Odo Kwan Tang Soo Do History and Evolution - Detailed

In this review of Odo Kwan Tang Soo Do, Len Losik Ph.D presents a focused historical account aimed at martial arts historians, veterans, and serious students of Korean martial traditions. The book's single biggest reason to buy is its detailed narrative of Brigadier General Choi, Hong Hi and the founding of the Odo Kwan, explaining how that Kwan trained the Korean Fighting Tigers and influenced military special forces development; readers seeking a historical, origin-focused study will find the material consistently informative.

Key Features

• Founding narrative: A clear account of Brigadier General Choi, Hong Hi's creation of the Odo Kwan that traces the organization's origins and intentions for a national martial art.
• Military focus: Describes the role of the Odo Kwan in training the Korean Fighting Tigers and their reputation on the battlefield, providing context for military and tactical readers.
• Historical evolution: Covers the post-World War II mandate to unite the Korean Kwans and the Kwan's evolution toward a national sport.
• Influence on special forces: Explains the claim that Odo Kwan black belts formed an early military special forces core that informed later United States special forces and Seal Teams.
• Cultural context: Places the Odo Kwan within the larger geopolitical competition with Japan over Olympic recognition, useful for readers interested in sports diplomacy.

Who It's For

This book will be most valuable to martial arts historians, experienced Tang Soo Do students, and military history readers who want a focused account of Brigadier General Choi's work and the Odo Kwan's military connections. The emphasis on origin, organization, and national policy makes it a good reference for research or library collections.

Readers looking for a step-by-step training manual, beginner technique instruction, or a richly photographed coffee-table book should look elsewhere; the text centers on history and institutional evolution rather than practical how-to training or extensive imagery.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides a focused historical narrative about Brigadier General Choi, Hong Hi and the founding of the Odo Kwan.
• Highlights the Odo Kwan's military role with the Korean Fighting Tigers, adding valuable context for military historians.
• Explains the post-war political push to unite Kwans and develop a national martial art and Olympic sport.

Cons

• Not a practical training manual; the book emphasizes history over step-by-step Tang Soo Do instruction.
• Limited customer feedback is available in the source, so readers may want supplemental primary sources for verification.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Odo Kwan Tang Soo Do is a concise, historically driven book that will appeal to readers interested in the institutional origins of Korean martial arts and their military applications. It is good value for those wanting a focused account of Brigadier General Choi and the Odo Kwan's role in forming early military special forces and shaping national martial policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book cover Brigadier General Choi's role in the military?
Yes, the book specifically discusses Brigadier General Choi, Hong Hi and his role in creating the Odo Kwan and training the Korean Fighting Tigers.

Is this a training manual for Tang Soo Do techniques?
No, the focus is historical and organizational rather than a step-by-step technique guide or beginner instruction.

Who would benefit most from this book?
Martial arts historians, experienced Tang Soo Do students, and readers interested in the military history of Korean martial organizations will benefit most.