Warwick book store hosts taekwondo book signing

WARWICK — Tom Roberts, owner of Ye Olde Warwick Book Shoppe, located at 31 Main Street in Warwick, recently hosted an evening of taekwondo, the national Korean martial art, if not physically, then academically, in the form of a standing-room-only book signing event.

On hand to discuss the contents and benefits of their newly-released book, "Taekwondo Black Belt Poomsae: Original Koryo & Koryo," were authors Grandmaster Richard Chun and Warwick resident and school owner Master Doug Cook. Co-written by these two martial artists, the work focuses on taekwondo exercises known in Korean as poomsae in conjunction with the history and philosophy of the art.

Poomsae represent sequences of choreographed techniques aimed at defeating imaginary opponents approaching from various directions. Similar to their counterparts in tai chi, poomsae are said to imbue self-defense tactics in those who practice them in earnest and embody the method transmitted from master to disciples over the centuries.

With five additional books to his credit, 9th degree black belt Chun is best known for his school in New York City and for his participation in establishing taekwondo as an Olympic sport. Likewise, 6th degree black belt Cook owns and operates the Chosun Taekwondo Academy located at 62 Main Street in Warwick and is an award-winning author with four best-selling books available worldwide.

Books by both authors may be purchased locally, at major booksellers or through the Internet. For more information, call 845-986-2288, or visit the Chosun Taekwondo Academy Web site at www.chosuntkd.com.