Ch'ang Hon Taekwon-do Hae Sul
Real Applications To The ITF Patterns       Vol: 1

The new book by Stuart Anslow
Read the Forewords via the Table Of Content link
What readers think of the book?
"The most important book published on TKD since the encyclopaedia. Absolutely superb, not just an encyclopaedia clone as most TKD books tend to be. This is truly thought provoking, insightful, informative and inspirational. A remarkable work which all TKD instructors should own. Destined to become an absolute classic, truly the missing link! The only possible improvement would be a hard back version. Buy it now you wont regret it." - John Dowling, III, ITF (Puma), Instructor

"I received the book and I have read most of it...I'm impressed!!!!! the book is just amazing. Excellent book!!!!! it is difficult to describe how good this book is... it is just great!!!!!!"
- Francisco S González, Mexico

"Loved it! Nice to read something ‘new’ on Taekwon-do. Well done. Now pick up the pen/ keyboard and get writing the next edition. Please!" -
David Farrell-Shaw, V, ITF

"Content looks very good, so much more than just a book on pattern applications. The photography is detailed and very clear, I'm impressed with how easy to follow much of it is and that you've illustrated virtually everything. The layout also flows well, aiding clarity (I've done some layout work for printed publications myself and know how hard that can be)."
-
Paul Mitchell, II - Taekwon-do Instructor, (TAGB)

"I have recieved the book safe and sound. It is really great I have only got about 1/4 the way through but already has brilliant references, explainations and very interesting applications."  - Dave Horton, I - GTUK Assistant Instructor (ITF)

"I give the book a A! Layout is top notch.  The content and areas covered is very through, I like that is covers traditional side from all angles and you cover some other non-traditional angles as well.  You really took our style to the next level." - Rob Benedetto, Dragon Star Martial Arts, USA

"I got the book yesterday and it is a VERY good book. I was amazed at how much I didn't know about Taekwondo forms. I'm very glad and thankful you wrote this book."
- Thomas Joo, USA

"Thanks the book has arrived just read the first 3 chapters I think that this book should go to hardback as already I see it as a very good tool for help in understanding what the patterns are for I would buy a hardback copy to put alongside my Encyclopaedia. Cant wait for the follow up volumes. Keep up the good work on behalf of all who train in tae kwon do thanks. - Chris Hind, UK

"I have not read the book front to back yet. However, I have it in my school for all to look at / order. I have spent a few hours reading many parts because when I was skimming through it, I found those areas so interesting and refreshing that I stop and try the applications myself. It has helped me view things quite differently and so broad are the techniques, they have given me some ideas for my Hapkido classes. I do not own very many martial arts books, but I can tell you that their is something I see in this book that you don't see in many books - PASSION! STRONGLY Recommended reading (and applying - no pun intended)!"
- David Melton, 4th Dan Master Instructor, Virginia Martial Arts, USA

"Sir, Your book arrived today safe & sound in 1 piece. Like the TKD geek I am, I couldn't put it down. In fact it is putting so far behind schedule.  In one word: OUTSTANDING!  Thanks again!"
- Master George Vitale, USA
Bloggs and Reviews

MAP review
by Paul Mitchell, II

Review
by David Farrell-Shaw, V

"I cannot recommend this book more highly for any TKD practitioner. If offers thoughtful and logical views on the methodology behind the pattern applications which has been long overlooked along with the very interesting historical background. The fact the book is also an on-going reference manual, make it an excellent investment." - Neil Harrison, UK

"This book is essential for everyone who want to understand the different moves in patterns. This does not only apply for TKD practitioners but also for further study of bunkai in Karate. The language used is easy for everyone who's native language isn't english. The only thing I could wish was a bit larger photos for some of the movements."
- Tore Eggan, Norway

"This book is a great resource for any instructor or student who has ever asked or been asked... "What if this technique is used?" or "What is this technique used for?"  Although the book focuses on the ITF patterns one does not have to be a practitioner in my option to get value of the self-defense applications illustrated by Mr. Anslow.  A definate must have in any school or personal library."
- Louie Conceicao, USA

"This is one of the best if not "THE" best books on Tae Kwon Do application that I have ever read, trust me I have read alot. My personal collection at home of various martial arts books is around 85 to 100 or so, not much for some but alot for me.
I have read Karate "Bunkai" books before that were done very well, but still do not compare to the dedication and passion evident in this text by Stuart. I would and do recommend this book to anyone from any Tae Kwon Do or Karate system or sub-system. No matter what style you do this book will inform and educate you from the most basic to the most advanced level. Take the time to try to absorb the philosophical aspects of the book evident in the way Stuart writes. His love for his art and passion for all martial arts are very apparent in the style of writing and the effortless way his words come across in the translation. With all of my humble experience and so-called "expertise" I sincerely endorse this book to all martial artists.
Read and enjoy !!!"
- Tim Posynick, 4th Dan,  Instructor of North Valley Martial Arts, Canada

"After reviewing this book on Tae Kwon Do I feel that Stuart Anslow is one of the most knowledgeable TKD artist I know. His insight is well taken, and his thought process seem to fit every movement in the book. Not only from the history of Tae Kwon Do, but to the real sense of how things are suppose to work in Tae Kwon Do. I find it a refreshing Martial Arts book with very open points of view, and a realistic approach to his art form."
- Tim White 8th dan, Director of Molum Combat Arts Assn.

