Technical Manual of Tae Kwon Do Training
- Table of Contents -
2. The Christian Approach of Tae
Kwon Do
3. The Philosophy of Tae Kwon Do
4. Instruction
of Tae Kwon Do
5. The Purpose of a Technical Manuel
6. Use of Body Parts for Attack and Defense
7. Principle of Motions in Tae Kwon Do
10. Stances
11. Basic motions
12. Poomse (Forms)
13. Self-Defense
14. Combination hand techniques
15. Combination of kicks (old note)
16. Demonstration
17. Promotions & Retest & Make-up Test
18. Description of Kicks and Checking Points of Self-Improvement and Self- identifying Skills
19. Class design
20. Training
Schedule
21. Personal Basic Routine Training (daily)
22. Advanced Routine Training for Competitor
23. Method of Training
24. Injury
25. Vital Areas
26. Etiquette
27. Use of the Bag
28. Competition Rules and Interpretation
(APPENDIXES)
Use of Body Parts
Stretches
Self-Defense
Vital Points
Use of Bag
Competition Rules and Interpretation
1. The History of Tae Kwon Do
It could be said that the
primitive features of Tae Kwon Do had been formed since man had first learned
to protect himself. This form of
self-defense became such an essential part of daily life; it was gradually
streamlined and organized into a unique and powerfully efficient weapon.
In the
process of developing Tae Kwon Do, a new understanding of the physical and
mental potential of the human body was discovered. Through experimentation and experience, this skill of unarmed
combat became what it is today – a technically and scientifically formed
martial art.
Before the
birth of Christ, three kingdoms - Korguro,
Baek-Je, and Silla - divided the peninsula now known as
Korea. In each of these kingdoms,
sophisticated skills and techniques of Su
Bak or Kwon Bup(later
known as Taek Kyun, a predecessor
of Tae Kwon Do) was a basic component of military training for soldiers.
Some of the
earliest known features of Tae Kwon Do are found in murals in the royal tombs
of Kakjeochong and Mooyongchong during the Korguro period. These murals clearly show physical combat, fighting stances, and
skills closely resembling the present state of Tae Kwon Do. From this, we can see that Tae Kwon Do was a
highly respected sport among the people at this time.
There is
also documentary evidence of the martial art spirit in Baek-Je.
In this era, the government encouraged the sport of Tae Kwon Do. Not only had the military train their
soldiers in martial arts, archery, and horseback riding, the general populace
were also warriors who excelled in marital arts.
The temples
and shrines during the Silla Dynasty produced many stone engravings depicting a
variety of Tae Kwon Do forms. During
the reign of Chin Heung, Korean culture and martial arts rose and flourished to
new heights. Silla at the time was a
weak and tiny kingdom, constantly harassed and threatened by its powerful
neighbors, Korguro and Baek-Je.
However, Silla did not stir and in result, became a national character
of strength and integrity that lasted for 992 years.
At the same
time, the most outstanding contribution to the development the martial arts
emanated from an elite officer corps named Hwa
Rang Do – A military and social organization for noble youths formed
by king Chin Heung. The Hwa Rang Do was
well trained not only in the usual sports of archery, targeting, and
horsemanship, but also in mental and physical discipline and many forms of
hand-to-hand combat. Through their
unrelenting efforts to conquer turbulent rivers and rugged terrain, these
groups of young knights grew strong and fearless. Their merciless strife to defend their country and refinement of
their souls became well known throughout the peninsula. Their victories helped kingdoms for the
first time in the Korean peninsula.
The Koryo
dynasty (935 A.D. – 1392 A.D.) further popularized the study of unarmed combat.
It was during these periods that the
martial adopted into the Yi Ear (1932 A.D. – 1910 A.D.). However, a strong anti-military sentiment
soon pervaded among the ruling classes and Taek Kyon was openly
contradicted. By the end of the Yi
Dynasty, the martial arts appeared to have lost all traces of their original
vigorousness and livings during of the period of Civil Enlightenment.
For several decades after
the turn of the 20th century, the Japanese occupation of Korea
forbids the practice of any form of martial arts. The arts were passed only to
a small number of students in secrecy and kept alive by dedicated supporters
such as Song Kuk Ki and Han Il Dong.
After Korea
was liberated in 1945, many Do Jangs (martial art institutes) sprang forth,
each announcing its presence with its own particular standard of style and
method. It was nevertheless the dawning
of a new ear of the ancient art of Taek Kyon.
Its revival in various forms can only explain that it has successfully
remained deeply implanted in the fabric of Korean society, to be able to flower
and blossom once again to its full colors.
A decade later,
Tae Kwon Do was selected as the new name of the national martial art.
The name resembles the old name of Tae Kyon and it perfectly describes
the art (Do) of hand (Kwon) and foot (Tae). Tae Kwon Do was accepted as an
Olympic event since 1996.
2. The Christian Approach of Tae Kwon Do
What does the Bible say
about the developing and training the human body?
The Bible says that we are God’s temples and God’s
Spirit lives in us. If we separate the
Holy Spirit and our body, are our bodies worthless?
Paul says, “For physical training is of some
value…" and “I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot
inherit the kingdom of God...".
These passages reveal negative opinions regarding training of human
body. Is training of human body a
stumbling stone for development of spirituality? I describe Tae Kwon Do as a useful tool for developing a sound
Christian spirit. The Bible requires
that we should manage our bodies carefully.
Christians have gifts from God included their bodies, and as stewards of
God, we should manage our gifts very well.
In Genesis 1:28, God gave us control of his creatures and a cultural
commends to multiply and increase in number.
This passage also includes the importance of a healthy human body. Training our bodies belong in this
category. All kinds of sports can also
relate to this. Keeping a healthy body is not the goal of a Christian, although
the Christian body does have a relevant role in our spiritual life. As a responsible Christian, we should avoid
dangerous activities that threaten the value of our life. As Christians, we are to judge, discern, and
behavior correctly to take charge the responsibility as a steward of God.
3. The Philosophy of Tae Kwon Do
Tae Kwon Do is a unique
product of its time and the place of development, evolving in a frequently
varying environment. This art was
developed and polished throughout the long history of Korea, therefore becoming
like no other martial art in the world.
The environment and
development of Tae Kwon Do was not shaped merely by physical competition, but
spiritually as well as physically.
Every master, whether or not he is remembered today, has brought his own
skills and perspective into what has become Tae Kwon Do. This process has brought a spiritual
evolution of the art. The evolution
continues, changing to meet modern conditions and demands. Yet it continues to build on its ancient and
revered foundation.
Modern Tae Kwon Do has a
meaning of individual freedom and expression.
When it is practiced properly it purifies the spirit, trains the muscles
and the mind. It enables one to focus
without restriction and concentrate on the natural movement of the body and the
regulation of breathing patterns. This
builds character and leads to a love for humanity and a desire for peace.
To the unskilled, Tae
Kwon Do may appear to be an aggressive form of art. This misconception is understood, since it is a martial art. Its techniques are designed to maim or even
kill an opponent. Blows with the hands,
feet elbows – even the head-can break bones, boards, roof tiles, and stones. Clearly, this would not seem as a peaceful
art!
Yet it is a peaceful art,
an irony expressing the theory of Ying and Yang: eternal duality, which exists
within nature. Tae Kwon Do teaches to
live in harmony with nature, in oneness with the Earth and the Universe. It helps one become acutely sensitive and
aware of the aspects and forces of nature.
In Korea, students of Tae Kwon Do will go near a waterfall or a calm
lake and purge their bodies and souls, emerging with a clean, clear heart. In this way, they aspire to become
comparable to water, for it possesses a tremendous life generating as well as
one of destruction. Yet it is beautiful
and reassuring when you see water in a gentle stream, flowing around the rocks
in its path.
