The martial art of Taekwon-Do was initially developed by the Korean military in the 1950s and spread internationally with the formation of the International Taekwon-Do Federation [ITF] in 1966. Taekwon-Do has continued to develop and it is now one of the most popular martial arts, with some eight million students worldwide and perhaps best known for its spectacular kicking and power demonstrations. However, Taekwon-Do is first and foremost a modern, scientifically based martial art with a vast array of techniques. Core Taekwon-Do techniques are grouped together in twenty-four patterns [tul], each of which is a progressively more complex series of self-defence moves against one or more imaginary opponents, and which must be mastered by students as they advance through the Taekwon-Do grading system. This unique book is specifically designed to help guide Taekwon-Do students through the first nine patterns that take them up to 1st degree black belt grade. AUTHOR: Master Jim Hogan dominated the UK tournament scene in the 1980s, winning numerous national titles in all disciplines [sparring, patterns and destruction]. In 1984 he won a European title in sparring and then in 1990 won the prestigious Masters Cup in Stockholm. A highly sought-after teacher and coach since the early 1980s, Master Hogan has run numerous schools in the UK where he has coached many UK, European and World Champions. Master Hogan holds the rank of 7th degree black belt and runs Hogan's Institute of Taekwon-Do with clubs in London and Surrey where he continues to train and teach. Resident: Surrey 600 colour photos.