Song Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do - History and Hyung Reference

In this review of Song Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do the reviewer finds a focused, scholarly resource for students and historians of Korean martial arts. The book is best for readers who want an authoritative account of the Song Moo Kwan lineage and a practical reference for the Hyung, Kata and Poomsae the school used; its depth of historical context and conversion tables is the single biggest reason to buy. The tone is academic but accessible, and the substantial bibliography and glossary make it valuable for continued study.

Key Features

• Historical narrative: A clear account of the creation and evolution of the first Korean Kwan, placing Song Moo Kwan in the post World War II martial arts landscape.
• Comprehensive lists: Full lists of the Hyungs and Poomsae taught in Kong Soo Do, Tang Soo Do and Tae Kwon Do provide a single-source reference for practitioners.
• Hyung to Kata conversion: Conversion tables help readers trace forms between Korean and Okinawan/Japanese traditions for comparative practice.
• Terminology guide: Discussions on Song Moo Kwan Korean-to-English terminology clarify language and naming used in dojangs and manuals.
• Practical dojang content: Coverage of dojang conduct and color belt promotional requirements offers guidance for schools and students.
• Research support: An 80+ item bibliography, glossary and index make the book a useful starting point for deeper research.

Who It's For

This book serves martial arts historians, instructors and advanced students who want a focused study of one of Korea's foundational kwan and a practical cross-reference of forms. Practitioners seeking to understand the lineage, terminology and how Song Moo Kwan related to other styles will find the material directly useful.

Readers looking for a modern training manual full of step-by-step photos or a beginner's how-to guide should look elsewhere; this is not a picture-heavy technique workbook but rather a historical and referential text that assumes interest in context and comparison.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Detailed history gives context to the Song Moo Kwan's founding and place among Korean kwan.
• Extensive lists and a Hyung-to-Kata conversion table make it a practical cross-referencing tool for instructors.
• Large bibliography and glossary support further research and clarify terminology.

Cons

• Not a photo-rich, step-by-step training manual, so beginners wanting visual technique instruction may find it limited.

Specifications

Title	Song Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do
Author	Len Losik Ph.D
Subject focus	History and evolution of Song Moo Kwan
Content highlights	Lists of Hyung, Poomsae, conversion tables, glossary
Research material	80+ item bibliography and extensive index
Practical topics	Dojang conduct and belt promotion requirements

Our Verdict

Song Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do is a well-documented, value-rich resource for those who study or teach Korean martial arts and need reliable historical context and cross-referencing of forms. It is particularly good for instructors and advanced students who want to connect Song Moo Kwan practice to broader Kong Soo Do, Tang Soo Do and Tae Kwon Do lineages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book include lists of the specific Hyung used?
Yes, it includes lists and definitions of the Hyung, Kata and Poomsae the Song Moo Kwan used.

Is there guidance for dojang conduct and belt promotions?
Yes, the book covers dojang conduct and color belt promotional requirements and philosophy.

Is this a step-by-step training manual with many photos?
No, it is primarily historical and referential rather than a photo-heavy technique workbook.