The simplicity of this
philosophy is profound and subtle. It
develops modesty and serenity without vulgar pride or arrogance. It builds the nobility of a character:
self-restraint and courage, as well as a sense of alertness and vigilance.
It is possible to gain
skills and techniques without building character, but when you meet an opponent
who possesses a hard, pure spirit with a strong moral fiber, which gives him
supreme confidence, your technique will be useless.
A story is told of a
master swordsmith whose technique in making blades was excellent, but if the
wielder's spirit was weak the weakness came out in combat. In this case, they would start bloody fights
where both they and their opponent would be killed or badly hurt.
One warrior,
on receiving one of these swords, decided to test it before he used it. He placed the blade in a swiftly flowing
stream where the autumn leaves were floating.
Every time the blade touched a leaf, the leaf was cleanly sliced in two.
Another
warrior tried the same test with a different blade that was made by the great
swordsmith, a man of great spiritual power.
The fearful leaves avoided the blade.
Tae Kwon Do demands
sacrifice, self-restraint, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness, and love
for one another in human relationships.
Like many religions, Tae Kwon Do teaches you to prevent and not inflict
pain and suffering. It is up to you to
learn to control a hot temper and to develop a reserve that leaves you
indifferent to ones that abuse others, although you can destroy them if you
choose to.
A victory
through dishonor is despised in Tae Kwon Do.
One must fight honorably or be dishonored. The ultimate good lies not in winning a hundred battles, but
overcoming a man or an army without a conflict.
Tae Kwon Do
has been described as a state of mind.
It goes far beyond physical speed, strength, and grace. It is a way of life. In its simplest sense, Tae Kwon Do is doing
anything perfectly, without ego, and in harmony with the Universe. There are three goals in achieving this:
1.
Achieving
a concentration of power
2.
Realizing
one’s own true nature (this is the real meaning of enlightenment)
3.
Achieving
the realization of the truth of enlightenment in everyday life.
These goals
are achieved through meditation or positive training of the mind. Enlightenment does not come easily. Even the ancient Zen masters spent as many
as twenty years trying to achieve it.
(Although there is a tradition that the great Zen master Shakkyo
achieved it in a single hour!)
One of Tae
Kwon Do’s most important principles is reverence for all forms of life. The power we learn is awesome, and it
carries with it a tremendous amount of responsibility, which cannot be taken
lightly. Remember, if you harm someone,
you will have to answer for it-and live with what you have done.
Tae Kwon
Do’s rule is to use as little force as necessary to subdue an assailant,
defeating him with minimal damage to his body.
A human being is not a punching bag.
4. Instruction of Tae Kwon Do
1) The Meaning of Instruction
The objective of
instructing Tae Kwon Do is to make students understand and learn the elements
of Tae Kwon Do. In short, the
instruction Tae Kwon Do is to teach and transfer the techniques and movements
correctly, which is more than just teaching, although it still implies more
education purposes. The instructor
should consider the development of not only physical areas, but also mental and
spiritual areas for an ideal instruction.
2) The Principle
of Instruction
The instruction of
Tae Kwon Do does not only teach techniques physically and theoretically, but
also to help one apply that knowledge in teaching others. In order to succeed in instruction,
following things should be considered by practitioner;
(a)
The
Principle of Consciousness
The practitioner
should aware what and why they are learning.
If they only mimic senior belts, they will not gain effective training
results. According to their reason and
goal, they need to make an appropriate plan for the best outcome. Compulsive
training brings out the least output.
In order for a student to participate in voluntarily training, the instructor
should motivate them with an assignment and goal.
(b)
The
Principle of Gradual Progress
There is little
wonder when injuries occur when the person increases their practice to an
overwhelming quantity. But, if same
load of practice were repeated, it also will have no or less effect. The amount of practice should gradually
increase according to the ability of the body.
You can increase the rate that you practice or acquire the skills of
accuracy in your motions. Everyone has
different body characteristics, thus practice schedules must be different from
each people according to his or her bodies.
All practice should be taught from, easy to hard, simple to complicated,
known to unknown. Basic motions to
applied motions.
(c)
The
Principle of Repetition
The developing
skills cannot be accomplished without repetition. The principle of repetition results of condition of reflex of
body and enforce the body structure and organs. The importance of this principle is the interval of proper rest
and practice.
(d)
The
Principle of Continuity
In order to
acquire the best results, practice should be done with consistently. Once daily practice stops, the effect will
be reduced immediately. Therefore,
continual practice is a key to sustain top condition. If it is impossible to practice everyday, practice should be done
at least in the minimum amount of time or every other day.
(e)
The
Principle of Individuality
Everyone's body has
merits and demerits, so an instructor should train his students evenly.
Many instructors have a tendency to force students the same training
program that they had found effective for themselves.
An individual training schedule is the best way to find possibilities
and developing skills of an individual person as well as researching a student's
body characteristics. Disregard of
individuality cannot create a good training program. If a schedule is impossible to execute, the trainer should make
several small schedules according to the instructor and his students' similar
body characteristics.
5. The Purpose of a Technical Manuel
1)
Teaching new student the principle of Tae Kwon Do
2)
Teaching students history and philosophy of Tae
Kwon Do
3)
Justifying motions
4)
Improving techniques
5)
Understanding principles of motions
6)
Finding body characteristic and develop right
techniques for students
7)
Developing techniques that their body is used to
8)
Teaching and training students correctly
6. Use of Body Parts for Attack and Defense
The surface
or object which power is transmitted into the opponent’s body is an attacking
tool. Any surface that intercepts or
repels an attack is a blocking tool.
Every part where power is easily concentrated is considered an attacking
and a blocking tool. These tools are
divided into sections of hands, arms, feet, legs, and other parts of the
body. Special care should be given in
selecting the appropriate tool depending on the distance, target, and desired
results. This will require continual
practice and boundless dedication.
7. Principle of Motions in Tae Kwon Do
TAE KWON DO is a scientific martial art. One advantage of TAE KWON DO, compared to
other martial arts, has a source of power that can generate quickly because
power has a characteristic flowing.
Many TAE KWON DO actions are linear or straight. Like all other sports, a person can generate
power in the same manner. In addition,
TAE KWON DO's destructive power derives from using power from the waist. Using power from the waist enables switching
from general force to destructive power.
Without using the waist, attacks will only push the target.
Power normally flows straight. Once the direction of power is bent, power
is weakened. This observation divides
martial art into two styles: the hard or the soft. In TAE KWON DO, the attacker is the subject of power and uses
direction to deliver power. This is
called hard style or aggressive style.
On the other hand, in Aikido the defender attacks the attacker and takes
advantage of the attacker’s power by thwarting the direction of power. Stronger attacks will be result in a more
effective counter-attack by directing the attacker’s power into a circle or
curve to make weak. Therefore, Aikido
is called soft or circular style martial art.
In this manual, I
will only mention external TAE KWON DO.
Since I am aiming to make this manual for first and the second-degree
black belts, the source of power is limited to the waist. A higher source of power will be mentioned
in other manuals.
Straightness is
the most critical point in order to produce power from a hard style martial
art. All parts of the body should be
straight. The most powerful source in
exterior of body is waist, and the center of power is located on “DAN” which is
located three inches below the belly button.
The student will learn how to use the waist in class. If the student uses the waist correctly, the
back of the head, the back and the hip should be straight vertically and the
shoulders should remain horizontal at the end of the motion.
