The book is an ideal reference book for Combat Hapkido students and instructors. GM Pellegrini's Combat Hapkido system is very well supported with a vast video reference library and many seminars around the world. What has been missing in print form though is a good overview of the system and the underlying principles. This book addresses that very well. The opening few chapters describe the core concepts for the system (applicable for any martial art as well) in a clear and easy to follow format. The remainder of book shows a selection of Combat Hapkido techniques from strikes to locks to throws. There is a wide range of categories and a few techniques for each one shown in excellent full color photography. Although the books shows a wide range of scenarios, unfortunately it overlooks a few of the additional Combat Hapkido modules that help to round out the art. Missing are sections on the Ground Survival Program, the Stick and Knife Program, The Anatomical Targeting Program, and the Cane Program. It would have been nice to at least have a few representative techniques shown. As far as the material shown though, it does not encompass the entire curriculum and the numbering of the techniques shown does not correspond to the video reference library at all. Another area that seems to be lacking is that there is not a lot of details provided as far as the history of the International Combat Hapkido Federation. I would have liked to see a more detailed biography of GM Pellegrini and of the other senior students who have build this into a worldwide art. These are minor quibbles though; the strength of this book is to provide an excellent overview of the art and the underlying principles of it. It does so in a great format - everything is well organized, well presented, and lavishly illustrated. This is a beautiful reference book. As such, I highly recommend that each Combat Hapkido school add a copy of this to their library. Individual instructors will find this a great resource for explaining concepts and individual students will find this a great reference. Students or instructors of other arts may find the material and system very enlightening and informative as well, but it really works best as a reference book for Combat Hapkido students and instructors.

Contents: Introduction

Chapter 1 - The case for self defense training

Chapter 2 - Brief history of Hapkido

Chapter 3 - Evolution into Combat Hapkido

Chapter 4 - Fundamental Principles and Concepts

Chapter 5 - Striking and Kicking

Chapter 6 - Closing the Gap with Trapping

Chapter 7 - Defense against Grabs and Chokes

Chapter 8 - Defense against Punches and Kicks

Chapter 9 - Defense against Weapons