Product Description
An inspiring sports memoir from the family who captured America's heart at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The Lopez family set new records at the Beijing Olympics with three siblings on the same U.S. taekwondo team-and a fourth sibling as their coach. Mark took the silver medal, and Steven and Diana both brought home the bronze, with big brother Jean coaching them to victory. Here, for the first time, is the inspiring story of a family united behind a dream.

In 1972 Julio Lopez and his wife Ondina emigrated from Nicaragua, hoping for a better life for their family in America. In an atmosphere of love, support, mutual respect, and healthy competition, their children trained hard in taekwondo, daring to dream they might reach the pinnacle of their athletic field in the Olympics. Told in turn by Steven, Mark, Diana, and Jean, this is the incredible story of how one close-knit family's boundless determination and rock-solid support system took them from their home in Texas to Olympic glory in Beijing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

If you are into Tae Kwon Do, this book is really interesting
This book details from the time the Lopez's started in Tae Kwon Do through competing in the 2008 games in Beijing. From the perspective of someone who is into Tae Kwon Do, I find everything from how they began their training in a garage through details of specific matches very interesting. Some very interesting stories about competing internationally after 911 also. Everything from TKD politics through strategies and details of specific matches and tournaments. If you like Tae Kwon Do, or any type of competitive martial art, I think you'll find this book very interesting.

AMERICA'S FIRST FAMILY of THE MARTIAL ARTS
If you're a fan of the martial arts and not just chop-sockey flicks,this is the book for you.The true story of America's first family of the martial arts.In 2000 and 2004 Steven Lopez won the Olympic gold medal in taekwondo.In 2008 he and his younger brother and sister ,Mark and Diana, all medalled.Mark took silver and Steven and Diana took bronze.Oh yeah,eldest brother Jean was the coach.This made the Lopez clan the first family to ever have four siblings on the same U.S.A Olympic delegation.This book tells their story in their own words.It's about their childhood in Texas(the children of Nicaraguan immigrants),their introduction to the martial arts(dad was a Chuck Norris fan)and of course their Olympic triumphs.This is a story as much about family as it is about athletic victories.And this is what makes this book worth reading.It's the story of real life good guys who win in real life. ... Read more

Product Description
The World Taekwondo Federation and The Taekwondo Educational Resource Center present this video featuring 8 legendary world champions detailing the history, concepts, and techniques of the disciplined sport. ... Read more

Product Description
Chapters: Olympic Taekwondo Practitioners of the Netherlands, Bas Rutten, Rodney Glunder, Dennis Bekkers. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 27. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt:Bas Rutten Sebastiaan "Bas" Rutten (born February 24, 1965) is a retired Dutch mixed martial artist (MMA) and kickboxer . He was the UFC Heavyweight Champion , a three time King of Pancrase world champion, and finished his career on a 22 fight unbeaten streak (21 wins, 1 draw). Rutten has beaten many MMA champions over the course of his career, including wins over UFC champions Frank Shamrock , Kevin Randleman , Guy Mezger and Maurice Smith , and wins over King of Pancrase world champions Masakatsu Funaki and Minoru Suzuki . He is currently the co-host of Inside MMA on HDNet .As a fighter, one of his favorite tactics was the liver shot (both punch and kick), and he popularized its use in MMA. Rutten is known for his charisma and has capitalized on his celebrity since retiring from fighting in 1999. He has worked as a color commentator in several MMA organizations, including Pride , and has appeared in numerous television shows, movies, and video games. He also coaches MMA and has authored several instructional materials.Early life Rutten was born in Tilburg , Netherlands and became interested in martial arts at the age of 11 after watching Enter the Dragon . His conservative parents didn't allow him to pursue it at first. He started to train boxing at the backyard of an elementary school friend. He eventually started to train in Tae Kwon Do . He was very committed and eventually earned a 2nd degree Black Belt . He then began learning Kyokushin Karate , and earned a 5th degree Black Belt.In high school, he was not big and strong and had a skin condition on his hands for which he was bullied occasionally. But years later he attended his high sch... ... Read more