Rating: 
Summary: Too simplistic, but OK for basics
Review: Some folks have accused this book of being too close to Tae Kwon Do; that's ok, because most Hapkido books I've seen look too much like aikijutsu, with limited attention to strikes. For the record, this book has a format similar to any Ohara Publications martial art book put out at the time. It starts with a history-philosophy section that isn't given hardly enough attention, then goes into some basic excersises, including deep breathing excersises and several stretch, push-up and sit-up variations. The most basic of strikes are then covered, and include the standard punch, backfist, knife-hand strikes, and elbows. The too-short blocking chapter is next, followed by kicks, both beginning and advanced. Then there are defenses shown against the punch and different types of kicks, which is OK in and of itself, followed by a self-defense chapter, where the only real locking techniques are shown. The last page shows where different pressure points are on the body, but it's just a grey silouette with black dots on it. The only person I'd recomend this book to is someone with little or no martial arts training, but then follow it with the warning to remember that these are only basic techniques, and not really the "art" of Hapkido.
Rating:
Summary: Certainly disappointed
Review: Some years ago I studied with Master Han at his Santa Monica studio. The discrepancy between my experience there and this book is unfortunately great. I cannot offer any explanation; perhaps there were extraneous variables at work in the publishing of this volume. In any case, Master Bong Soo Han is a great teacher and martial artist.
Rating: 
Summary: What this book really is
Review: The book shows very basic moves and a different history than what I've been taught. Some explanations are good but this is not a book that I would say shows everything someone would need to start learning Hapkido. The spirit of Hapkido is missing from this book.
Rating:
Summary: dissapointed
Review: this book doesnt even touch the basic elements of Hapkido a first reader would get the wrong idea that Hapkido is mainly a kicking art which it is not this art is very well rounded for anyone a very false impression is manifested here i know Master Han has a very ample array of amazing techniques to share which he sadly did not
Rating: 
Summary: Inadequate
Review: This book fails to capture the essence of Hapkido. In fact, it would take volumes of works to do that. I disagree, however, with other reviews that say that what is shown is TKD. The mechanics may be similar, but the philosophy behind the teaching is different and distinctly Hapkido. Still, I am unsatisfied with the book because it fails to convey the feeling of motion and adaptability that is inherent in the art.
Rating:
Summary: Inadequate
Review: This book fails to capture the essence of Hapkido. In fact, it would take volumes of works to do that. I disagree, however, with other reviews that say that what is shown is TKD. The mechanics may be similar, but the philosophy behind the teaching is different and distinctly Hapkido. Still, I am unsatisfied with the book because it fails to convey the feeling of motion and adaptability that is inherent in the art.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book on Hapkido
Review: This is a Great Book on Hapkido! Grandmaster Bong Soo Han is the Father of American Hapkido. Not only was this the first book published on this art, but it is full of techniques and understandings. There is no way that the true student of Traditional Hapkido would not love this book. What I like most about this book is that it does an excellent job of demonstrating the kicks of Hapkido and how they can be used in self defense. It also does a great job of demonstrating the self defense applications of Hapkido's hand and arm strikes. If you want Hapkido self defense, then read Master Scott Shaw's book on Hapkido. If you want kicks and hand strikes, this is the book for you. BUY THIS BOOK!
Rating:
Summary: Great Book on Hapkido
Review: This is a Great Book on Hapkido! Grandmaster Bong Soo Han is the Father of American Hapkido. Not only was this the first book published on this art, but it is full of techniques and understandings. There is no way that the true student of Traditional Hapkido would not love this book. What I like most about this book is that it does an excellent job of demonstrating the kicks of Hapkido and how they can be used in self defense. It also does a great job of demonstrating the self defense applications of Hapkido's hand and arm strikes. If you want Hapkido self defense, then read Master Scott Shaw's book on Hapkido. If you want kicks and hand strikes, this is the book for you. BUY THIS BOOK!
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