves.

1. Why Would You Want to Do Tae Kwon Do?
You've heard of Tae Kwon Do, but do you know why you'll be missing out on one of the most fun and beneficial activities ever devised by man if you don't do the Do?

2. Digging Up the Roots of the Do
History may have been boring in school, but if it's about a subject you're really interested in, it can be fascinating.

3. The Most Important Muscle: The One Between Your Ears
Tae Kwon Do is much more than just a physical activity. In fact, the most important part of the martial arts are actually mental.

4. Why Tae Kwon Do Beats Little League, Soaps, and Bingo
Nothing can build self-confidence, self discipline, and self-respect like Tae Kwon Do training. It is a great activity for soccer kids and soccer moms.

Part 2: Kick-Start Your Training

5. Finding the Right School
One look in the Yellow Pages and you'll be so confused you won't know where to start looking for a good martial arts school. Here are some practical guidelines.

6. The Big Welcome Mat
Before you sign up, there are a few things you should probably know about and be ready for.

7. Fright Night: Your First Class
Sure, your first step onto the workout floor is a big one, but it can be an exciting first step on the adventure of your lifetime.

8. Looking the Part: Your Uniform
Once you put on that uniform, you will look and feel like a warrior. But it's more than just a jacket, pants, and belt.

Part 3: Making the Moves

9. Black and Blue Are for Belts: Basic Safety
Although Tae Kwon Do is relatively safe, you should be aware of the possible pitfalls for yourself and others.

10. Getting Taken to the Principles
Every move in the martial arts has an underlying principle behind it, and it often isn't the one you might think.

11. Laying the Foundation
Standing up straight and defending yourself are the first things you will learn in Tae Kwon Do.

12. Striking Out on Your Own
"The hand is quicker than the eye" applies to most Tae Kwon Do hand techniques. You'll want to learn them the right way.

13. Just for Kicks
Kicking is the key to proper Tae Kwon Do. Your leg is a bigger and stronger weapon than your arm.

14. Formulas for Perfection
The artistic part of the martial arts are more than just dance-like steps. They train you for eventual combat.

Part 4: Putting It All Together

15. One Step to Practicality: One-Step Sparring
One-step sparring is the intermediate stage of training that takes you one step further than the patterns.

16. Ready, Set, Free-Spar!
Sparring is where the rubber meets the road. Find out how and why you want to be good at this important element of Tae Kwon Do.

17. Defending Your Territory: Self Defense
Most people sign up for the martial arts for reasons of self-defense—and for good reason. Tae Kwon Do can be the most effective means of defending yourself outside of getting a gun.

Part Five: Climbing the Ladder: Testing for Promotions

18. Cruising Down the Beltway
Moving through the ranks can be fun and rewarding. Learn how it is accomplished.

19. Your Life as a White Belt
White is the very beginning, but it won't be a quick ending if you know what to expect and how to act as a white belt.

20. The Truth About Black Belts
There are many myths as well as truths about the mysterious black-belt rank.

21. Testing...One, Two, Three
Test time is where you actually strut your stuff and show the judges if you are ready to move up the ladder.

22. Testing for the Big One
The Black-belt test is the most important one you'll ever take. You will remember this day for the rest of your life. Be ready.

Part Six: The Wide, Wide World of Competition

23. Be a Sport: An Intro to the World of Competition
Tae Kwon Do is only the second martial art to be accepted as an Olympic sport.

24. Rules of the Game
There are different rules for different types of competition. You have to be ready to make the adjustment.

25. T-Day: The Day of the Tournament
Game day is a big deal, whether you are in pee wee leagues or in the Olympics.

A. Associations and Federations
B. Publications and Sources
C. Glossary
Index