To generate power to execute TAE KWON DO skills, all motions should move
horizontally. Because the most
effective power comes from the most balanced point of our bodies (the waist),
we should only move horizontally, never vertically. When the body is not moved straight, the center of body becomes
unstable. From the unstable point of
the body, accuracy and power is reduced and can cause of injuries.[1]
In order to produce powerful motions in TAE KWON DO, a synchronized finish
is a crucial aspect. Stepping,
activity, focus, yelling, and waist power should end at same time. If one holds their breath until the
completion of the motion, it will result in the best effect in terms of power
and accuracy. This concept is based on
horizontal movement. If one holds their
motion and executes the same time with the waist power while moving, it will be
a powerful attack/block.
The following are
important factors to collect power according to the select motions:
Knife hand: Bend
the thumb and the first joint of all other four fingers tightly. A person can prevent injury and gather power
in this form.
Fist: Make
a tight fist and put the thumb on the middle finger. Bend the wrist a little lower than usual. One can avoid injuring the wrist and can
gather power on only two knuckles this way.
Elbow: Bend
the forearm tightly inside and keep a horizontal forearm.
Inner-forearm: Align
the fist to the middle of the body.
Bend elbow so it is 45° to the body.
Bend the wrist inside so the power can flow into the forearm.
This
is the same with the outer-forearm and the both-hand block
Front kick: Stretch
the ankle and bend the toes as far back as possible. One can gather power on the ball of foot this way.
Side-Kick:
Bend the ankle inside and keep the toes facing down to gather power
on the foot knife. Keep the back of
the head straight with the heel, then one can transfer their waist power to
the foot knife for a powerful side-kick.
8. Stances
1)
Name of Stance
|
Ready (Joonbi) Stance
|
Purpose
|
All motions in Tae Kwon Do begin
from this stance. This stance is the ready
position for attacking and/or defending.
In addition, it is the preparation of mental and physical movements.
|
|
Focus |
In this position, the eyes are focused straight, 15 degrees above eye
level. If a practitioner has a
partner, the partners must focus on the opponent's eyes. Focus greatly affects the result of the
match. A well-practiced focus can
gain supremacy over the partner. |
|
Balance |
|
|
Shoulder |
Regular formal standing.
Relaxed, but squared. |
|
Hand Position |
1)
Bring both fists up to the chest and
press down slowly down to location of DAN.
2)
If practitioner wants, he/she may lift up
both heels and bring them down along with both fists. There is to be distance, about a fist wide, between fists and the same
between the fists and the DAN. |
|
Foot Position |
Foot planted with toes pointed forward. |
|
Check Points |
|
|
Etc. |
When fists stop at the DAN position, practitioner should gather maximum
strength in the DAN. So, it will be
ready for attack or defense for the next moves. |
2)
Name of Stance
|
Front Stance
|
Purpose
|
Front stance is not a practical
stance, but ideal stance which the best and most stable stance what human
body can make. But, from this stance,
practitioner can develop most of stable motions through this stance. This stance is like a frame of the building. Just as solid building has stable and
strong frame, without good stance, practitioner cannot develop stable,
balanced motion.
|
|
Focus |
Straight, 15 degrees above eye level. |
|
Balance |
Back of head, back of body and back of heap should be on straight. Then the balance can be in the DAN (around
three inches of belly button, which is a source of power in Tae Kwon Do), the
center of body. |
|
Shoulder |
Two sides of shoulder should be face front and equal height. In any moment, two sides of shoulder
should be keeping straight, and not tilted as well. |
|
Hand Position |
Ready punch. Two fists on
waists. |
|
Foot Position |
Front foot: toward to front with
straight. Shin and
ground keep 90 degrees Thigh and
ground keep 45 degrees Rear foot should be comfortable to stand. Keep 45
degrees of angle of leg on the ground.
Knee should be
on straight as strong as endure Someone stand
on it. |
|
Check Points |
Is focus straight? Is shoulder straight? Is back of head, body, and heap straight? Is body straight? Angles of front and rear leg. Is the balance on the center of body in walking? Is body moving up and down in walking? Are fists (knuckle parts), not wrists, on waists? (Fist will be face
up.) |
|
Etc. |
Walking should be on horizontal walking. Keep height on walking.
Practitioner can exercise putting a book on the top of the head. |
3)
Name of Stance
|
Back Stance
|
Purpose
|
The back stance is a standard and
practical form that can be used in competition. Everyone has different body characteristics, so according to
their bodies, practitioner may have different form in real situation, but all
practical forms should be come from this standard stance. They can modify, but the concept of the
standard stance cannot be changed.
This stance was developed for competition.
|
|
Focus |
Straight, 15 degrees above eye level. |
|
Balance |
The power is in the front and the rear.
Nevertheless, the balance should be in the center of the body, the
DAN. |
|
Shoulder |
Two sides of shoulder should be face sideways and be level. In any moment, two sides of shoulder
should be keeping straight, and not tilted as well. * Caution: Since the
power is on rear leg, it is easy to make mistake that the front shoulder is
higher than rear shoulder. |
|
Hand Position |
Ready punch. Two fists on
waists. |
|
Foot Position |
Front foot: Aimed straight
forward. Touch the ground lightly
with the whole sole. Rear foot: Most of the power
is in the rear leg. Ankle bent to 90 degrees. Kneecap should be located forward of the big toe. Otherwise, power would move to the front
leg. Width: Shoulder width between
both feet. * Caution: If the kneecap of rear leg
is located behind the big toe, it will be confused with tiger stance. When front and rear foot
drag and stand together, both heels would touch each other. |
|
Check Points |
|
|
Etc. |
|
4)
Name of Stance
|
Riding (horseback) Stance
|
Purpose
|
The riding stance is not a
practical stance. Nonetheless, this
stance has perfect vertical and horizontal balance. In order to develop inner strength and external balance, this
stance is very important. This is the
best stance to gather strength in the DAN.
|
|
Focus |
Straight, 15 degrees above eye level. |
|
Balance |
The power is distributed on both legs equally and the balance should be
on center of body, DAN. |
|
Shoulder |
Two sides of shoulder should be face front and equal height. In any moment, two sides of shoulder
should be keeping straight, and not tilted as well. |
|
Hand Position |
Ready to punch. Two fists on the
waists. The fist should be exactly on
the waist. If the fist is in front of
the waistline, one can attack quickly, but with less power. If the fist is behind the waistline, one
can make a powerful, but slower, attack. |
|
Foot Position |
Aimed straight forward. It is ideal to keep the toes pointed inside, but the toes should be
parallel. Width: The feet should be separated by a shoulder width. The angle of the ground to the shins should be 90 degrees and the angle
of the kneecap to the thigh should be 45 degrees. Otherwise, the balance would leave the center of the body. Caution: When the kneecaps of
both legs are within the big toe, the balance is not in the middle of the
body, but in the lower part of body. |
|
Check Points |
|
|
Etc. |
This stance is good for practicing breathing. In order to check for the right breathing the practitioner can
place his/her hands on the kidney area on the back and take a deep breath in. If one has correct breathing, he/she can
feel the air on the palms. If not,
one must use chest breathing. |
9. Basic motions
1)
Name of Motion
|
Middle Punch
|
Stance
|
Front or riding stance
|
|
Target |
Solar plexus height |
|
Movement |
Hold the executing fist on the waist until the forward foot touches the
ground, and at the same time twist the waist while keeping the balance at the
center of body. Execute the punch as
fast as possible. If one does not
hold the fist long enough, it will become pushing instead of punching. |
|
Focus |
Straight, 15 degrees above eye level. |
|
Balance |
Neutral (DAN) |
|
Shoulder |
Straight to the front |
|
Check Points |
|
2)
Name of Motion
|
Low Block
|
Stance
|
Front
|
Blocking area
|
Groin
|
Movement
|
Lift both hands and cross
them. Hold this position as long as
possible, and then execute the block as soon as the moving foot touches the
ground. Do this as though you are attacking,
and then it will become a strong block.
