The Lost Forms of Tang Soo Do: Hidden Treasures of the Korean Martial Arts

I consider myself well-educated on the history of general martial arts, especially Tang Soo Do/Soo Bahk Do as I have been practicing it for most of my life. This book piqued my interest as the study of the more obscure forms that never quite made it into our curriculum has been an interesting subject to me for quite some time. Master Myung Seok Seo was high ranking in Moo Duk Kwan for a period of time before disconnecting and forming his own group and, based on this book, changing even the most traditional forms quite drastically.The book covers 11 forms over 99 pages, packing several smaller photos onto each page. The written descriptions come from the author's class notebook, so some interesting terms are used for the techniques. Some are explained well, others are not. Clock directions are used instead of degrees (such as "turn to face 9 o'clock" as opposed to "turn ninety degrees left.") which is a bit confusing but unique nonetheless. Some of the classic traditional forms, such as Kong Sang Koon, Wang Shu, Ji On, and Sei Shan appear here (despite the description's promise that it will cover only "lost" forms) under different names and have been radically altered. Generally TSD forms resemble their original Japanese counterparts, but the versions of those forms here are nearly unrecognizable. Sy Cheatham, the author, and his senior student Glenn Miller demonstrate all forms, and some are more clearly photographed and demonstrated than others.Overall, if the history behind these forms had been discussed, or perhaps the origin behind them published, it would have provided some more info and made this book worthwhile, but I don't intend on keeping this book as it's not of much use even as a historical or supplemental reference. The concept was spectacular, but the execution and content was less so.

After over 40 years in Tang Soo Do and relationships with all the senior grandmasters I can mention this is a hoax. Besides the reviews from students of the authors providing five stars the content itself is apocryphal. No one who learned in the 40's or 50's says these forms were practiced. This is a way to rebrand a school for the purposes of profit and a to claim special knowledge. Please beware of people peddling fraudulent products like this. For a better understanding of historical Korean forms "A Killing Art: The Untold History of Tae Kwon Do" is much better. It's nor complimentary but it is accurate.

Thanks

The book is grossly overpriced and is not a good source for historical information on these forms. In fact...it is anything but. THis is compounded by the fact that unfortunately the lineage of the demonstrating school has a reputation for doing the hyung with poor execution in a slack manner. They often lack in line definition, balance, coordination, power generation and emission, and proper breath control. IT may be considered a fine primer among its own members but unfortunately their 'style' is so removed from the classical movements of Moo Duk Kwan as to be a separate entity of Tang Soo Do altogether. Were the price for this book to drop to say $5.00...then perhaps it would be a good buy (provided you could get free shipping). But even then, it would require a great deal of effort by an actual master of Tang Soo Do to correct the motions and return the form to a true classical performance. As to interpretation of these movement, please for God's sake do not rely on those of the Masters of the presenting school. You will have your butt handed to you in a real fight if you try them (that is if you can actually find yourself in some of the insane situations they often claim your are in as a situation for the use of the technique ***using a super deep squatting horse stance to double fist punch someone who is below you in a manhole??!! Really?!!***). You'd better spend your money on a book about 'Kirk Fu - The Martial Art of the Captain of the Starship Enterprize'. At least the techniques would be more practical (because you never know when you will need to double karate chop a Gorn).

Grandmaster Sylvester Cheatham has released a "treasure trove" of Tang Soo Do knowledge passed on to him from his teacher Grandmaster Myung Seok Seo, President and Founder of the International Moo Duck Hwoi Association. The book does not include the standard forms such as Bassahee, Nai Ahn Chi and Ro Hai; but rather covers lesser known, more exotic forms such as Sim Pa, Sae Pae, Tae Pyung and Sam Jin. The subtitle of the book is aptly named "Hidden Treasures of the Korean Martial Arts." The book covers 11 forms from first to second dan midnight blue belt. I highly recommend this volume for martial artists of all styles and look forward to the second volume that will cover third through fifth dan.

The Lost Forms of Tang Soo Do-Hidden Treasures of the Korean Martial Arts is an outstanding book. This book reveals some great information for all martial artist. The least taught forms of the Korean system ready will enhance your knowledge of traditional arts. This book is fantastic reference book and the fact that Grandmaster Sy Cheatham, is sharing his knowledge and over 40 years of experience is just amazing. As a fellow martial artist myself I am always looking to learn more and I have over 35 years in the martial arts.Best Regards,Zurriane Bennett,Chief InstructorSYBCG School of Self DefenseKarate - Jujutsu - Self Defense[...]

This book has a different view, (and different steps) from your normal Tang Soo Do school-taught view.The lineage of GM Cheatham includes tuition by GM Myung Seok Seo and GM Seo's forms are different from most schools. If you bought this book hoping to perform these forms in your own school then that is not going to work, but if you have an interest in the history of the art or are a collector or just generally like to view other hyungs/forms then it is an interesting book in it's own right.The forms are set out well, and described well.I find it interesting for what it is - another view of the art.