"I have quite a big library on Taekwondo, including a number of titles describing the patterns. To be honest - may of them really dissapointed me, being just better or worse clones of the Encyclopaedia. Series of pictures with the pattern movements - either photos or drawings, Short descriptions of the philosophy behind each of them. All looking the same, none bringing some new information. The first impression after getting Stuart's book was:
"finally something new and refreshing!". Seriously, I don't know any other title on TKD patterns written in the last years with such a wealth of new information. To me, it's like the missing volume in General Choi's Encyclopaedia. It doesn't really matter whether you like the application presented or not - the number of the applications allows you to choose the ones that suit you best, or will at least make you think about modifying them for your needs. The historical articles about each pattern are also excellent. Written in an easy to read, down-to-earth way, this book is a reader's favourite. The funniest thing is the fact, that I'm definitely a freestyler and the patterns do not have that much place in our classes. Yet, I can't wait for volume two to see the application of the higher Tuls. It's really a pioneering book in the world of ITF TKD. I feel that every serious TKD instructor should have a copy - even if s/he won't teach the applications presented, it will give him/her a different and new look on the Tuls. Highly recommended!"
- Piotr Bernat, Instructor, Poland

"I have practiced martial arts for 23 years, have exposure to three main styles, and am graded as a 4th degree BB. I currently practice traditional Taekwondo, and have for the past few years been researching and writing my own TKD bunkai book. Stuart Anslow's book is THE BEST taekwondo book available on the market. The book goes through history and background of each pattern, pattern sequences, applications and variations. Though there are some typos, the information is presented clearly. Another plus is the book is written in such
"Just like to say what a fantasic book, which has changed the way I teach TaeKwon-Do forever"
- Mr Jon Tizick IV, UK

"Sir, my compliments on a great book. Chang Hon Taekwondo Hae Sul is a truly excellent piece of work. My instructors have given me the basics but you have opened my eyes."
- John Schafer, USA

" I wanted to write to thank you for taking the time and effort to research, write, and put together the book, Ch'ang Hon Taekwon-Do Hae Sul. ITF stylists and ITF offshoot stylists have needed a book such as this for a long time. What little I could find on Chang Hon Tuls was usually little better than the encyclopedia...that is until I saw your book. While I have not finished it yet, you seem to have a great understanding for the applications. I will likely add this to the required reading of my advanced students and recommend it to my instructor. In spite of the fact that I come from a mixed style (primarily ITF TKD, with strong influences of Tang Soo Do and Isshin Ryu) your book still is of great help in deciphering the Chang Hon forms (which we use, pretty much exclusively)."

- David H. Henry, Head InstructorWestern Masters Karate, Martinsburg, WV, USA

"Congratulations Stuart on something which will be of value to all ITF stylists . Its good to see people that are trying to make things progress without the official sanction of the ITF but purely for the enjoyment of what they are doing. .I received the book yesterday and am impressed with all your hard work"-
Dave Anderson, Instructor, UK

"I received it today and went through it fast. I liked it very much. Took it to the dojang and nearly lost it to a group of BB going through it. I found it to be much more informative then any form book (TKD) that I have. I always have to know why I am doing something rather than just doing it. I have one problem: I am working through Toi Gye now, so when exactly will part two be coming out?"
- McmillinTKD, USA

"Great book - lots of thought provoking stuff. I will be using some of the explanations, some we have done for years but never explained as clearly as you have Stuart. Strongly recommend Instructors get a copy !"
- Rick Steel, Instructor, UK
Book of the Month
- click to read review -
PUMA Review
Taekwondo Times
Mini Review
a way that you feel like you were standing in Stuart's training session - it's written in such a personable manner. The applications are practical and well thought out. I have not seen such breadth nor insight coming from any other ITF TKD instructor. In fact I have not seen a collection of such solid apps in any other martial arts book (and I have quite a lot). Given my research over the last few years into TKD bunkai, I know for a fact that there is a major dearth of such information for the traditional and ITF TKD world. Publication of this book fills this hole and I think the book will be a profound toolkit for any serious practitioner or instructor of TKD. I have been acquainted with Stuart since 2003, and I know for a fact that this guy literally pours his heart into his martial arts school, his training, and now this book. Stuart upholds many of the values that small independant schools and traditional stylists hold dear - and I applaude him for putting the extra effort into improving the resources availalbe for martial artists everywhere."
- Colin Wee Chief Instructor, Hikaru Ryu Gendai Budo (Perth, Western Australia)