In fact, an aggressive block is a type of attack.
|
|
Focus |
Straight, 15 degrees above eye level. |
|
Balance |
Neutral (DAN) |
|
Shoulder |
Straight forward |
|
Hand position |
One palm on the kneecap with a forearm bent inward in order to protect
the groin. |
|
Check Points |
* Many students have a bad habit of opening and closing the hand while
in motion. They should always hold
the fist closed in order to avoid finger injury. |
|
Caution |
The arm should move from up to down.
However, the balance should be in the middle of the body. |
3)
Name of Motion
|
High Punch
|
Stance
|
Front or riding stance
|
|
Target |
The upper lip |
|
Focus |
Straight, 15 degrees above eye level. |
|
Movement |
Hold the executing fist on the waist until the foot in motion touches
the ground, then, at same time, twist the waist while keeping the balance in
the center of body. Execute the punch
as fast as possible. If one does not
hold the fist long enough, it will become pushing instead of punching. * Important: If the armpit is open, one
will make a circular motion. This
might be hurt the wrist, knuckles, or peel the skin off the knuckles. |
|
Balance |
Neutral (DAN) |
|
Shoulder |
Straight forward |
|
Check Points |
|
|
Caution |
|
4)
Name of Motion
|
High Block
|
Stance
|
Front
|
Blocking area
|
Head
|
Movement
|
Lift both hands and cross
them. Hold this position as long as
possible, and then execute the block as soon as the moving foot touches the
ground. Do this as though you are
attacking, and then it will become a strong block. In fact, an aggressive block is a type of attack. In order to cross arm then protect the
face, do not make circular motions.
Never drop the hands below the belt.
|
|
Focus |
Straight, 15 degrees above eye level. |
|
Balance |
Neutral (DAN) |
|
Shoulder |
Straight forward |
|
Hand Position |
The fist should be kept in the straight line with side of the head. Place the fist 45 degrees up from the
middle of the forehead. |
|
Check Points |
* Many students have a bad habit of opening and closing the hand while
in motion. They should always hold
the fist closed in order to avoid finger injury. |
|
Caution |
|
5)
Name of Motion
|
Inner Forearm (Front/Back Stance)
|
Stance
|
Front or Back stance
|
|
Blocking area |
Chest, rip, and face |
|
Movement |
Lift both hands and cross
them. Hold this position as long as
possible, and then execute the block as soon as the moving foot touches the
ground. Stop the fists at the center
of the body. Do not lift the elbows up
in order to avoid opening the armpits, which can cause power to snap instead of
the consistent power from the waist. Do this as though you are attacking, and
then it will become a strong block.
In fact, an aggressive block is a type of attack.
|
|
Hand position |
When one opens the fist, it should be at the height of the eyes. Keep armpits bent at 45 degrees and
forearms bent at 45 degrees, as well.
It depends on the practitioner's body shape. If one has wide shoulder, one would need wider angles than that
of a person with narrower shoulders. |
|
Focus |
Straight, 15 degrees above eye level. |
|
Balance |
Neutral (DAN) |
|
Shoulder |
Straight forward for the front stance Completely sideways for the back stance |
|
Check Points |
|
|
Caution |
|
6)
Name of Motion
|
Outer Forearm
|
Stance
|
Front/ Back
|
Blocking area
|
Chest, hip, and head
|
Movement
|
Lift both hands outwards. Hold
this position as long as possible, and then execute the block as soon as the
moving foot touches the ground. Stop
the fists at the center of the body.
Do not lift elbow up in order to avoid opening up the armpits, which
can cause power to snap instead of the consistent power from the waist. Do
this as though you are attacking, and then it will become a strong
block. In fact, an aggressive block
is a type of attack. Remember: For
the maximum effect of the attack, the moment should be horizontal.
|
|
Focus |
Straight, 15 degrees above eye level. |
|
Balance |
Neutral (DAN) |
|
Shoulder |
Straight forward for the front stance Completely sideways for the back stance |
|
Hand Position |
The fist should be kept in a straight line with the side of the head.
Place the fist 45 degrees up from the middle of the forehead. |
|
Check Points |
* Many students have a bad habit of opening and closing the hand while
in motion. They should always hold
the fist closed in order to avoid finger injury. |
|
Caution |
|
7)
Name of Motion
|
Both-Hand Block
|
Stance
|
Front or Back stance
|
|
Blocking area |
Chest, rip, and face |
|
Movement |
Hold both hand on same side as
long as possible. Execute block as
soon as the forwarding foot touches the ground with supporting one hand to
the other elbow. Stop fists at the
center of the body. Do not lift elbow
up to avoid opening armpit.
|
|
Hand position |
Refer
to Inner Forearm. |
|
Focus |
|
|
Balance |
|
|
Shoulder |
|
|
Check Points |
|
|
Caution |
8)
Name of Motion
|
Knife-Hand Low Block
|
Stance
|
Back stance
|
|
Blocking area |
Below waist and upper knee cap |
|
Movement |
Lift both hand as high as ear and
hold. Execute both hands diagonally
as soon as the forwarding foot touches the ground.
|
|
Hand position |
Stop one hand at the
one palm distance from the kneecap and the other hand (actually inner part of
wrist-ready motion) at the area of solar plexus. The palm and kneecap should be facing together. |
|
Focus |
Straight and 15 degrees up from the eye’s height |
|
Balance |
Neutral (DAN) |
|
Shoulder |
Complete side standing |
|
Check Points |
|
|
Caution |
|
9)
Name of Motion
|
Knife-Fist Low Block
|
Stance
|
Same with Knife-Hand Low
Block, but fist. |
|
Blocking area |
|
|
Movement |
|
|
Hand position |
|
|
Focus |
|
|
Balance |
|
|
Shoulder |
|
|
Check Points |
|
|
Caution |
10)
Name of Motion
|
Knife-Hand Middle Block
|
Stance
|
Back stance
|
|
Blocking area |
Chest and face |
|
Movement |
Lift both hand outward eye’s
height and hold. Execute both hands
horizontally as soon as the forwarding foot touches the ground.
|
|
Hand position |
The fingertip should be
eye’s height. Keep 45-degree angle
between armpit and triceps and 90 degrees forearm and triceps. The other hand
(actually inner part of wrist-ready motion) at the area of solar plexus. |
|
Focus |
Straight and 15 degrees up from the eye’s height |
|
Balance |
Neutral (DAN) |
|
Shoulder |
Complete side standing |
|
Check Points |
|
|
Caution |
|
11)
Name of Motion
|
Knife-Fist Middle Block
|
Stance
|
Same with Knife-Hand Middle
block, but fist |
|
Blocking area |
|
|
Movement |
|
|
Hand position |
|
|
Focus |
|
|
Balance |
|
|
Shoulder |
|
|
Check Points |
|
|
Caution |
12)
Name of Motion
|
Side Knife-Hand
|
Stance
|
Back stance
|
|
Attacking area |
Neck |
|
Movement |
Lift and cross hands at shoulder
height and hold. Attack neck as soon
as the forwarding foot touches the ground.
|
|
Hand position |
Stop one hand at the
executor’s neck height and the other hand at the position of ready
punch. Tip: If all fingers put
together and bend only the first joint of finger, then one can gather more
power on knife hand area to make powerful attack. |
|
Focus |
Straight and 15 degrees up from the eye’s height |
|
Balance |
Neutral (DAN) |
|
Shoulder |
Complete side standing |
|
Check Points |
|
|
Caution |
|
13)
Name of Motion
|
Back-Fist
|
Stance
|
Back stance
|
|
Attacking area |
Temple |
|
Movement |
Same with Side
Knife-Hand except back fist |
|
Hand position |
|
|
Focus |
|
|
Balance |
|
|
Shoulder |
|
|
Check Points |
|
|
Caution |
14)
Name of Motion
|
Pressing Block
|
Stance
|
Front stance
|
|
Blocking area |
Groin |
|
Movement |
Put both hands on waist and
hold. Execute both hands with
pressing form and block groin area.
