The Kwans of Tang Soo Do

Rating:
Summary: Poses many questions regarding Tang Soo Do
Review: I rated this book a 5 for possible informational value.
Learning TSD over 10 years it is nice to read a book actually about Tang Soo Do, there are very few.
Without spoiling the content, you will enjoy the history of the different kwons, the historical perspective of a Korea in turmoil, martail arts style marketing propaganda and some background on many hyungs.
Having said this: to add balance I must also state that no one really knows where each kwon came from or how many where actually lost, passed down without being a federation or just absorbed. My own instructors/Sensie taught Tang Soo Do here in Washington state 15 years before Tang Soo Do was officially recognized, and he wasnt in any of those kwons.
We dont pay dues to a federation and have heard many stories about the old days when all this name changing and federation stuff began.I also see many references to White Crane Fist Kung Fu (Does that still exist?) Perhaps I am just biased on a few things, but without doubt the book was very well written, research credited and a most enjoyable read for the price. I would really like Mr. Len Losik to contact me if he reads this review. great addition to your martial arts library wether into TSD or just korean martail arts.

Rating:
Summary: There is a sucker born every minute!
Review: If you buy this book...you'll fullfill the above colloquialism. This work had potential...but the material is often repeated from one chapter to the next and discrepancies do occur. It leaves a person feeling cheated. Some information is just plain wrong. Mr. Losik also refuses to list any sources for his information or identify facts from speculation. The plagarism of website sources is blatantly apparant.

I recommend you hang on to your hard earned cash.

Rating:
Summary: Caveat Emptor - Buyer Beware
Review: Mr Losik is not an expert on TangSooDo by his own admission:
Hi everyone, and thanks for your interest in my books. Beware as this is this author's attitude regarding credibility.

In response to requests to share my sources for information:

Today, I am an author and a book seller. My objective is to sell books. If I inform the martial arts community of my sources I use for any of the information I publish, then there will be far fewer of my books sold. That is the reason I do not give out my sources, it's bad for business.

I have never claimed to be an expert. In each of my books I put a disclaimer that I am not an expert just someone sharing his experience in research and his training.

If other people believe that they can be academic about Korean martial arts then they should persue their belief, I do not share in that belief at this time.

Best Regards,

__________________
Best Regards

Len Losik

Rating:
Summary: Regardless of past reviews, this book is a gift!
Review: There is so little information regarding the Kwans of Tang Soo Do and later, taekwondo. Most knowledge has been passed on orally or destroyed during the Japanese occupation and the ensuing Korean conflict. Thankfully, Mr. Losak has taked the time to famiarize the reader with the roots of our practice as well the personalities involved. I am author of the book Taekwondo: Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Warrior and intend to use Mr. Losak's information in a new book I am presently working on for YMAA of Boston. Thank you Mr. Losak for this fine piece of research. I just purchased my second copy for a friend!

Rating:
Summary: That sucker was me!
Review: This book is one of three I purchased by this author. There are no verifiable references in this book. It seems to contain what is standard and has been posted on the internet for the last few years. Your learning nothing new. Just type 'Tang Soo Do History' in Google and you will have all you need. I suspect the author of this book did the same!!! I am getting my money back.