A Killing Art

The Untold History of Tae Kwon Doe

By: Alex Gillis

Narrated by: Ramon De Ocampo

Obscure documents, Korean-language books, and in-depth interviews with tae kwon do pioneers tell the tale of the origin of the most popular martial art. In 1938, tae kwon do began at the end of a poker game in a tiny village in a remote corner of what is now North Korea by Choi Hong-Hi, who began the martial art, and his nemesis, Kim Un-Yong, who developed the Olympic style and became one of the most powerful, controversial men in sports. The story follows Choi from the 1938 poker game where he fought for his life, through high-class geisha houses where the art was named, and into the Vietnam War where the martial art evolved into a killing art. The techniques cut across all realms – from the late 1960s when tae kwon do trained Korean CIA agents kidnapped people in the United States and Europe to the 1970s when Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and other Hollywood stars mastered the art’s new kicks. Tae kwon do is also a martial art for the 21st century, one of merciless techniques, indomitable men, and justice pumped on steroids.©2011 Alex Gillis (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Overall well written and researched.

The author is clearly in love with his art and, while not shying away from the ugly truths and foundation of lies in its history, he goes to some length to justify Why it's still worth living.
Overall a well written recent historical work.
Well done.

Actual History

I enjoyed this book and it's even-handed approach to an incredibly convoluted topic. In a lottery world overwhelmed by books on a martial art from Brazil, it's refreshing to see a book about the people who brought martial arts to the world

Great Story well read!

Great story! Narrates well! when is the movie coming out? i am just getting into TWK. A good intro to the history of the sport.

Interesting History of Taekwondo

I have been practicing taekwondo for many years and was recommended this book. At first was a little taken back by the actual history that I did not know as well. My instructor has gone over the main points and the ancient history, but this book tells the story of more modern history and creation of Taekwondo. After finishing I found myself enjoying this book quite a bit. It wasn't what I was expecting but very good insights into the founders of taekwondo and the masters that shaped Taekwondo for the world.

This book deserves a movie

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There's all kinds of myth about the founding of Tae Kwon Do and the effect that ITF and WTF have now. If you want the underbelly, with lots of documentation, this is your book. You'll be going to resources again and again to supply some historical background for the events described, and you will read it again and again.

Amazing book for Tae Kwon Do history!

Very engaging and hard to stop listening to. It is very well written and the reader does a great job! This is one of the best books I’ve listen too! The incredibly in depth (and perhaps unknown) history of Tae Kwon Do in this book is the best I’ve seen!

Absolutely awesome!

The historical value of this book to all practitioners of ANY branch of Taekwondo cannot be under-stated!

You have to know the past to understand the present.

New to TaeKwon Do, this is a great book to learn and understand the history behind this wonderful martial art.

Eye opener

Great book that takes you to the life and dreams of tkd grand masters. As a 14 year practitioner of ITF, there was a LOT of pieces of the history of the art that was missing. 10/10 would recommend to anyone interested in the martial art.

good story

I liked this book. was a very interesting story. I think it is a important reminder that all people are flawed regardless of what they have accomplished.