|
|
Hand position |
Stop both hands crossed
on groin area. Actual blocking area
is not back of fist, but around one or two inches inside of wrist. |
|
Focus |
Straight and 15 degrees up from the eye’s height |
|
Balance |
Neutral (DAN) |
|
Shoulder |
Straight to the front |
|
Check Points |
|
|
Caution |
|
15)
Name of Motion
|
Rising Block
|
Stance
|
Front stance
|
|
Blocking area |
Top of Head |
|
Movement |
Put both hands on waist and
hold. Execute both hands with rising
form and block top of head.
|
|
Hand position |
Stop both hands crossed
on center of head. The point of
crossing wrist should be one fist distance from the forehead and keep 45
degrees up. Actual blocking area is
not back of fist, but around one or two inches inside of wrist. |
|
Focus |
Straight and 15 degrees up from the eye’s height |
|
Balance |
Neutral (DAN) |
|
Shoulder |
Straight to the front |
|
Check Points |
|
|
Caution |
|
16)
Name of Motion
|
Spear Fingers
|
Stance
|
Front stance
|
|
Attacking area |
Solar Plexus |
|
Movement |
Same with middle punch except
spear fingers and supporting elbow with the other hand at same time. The blocking hand is for ready motion for
next move.
|
|
Hand position |
Stop one hand at the
solar plexus area with completely straightens fingers and support executing
elbow with the other hand. |
|
Focus |
Straight and 15 degrees up from the eye’s height |
|
Balance |
Neutral (DAN) |
|
Shoulder |
Straight to the front |
|
Check Points |
|
|
Caution |
|
17)
Name of Motion
|
Side-Punch
|
Stance
|
Riding stance
|
|
Attacking area |
Solar Plexus or rip |
|
Movement |
Keep executing fist on waist and
swing the other hand naturally for effective waist power and hold. Execute fist from the ready motion on
waist as soon as the foot touch the ground.
One should walk on straight.
Tip: suppose that grab
the counter party and pull and punch. |
|
Hand position |
Stop executing hand on
solar plexus height and the other hand on ready punch. |
|
Focus |
Straight and 15 degrees up from the eye’s height |
|
Balance |
Neutral (DAN) |
|
Shoulder |
Complete side standing |
|
Check Points |
|
|
Caution |
|
18)
Name of Motion
|
Front Elbow
|
Stance
|
Front stance
|
|
Attacking area |
Solar Plexus |
|
Movement |
Lift and bend elbow tightly and
hold. Strike solar plexus with front
part of elbow. In the moment of
striking, horizontal movement is important.
If one bend elbow tightly, then he can gather more power on elbow and
can avoid elbow injury.
|
|
Hand position |
Stop elbow on solar
plexus area. |
|
Focus |
Straight and 15 degrees up from the eye’s height |
|
Balance |
Neutral (DAN) |
|
Shoulder |
Straight to the front |
|
Check Points |
|
|
Caution |
|
19)
Name of Motion
|
Side Elbow
|
Stance
|
Riding stance
|
|
Attacking area |
Solar Plexus |
|
Movement |
Lift and cross both arms and bend
elbow tightly and hold. Strike solar
plexus with back part of elbow like sliding motion. In the moment of striking, horizontal movement is important. If one bend elbow tightly, then he can
gather more power on elbow and can avoid elbow injury.
|
|
Hand position |
Stop elbow on solar
plexus area. |
|
Focus |
Straight and 15 degrees up from the eye’s height |
|
Balance |
Neutral (DAN) |
|
Shoulder |
Complete side standing |
|
Check Points |
|
|
Caution |
|
20)
Name of Motion
|
Side Knife-Hand and Punch
|
Stance
|
Back stance
|
|
Attacking area |
Neck and Solar Plexus (Combination Motions) |
|
Movement |
Attack neck with one hand and
side punch with the other hand. Two hand motions in one back stance.
Tip: After execution of the neck
attack, suppose that one pull and make a side punch with the other hand.
|
|
Hand position |
Neck height one hand
and solar plexus height with the other hand. |
|
Focus |
Straight and 15 degrees up from the eye’s height |
|
Balance |
Neutral (DAN) |
|
Shoulder |
Straight to the front |
|
Check Points |
|
|
Caution |
|
10. Poomse (Forms)
The Forms are essential parts of TAE KWON DO. Any sport needs stable, habitual
motions. TAE KWON DO also needs good
habitual movements. Practice of the
Form is the best way to develop good habits.
First, the practitioner will become accustomed to making rhythms through
the repetition of the Forms. The Form
is composed of several motions combined with the hand, the step, and/or the
kick. It is like a song. Once the practitioner begins the Form, the
rhythms should be connected one after another.
The most basic Forms follow the triple beat rhythm, like the European
waltz. The waltz consists of two weak
beats and one strong beat. In this
Form, it is required that one finishes an attack on the third beat. Nevertheless, as music flowing continuously
even during rests, motions in the Form should be smoothly connected to the next
motion. When we block or attack, power
is maximized at the moment we strike the target, but the power will still
flow. This power is used to produce the
next powerful motion. For this reason,
the connection of the rhythm is critical to the usage and production of
power.
Yelling is an important factor in the use of the inner
power through the power produced from the waist. When our motions are executed at same time with the hand, the
footstep, the focus, and the waist, we can generate effective inner power,
which is stronger than external power.
Yelling is a good point to start when practicing inner power. The sound comes from deep inside (the DAN),
not from throat or chest or the back of head.
Since the sound of yelling comes from the DAN, yelling can be a measure
of the amount of inner power. Yelling
can also be a catalyst in maximizing power.
There are several benefits of yelling in TAE KWON DO. First, yelling helps bring concentration to
a single movement. Second, loud yelling
will bring up confidence to the practitioner.
It is very practical to the inexperienced. Yelling has not only physical
benefits but also a mental benefit to the practitioner. The practitioner can practice yelling while doing
Forms. As they repeat, inner power will
develop simultaneously.
Focus is another significant factor in TAE KWON
DO. The body follows the point of focus
by nature. This means that one cannot
strike a target with much accuracy without good focus. In free sparring, if one does not look at
party’s eyes, one cannot see the motion of his opponent. In other word, if one watches the opponent's
hand motion, he cannot block the opponent's kick attack or vice versa. In many cases, one can overwhelm the
opponent without fighting with a good, developed focus.
Balance is a major point of practicing poomse in TAE KWON DO. Except in a
few cases, we move our balance in a horizontal direction in TAE KWON DO. When the balance is moves in a vertical
direction, the center of the body will become unstable and unready to defend
the opponent's attacks. In addition,
once the balance moves in the vertical direction, the stepping distance is
limited in following defender when free sparring. Therefore, if practitioner’s body moves up and down while
practicing poomse, it means his poomse does not have a stable balance. During
practice poomse, the balance should move horizontally only.
Rhythm is another important element while practicing poomse. A poomse is like a song. Music flows continuously from the beginning
to the end with mixed beats. For example,
the triple beat is a routine with one strong beat and two weak beats.
But, all three beats are connected smoothly and flow until the whole
song is over. During the poomse, the practitioner needs effective
power at the moment of hitting the target. Before striking the target, he only needs his body to move quickly.
For two beats, take the ready motions, then finish the motion at the
third, strong beat accompanied with a yell.