"The second recommended book in this newsletter is “Ch’ang Hon Taekwon-do Hae Sul: Real Applications to The ITF Patterns” by Stuart Anslow. I was lucky enough to see the manuscript prior to publication and to make a small contribution to what is certain to be a hugely popular book. The first thing that strikes you about the book is just how much work has gone into it!
There is an ever growing number of great publications available that detail the application of the karate kata. However, there is far less information available for the Taekwondo practitioner. This has meant that Taekwondo practitioners – who wished to study the application of their forms – often had to extrapolate applications for their forms from the common motions contained within the karate kata; and whilst the two arts have some common ground (Shotokan Karate having a strong influence on modern Taekwondo) this is obviously not ideal. The good news is that Stuart Anslow’s new book deals specifically with the Taekwondo forms and shares his research and approach to giving them pragmatic meaning."

- Iain Abernethy from his June News Letter

"I bought this book a couple of weeks ago based on Iain's recommendation in the post above. I have to say it was a fantastic read. The time spent on research for this book is very evident from the first page to the last. Well illustrated, multiple applications for the different moves in the patterns. The patterns are all preceded by a breif history of the figures in Korean history they are named after. Great description of the history of TKD and the fusion of the different arts that led to Taekwon Do.
TKD was my first intro into martial arts as a kid. I have to say that when it came to kicking and power generation it was always an excellent art. IMHO though lack of emphasis on self defense and over emphasis on competition changed the perception of the art from a highly practical fighting art (it must have been for the Korean army to use it so efectively) to .. well a sport. Still lots of benefits to the practitioner no doubt, but self defense would not be one of them. In street self-defense it all happens close up, conversation range - or closer if, you didn't see it coming early! Stuart shows TKD has the techniques to cope with all ranges required for street self-defense effectively. It is there, if you look, and it would be a real shame not to make these techniques and their applicatons the core of TKD training. The descriptions of how Stuart incorporates these patterns and fighting at different ranges in his school will I think get a lot of TKD instructors thinking. Viva la revolución!"

- Post by Aasim from Iain Abernethys forum

"I got the book and its a gold mine. It is very in depth and alot of effort has gone into it and it shows.
Maximum respect."
- Quote from matxtx from Fighting Arts Forum

"IMP this book should be given to all new ITF black belts along with their degree certificate. This volume allows the practitioner to progress from the current 'primary school' applications to a 'secondary / high school' way of thinking. It also a couple of minor references to possible further areas of study at 'university level' for those that want to research further into TCM pressure points / Dim Mak / cycle of destruction etc. However this is not a book on Dim Mak but rather the practical applications of learned TKD movements to attack vital areas of the body using the hidden blocks,stikes,joint locks and throwing techniques contained within the patterns.  I am thoroghly enjoying the book and recommend it to the higher TKD coloured belts and black belts who are well versed in the ' primary school' applications.
" - Quote from Doc from Fighting Arts Forum

"I wanted to write to thank you for taking the time and effort to research, write, and put together the book, Ch'ang Hon Taekwon-Do Hae Sul. ITF stylists and ITF offshoot stylists have needed a book such as this for a long time. I can recall as a colored belt wondering what all the moves in the forms are actually doing and finally, your book helps to answer some of the still lingering questions. My first instructor (I started as an okinawan style karate student) said that techniques were hidden in the katas, and showed some (though usually to the more advanced ranked students) though he closed his school and I switched to an ITF TKD based style. My instructor knew more of the encyclopedia based meanings for the moves of the patterns. I earned my 1st Dan and had to move a few hours from my instructor so I was left somewhat on my own. I have since continued my search for the applications to the Chang Hon forms, as well as their origins and almost everything I have been able to find was on Karate Katas and their bunkai. What little I could find on Chang Hon Tuls was usually little better than the encyclopedia...that is until I saw your book. While I have not finished it yet, you seem to have a great understanding for the applications. I will likely add this to the required reading of my advanced students and recommend it to my instructor. In spite of the fact that I come from a mixed style (primarily ITF TKD, with strong influences of Tang Soo Do and Isshin Ryu) your book still is of great help in deciphering the Chang Hon forms (which we use, pretty much exclusively). Again, I say thank you for all the effort that went into Ch'ang Hon Taekwon-Do Hae Sul  and I am very much looking forward to volume II. Keep up the good work and hope to pick up a second volume whenever you get around to it."
- David H. Henry, Head Instructor, Western Masters Karate, Martinsburg, WV, USA