The use of power from the waist should be focused at same time to maximize
that power. Even though the attack is executed, the power
should still flow. Thus, the practitioner
should use this flowing power to connect to the next set of motions.
Therefore, all the motions in poomse should be connected to each other
in a channel of power. One poomse looks like a stanza of a song.
When the practitioner takes advantage of the rhythm, the motion looks
very flexible. If the practitioner uses music, especially
triple beat music like the Waltz, then it is a lot easier to take rhythms
and practice TAE KWON DO effectively.
11. Self-Defense
All
creatures, which have lives, regardless of its kind, have the instinct to
protect themselves in order to preserve their own life and have developed all
sorts of defensive behaviors. From this, it is unnecessary to explain about the
human race, which have struggled for survival throughout history. We do not know where and when we would face
danger. Once we confront a dangerous
situation, we must escape from this situation.
In order to do that, humans need to have the power or skills. Physical
power is not enough in many cases.
Furthermore, a man who, naturally, has no strong power, there is no way
to escape. However, everyone can learn
TAE KWON DO, even the elderly. People
who have learned self-defense skills can use their hands, feet, and other body
parts as weapons. Therefore, in a
dangerous situation, people can protect themselves. The power of TAE KWON DO has been known widely. Practitioners break wooden boards, bricks,
stones, ice cube, and spring plate steel with bare hands. In this manner, practitioners can protect
their bodies. In addition, they can
protect the neighborhood from injustice and danger. Self-defense is the
protection oneself, the neighborhood, and society.
There
are different kinds of Self-defense. In
self-defense, situations involving armed assailants, single or otherwise, are
extremely dangerous and more complex than any type of unarmed attack. Accordingly, defense techniques must be
learned thoroughly and executed automatically in response to any situation, if
serious injury is to be avoided.
In
facing an armed opponent, it is of foremost importance to observe his facial
tone and his state of bodily preparedness, such as the sort of weapon being
used, how he is going to use it, etc.
Having these mentally assimilated, you should gauge your distance
accurately in order to fully control and exploit your defense techniques. By this time, two choices are open to you –
one is to get outside the swing zone, the other is to get inside the swing
zone. Dodging too far from your
opponent may make it virtually impossible to counter-attack in time, while
being too close could well hamper your motions. Being 2 steps away from your opponent do not offer the advantage
of a better striking range than being one step away. Clearly, it is undesirable to attack with more than two steps
distance.
In
other situations, one is sometimes caught off-guard as the attacker moves in on
you, then it is more necessary to exercise keen reflexes in the eyes and limbs
under such circumstances. Immediately
determine what he is aiming at, and then gauge your distance precisely thereby
enabling you to apply those blocking and/or attacking technique most suited to
you.
1)
How
to avoid a knife attack
The defender should not
become excited, nonetheless, carefully study his attacker and discern the
direction of the attacker's knife. The
defender must keep his body away from the knife and stay in a position to
counter-attack. The defender’s movements
should always be brisk and accurate, and include the trunk twist.
With the skill in the execution of the twist, improvement in the art
of self-defense would surely be hindered if the trunk twist technique were
not altogether acquired. To escape a knife attack, one should also select
the opponent’s weakest parts as the first target for a counter-attack to be
truly effective.
2)
Defense
against a sudden attack with knife
Attacks may arise at the
most unpredictable circumstances. The
defender, under all circumstances, should be totally aware even when no direct
offensive motive is visible, even when a relaxed conversation is taking place
between himself and his assailant. The
attacker has the advantage of a surprise attack, however, a well-trained Tae
Kwon Do student will be able to defeat or counter any surprise assault. The attainment of good skills in sparring,
real world experiences, and good skills in counter-attacking will further
accelerate that student toward achieving the acuity and keenness of the
reflexes.
PICTURE (43-59)
3)
How
to relieve an attacker of a pistol
An armed attacker is usually
agitated and he might discharge his weapon. Distraction is a useful method in gaining time to get into position
to counter-attack for the defender. The
defender should give the appearance that he is very calm and slowly move his
body away from the direction the attacker’s pistol to reduce the target area.
The defender must be close enough to the attacker in order to be able
to kick or knock the offender’s pistol away: so, careful calculation of the
distance is very important. Controlling the attacker's wrist should be
sufficient in making him drop the weapon, or at least it will deflect the
direction the pistol, enabling the defender to counter-attack with further
kicks or blows.
4)
How
to escape a grab
There are quite a few
techniques in releasing an assailant’s grab, but in order to apply them
effectively requires an understanding of the posture, balance, and mobile
forces of the offender. The defender
should endeavor to use the opponent’s momentum and his instinctive pulling by
pushing the grabbing the hand or other such technique, which aims to cancel the
opponent’s span of control.
With arms and legs moving at the same time, grab with both hands,
the grabbing hand of the opponent, and exert pressure on the weak points of
his hand. Immediately twist the opponent’s
hand while executing a trunk twist in order to gain strength to throw the
opponent off balance.
12. Combination hand techniques
F: Front
Stance
B: Back
Stance
R: Riding
Stance
No. 1 Low
Block (F) -> Middle Punch (F) ->
Outer Forearm (F)
No. 2 Low
Block (F) -> High Block (F)
-> Outer Forearm (F)
No. 3 Low
Block (F) -> Outer Forearm (F) -> Outer Knife Hand (F)
No. 4 Knife Hand Low Block )B) -> Knife
Fist Low Block (B) -> Knife Hand Middle Block (B) -> Knife Fist Middle
Block (B) -> Middle Punch (F)
No. 5 High
Block (F) -> Inner Forearm (B) -> Outer Forearm (B)
Same
with Back Step
No. 6 Pressing
& Rising Block (F) -> Knife Hand Middle Block (B) ->
Spear Finger (F) -> Turning Side Punch (F) -> Middle Punch (F)
No. 7 Pressing
Block (F) -> Spear Finger (F)
No. 8 Swallow Form Neck Attack (F) ->
Wedging Block (F) -> Swallow Form Open Fist (F)
No. 9 Pressing
& Rising Block (F) -> Upper Wedging Block (F) -> One Side Kum Kang
Block (R)
No. 10 Side
Knife Hand (B) -> Spear Finger (F) -> Turning Side Punch (R)
No.
11 Knife Hand Low Block &
Adam’s Apple Attack (F) -> Pressing Block -> Upper Wedging Block (F)
13. Combination of kicks
No. 1 Front
-> Side -> Roundhouse
No. 2 Roundhouse
-> Reverse Roundhouse -> Stepping Roundhouse
No. 3 Roundhouse
-> Stepping Roundhouse
No. 4 Inside
to Outside -> Stepping Roundhouse
No. 5 Roundhouse -> Turning Side
No. 6 Reverse
Roundhouse ->j Turning Side -> Stepping Side
No. 7 Changing
Step Target -> Turn Around Target -> Stepping Side
No. 8 Hook
-> Stepping roundhouse -> Stepping Side
No. 9 Reverse
Roundhouse -> Roundhouse -> Turning Side
No. 10 Hook
-> Roundhouse -> Turning Side
No. 11 Hook
-> Roundhouse -> Turning
No. 12 1) 360
degrees Turning king (with step)
2) 360
degrees Turning Twice (without step)
14. Demonstration
1.
Highest Poomse in the group
15. Promotions & Retest & Make-up Test
Level
|
1st
Form |
2nd
Form |
3rd
Form |
Kicks |
Self-Def. |
One
Step |
Free
Spar |
Break |
White
|
Kicho 1 |
Kicho 2 |
Kicho 3 |
Front Side Roun-house |
N/A |
1 - 3 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Yellow |
Kicho 1 |
Kicho 2 |
Kicho 3 |
|
|
4 – 6 |
Only attack |
N/A |
|
Orange |
Kicho 3 |
Kicho 4 |
Kicho 5 |
|
|
7 – 9 |
Both attack |
Elbow |
|
Purple |
Kicho 5 |
P’an 1 |
P’an 2 |
|
|
10-12 |
V |
Front or Side |
|
Green
|
P’an 1 |
P’an 2 |
P’an 3 |
|
|
13-15 |
V |
Stepping kick |
|
Blue |
P’an 2 |
P’an 3 |
P’an 4 |
|
|
16-18 |
V |
Turning kick |
|
Brown |
P’an 3 |
P’an 4 |
P’an 5 |
|
|
19-21 |
V |
Stepping or flying |
|
Red |
P’an 4 |
P’an 5 |
Tiger 1 |
|
|
22-24 |
V |
Flying kick |
|
1st Dan Black |
Tiger 1 |
Batsai |
Koryo |
|
|
* |
V |
Combination hand & foot |
|
2nd Dan Black 4 forms required |
Batsai |
Koryo & Kum’gn |
Nahan’ji |
|
|
* |
V |
|
16. Description of Kicks and Checking Points of
Self-improvement and
Self-
identifying Skills
1)
Name of Kick
|
Front Kick
|
|
Target |
Groin, thigh, solar plexus, and chin, and etc. |
|
Kick |
* The ball of
foot is generally used in the front kick but occasionally the toes are also
used when such vital parts as groin and solar plexus are to be targeted. The foot back also can be used in the
front kick uniquely for an attack of groin. Here are several benefits of tighten bending knee; 1)
The defender cannot block it easily. 2)
The attacker has a less change to kick
the defender’s elbow. 3)
The attacker can switch to another
kick. 4)
The attacker will be ready for the next
move right after the kick. 5)
The attacker can make double or triple
kicks in one attack. |
|
Balance |
The balance should be a little on the front (in fact, this is a way to
put the balance on the center of body in the time of attack). Balance focused
backward has high risks in free sparring because 1) there is no power. 2) After the attack will be the best
distance for the defender’s counter-attack.
3) Combination attacks will not be available. |
|
Hand Position |
You need to block the face area when kicking the middle, and when one
makes high kick, you need to block the middle of the body. If possible, do not exposure armpit. Both arms should be close to the body all
the times. * Caution: Never drop your hands
below your belt. A high front kick
will defend the attacker’s face, so he needs a to block his middle area. Execution of the center front kick will
defend the attacker’s middle area, so he needs high block. But if the attacker drops his hands below
the belt, the middle or high area will be open for a counter-attack. |
|
Foot Position |
The moment one strikes the target: ·
The ball of foot should stop on the
target. (If the foot shakes, the
power is dispersed.) ·
The ankle should be stretched out as much
as possible. ·
Use the ball of your foot: all toes
should be bent outward. |
|
Check Points |
You can correct your by examining the aftermath of your kick; ·
Can you keep your balance? ·
Where is your balance, front, back, or
neutral? ·
Is your ankle stretched out? (If your ankle is bent inside, tension
will be on thigh, it will obstruct a high kick and may a cause muscle
injury.) ·
Do you use area of the ball of foot? (All toes must bend backward, then you can
gather more power on the ball of foot and can kick hard without tension in
thigh muscle.) ·
Can you stop your foot exactly on the
target? (If you make an incorrect
front kick, the moment you strike target, you foot will pass the target,
which means the maximum power executed is after you pass your target. This will result in pushing instead of
kicking. If the ball of foot shakes
when you finish the kick, the power will disperse before the execution of
kicking. When the kick executes
correctly, the kick will stop without shaking and the ball of foot will
deliver your waist power.) |
2)
Name of Kick
|
Side-kick
|
|
Target |
Groin, knee, flanks, solar plexus, face, and etc. |
|
Kick |
·
The side-kick applies the back sole and the footsword in
attacking and they must move on a straight line from the starting point to
the target. |
|
Balance |
|
|
Hand Position |
Same with the front kick. |
|
Foot Position |
The moment one strikes the target: ·
Front part of foot must be down. If it is up, the power will be on back
sole, instead of footsword. ·
The ankle should be bent inward tightly
to gather power on footsword area. ·
When toes are toward down, attacker can
use footsword effectively. |
|
Check Points |
You can correct whether your kick is right or wrong through after kick
motions as follow; ·
Where is your balance, front, back, or
neutral? ·
Is your ankle bent? (If your ankle is not
bent inside, there will be no destructive power, and all power will be
dispersed on whole foot. ·
Can you feel power in your foot? ·
Are back of head, back of body, and back
heel straight? If it is not a straight, direction of power must be curved and
waist power will not be delivered to the footsword and result as follow; 1)
The kick feels weak. 2)
The kick is not straight; you land a kick
after passing the target. 3)
If the defender executes a simultaneous
counter-attack, there is high possibility of injury the inside of the
thigh. 4)
The Choice of Connecting the kick is
limited. You tend to expose the chest
while the kick contacts and to use the stepping side-kick. ·
Is your foot shaking on target area? (If your foot does not deliver your waist
power, that means your foot was shaking at the moment of impact. You cannot hit the center of target while
your power is weak. Then it will be
pushing instead kicking. ·
When kick is executed correctly, the kick
will be stopped without shaking and your waist power will be delivered by
your foot effectively.) How to correct: ·
Look at your foot over your shoulder to
make sure your body is straight. ·
Lift up your leg up to your chest and
keep the side sole and chest on straight line and stretch out. ·
The turning motion is important. Lifting your leg and turning should be
done at the same time quickly and sharply to avoid the defender’s advancing or
simultaneous attack. |
3)
Name of Kick
|
Round-House
Kick
|
|
Target |
Flanks, solar Plexus, front & side of face, and etc. |
|
Kick |
·
Lift up your kicking leg and folding the
knee simultaneously, keep the thigh and chest on a straight line. Then stretch bent knee, and kick the
target with ball of the foot. This is
a difficult technique to use waist power with because the radius of waist is
too short to use. Therefore the you
must use the snap of your waist power.
A beginner starts from their snap power without waist power. Later,
they will learn through repetition. ·
The position of your chest is same with
the side kick. ·
The track of foot must be on a straight
line toward the target. The target
must be kicked by the ball of foot, the toes outward. ·
The kicking foot is drawn back
automatically to its original position. The foot is placed where you can
easily make the next move. If you
keep out of balance while executing a kick or retreating the kicking foot,
the kick is not perfect. ·
The supporting leg on the ground should
fully extend before or during the kick, since the upright standing will cause
loss of balance or a less flexible kick.
Nor is it easy to execute the next moves. ·
If the entire sole of foot supports the
standing leg, the weight is laid on the hip joint and the knee joint. This will cause the kick to be slower,
weaker without the force of impulse, and hard to connect to next moves
smoothly. Sometimes, the knee joint
or the hip joint will break away. It
is necessary to lift the heel slightly by stretching the ankle so that the
ball of foot may pivot at the moment of the kick and then the back sole will
touch the ground again after the kick.
Be careful not to stretch the ankle too much because it would lift up
the center of the weight. Standing will direct the balance forward, but when
striking target, you may sustain the balance in the middle and easily apply
the next moves. * TIP: If the angle of the
kick is between 30 to 45 degrees, then it can be used for fast counter-attack
after moving a half step backward.
This speedy kick can be switched to a pushing kick or in-to-out or
out-to-in shortly. |
|
Balance |
·
Mid-balance: Easy to apply combination
kicks. Absolute middle balanced kick
is no practical kick at all in sparring.
This kick should not be used a single attack, but initial kick in the
combination kicks to tempt the defender. ·
Front balance: Because the chances are
slim to success to attack the defender with the first kick, the balance must
be on forward for speedy and powerful combination kicks. ·
Back-balance: High risks in free
sparring; 1) no power. 2) The
distance is the best distance for defender’s counter-attack after the
kick. 3) Not available for
combination attacks. TIP: 1. Back-balance can be used as strategically in the sparring. When attacker derives defender’s counter
attack, the back-balance can be used for a half step back kick as a counter
attack against a defender’s counter attack.
2. Because the chest is turned in the first move, it is risky to change
the direction of the chest again in the same direction. Minimal turning in kicks is recommended
when turning in the opposite direction. |
|
Hand Position |
Same with front kick. |
|
Foot Position |
The moment of striking the target: ·
The best position of the foot when
striking a target is attack ninety degrees from the target. The snapping motion should be moved
horizontally on the straight. ·
The ball of foot should be stop on the
target. (If the ball of foot is
shaking, the power is dispersed throughout the foot.) ·
The ankle should be stretched out as much
as possible. ·
Use the ball of foot: all toes should be
bent outward. TIP: Stretching the ankle more with the toes outward will help relax the
thigh muscle. Then you can execute
and return kicks quickly. It will
also reduce the chance of injury in the thigh muscle. |
|
Check Points |
You can correct whether your kick is right or wrong through after kick
motions as follow; ·
Where is your balance, front, back, or
neutral? ·
Is your ankle stretched out? (If ankle is
not stretched out, power will be in the hill of the foot, instead of ball of
the foot, making the kick weak and the thigh muscle will be tight form
tension. This may be a cause of
muscle aches breaks when kicked by defender’s knee. ·
Can you feel power on the ball of your
foot? ·
Is the back of head, back of body and
back heel straight with the target?
If not, the direction of power is curved and the kick will swing in
motion and result in the following: 1)
A weak kick. 2)
The kicking leg will land after passing
the target. 3)
You will not be ready for the next move
right after finishing the kick. If
the defender executes a simultaneous counter-attack, you will not be ready to
defend. 4)
The Choice of Connecting the kick is
limited. Turning to the side or
turning the kick is open for the next move.
This has several problems; a) you did not understand the concept of
straightness yet. b) Bad habits not
only in this kick, but in also in other kicks. c) He has only a few free sparring strategies and uses them
habitually no matter what the situations. ·
Is ball of foot shaking on target
area? (If your waist power is not
delivered by ball of foot, the foot is shaken when the target is kicked. You cannot hit the center of target with
accuracy and power will disperse into whole foot. Then it will become pushing instead kicking. ·
When a kick is executed correctly, the
kick will stop without shaking and the power of the waist power will be
deliver from the ball of the foot effectively. How to correct: ·
Keep a straight chest and front side of
thigh after turning 90 degrees.
Without moving the body and the thigh, just snap the round-house
kick. The knee should not be moved;
only shin and foot. After kick, whole
body should be straight. Caution: This is kicks can be
easy to counter-attack because the front of the body is exposed to the
defender’s turning or turning side-kicks. |
4)
4)
|
Back-kick
|
|
Kick |
·
From a standing position, you lift up
your kicking leg and stretch it backwards to deliver the kick. The back sole is used for the kick ·
The end of the kick is similar to the
side-kick. ·
The foot of the foreleg is used to kick,
but the back leg can be applied for this kick after it is drawn closer to the
foreleg. This case can be applied
when the opponent is at a distance while the latter when the opponent is
closer to you. ·
The eyes are directed on the kicking side
and the supporting leg may not stretch the knee and the ankle as in the
side-kick. ·
The upper part of the body leans more
forward than in the side-kick. TIP: The turning motion is
the key of this kick. Although your
body is turning, the center of your body is moving horizontally. In any motion, there are no circular
motions. Your back leg must move
straight to kick. When you move
straight turning and lifting leg simultaneously, the leg itself will defend
your body. |
5)
Name of Kick
|
Turning
kick
|
|
Kick |
·
Putting the weight on the pivoting foot,
you turn the body immediately after folding the knee. As the knee stretches, it makes the
kicking foot circle horizontally so that the front sole may kick the target. ·
The supporting leg stretches its ankle
and knee to help the sole pivot the body. ·
The kicking leg must stop at the time of
kicking the target without making a follow-through. ·
Unlike the front kick and side kick, the
kicking foot does not make a straight track.
The foot is first raised and then begins to move in a circle. ·
After some hard training, the turning
kick will be able to make a pounding kick from above the target at the time
of kick. The basic techniques of kicks consist of front kick, side-kick, and
round-house kick. Turning kick is one
of applied kick of round-house kick. |
6)
Name of Kick
|
Pushing
kick
|
|
Kick |
·
The way of kicking is the same as the
front kick, but kicking is slowed down, merely pushing the target instead of
inflicting a blow. ·
This is used when the target is
close. Instead of inflicting damage,
this technique is intended to throw down or push away the opponent. ·
The foot-blade or the sole of foot is
used for this kick. TIP: The advantage of this
kick is to adjust the distance determining on the situation: short or long
distance and the kick's power depending on the reaction of waist. The disadvantage of this kick is that in
the case of failure of an attack, the defender will have a position to
attack, but you will be not ready. |
7)
Name of Kick
|
Ax kick
|
|
Kick |
·
The kicking leg is lifted high up above
the opponent’s head and the kick is inflicted by bringing down the leg,
keeping the knee stretched. ·
If the opponent is not too close, just
lift up the folded knee to the center of your body and then make a downward
kick by bringing down the foot. ·
When the opponent is close and your leg
is lifted up from the inside your body, the out-to-in is possible to be
made. If the kicking leg is lifted up
from the out side of the attacker, the in-to-out is possible. ·
The heel and the sole are used for this kick. In-to-Out: This kick is executed by making the kicking foot draw a
circle from outside to inside. The
back of foot blade is used for this technique. Out-to-In: The opposite way of In-to-Out. TIP: ·
Good stretching is required. This technique can be applied to the
turning kick, which means turning around downward kick. ·
The best boundary of turning is within
the shoulder area. The right foot
should not exceed the left shoulder and vise versa. |
8)
Name of Kick
|
Jumping
kick
|
|
Kick |
·
This technique is kicking with one foot
while the body jumps into the air. ·
It is possible to perform this technique
from a back stance with two feet wide apart because the both feet will push
off the ground simultaneously to jump.
Either the fore foot or back foot alone can push the ground to lift up
the body in the air. ·
When the fore foot is used to deliver a
kick, it is called the jump kick. ·
If the body turns backward by jumping in
the air and performs a kick by the back foot, it is called the jump
half-turning kick. TIP: Differences of Jump,
Stepping, and Flying kicks ·
Jumping Kicks: For higher kicks. ·
Stepping Kicks: For longer kicks. ·
Flying Kicks: For passing over
barriers/obstacles. The other side of
kicking leg should be tightly bent. |
18. Class design
(Each class: 90 minutes)
|
Items |
Unit |
Mon. |
Tue. |
Wed. |
Thu. |
Fri. |
Warm-up (Full)
|
30 min |
* |
* |
* |
* |
* |
Warm-up
(partial)
|
15 min |
* |
* |
* |
* |
* |
|
Stretch |
8/side |
* |
* |
* |
* |
* |
|
16 Basic Motions |
5/motion |
* |
* |
* |
* |
* |
|
14 Basic Motions |
“ |
* |
* |
* |
* |
* |
|
Basic Kicks |
5/side |
* |
* |
* |
* |
* |
|
Advanced Kicks |
“ |
* |
* |
* |
* |
* |
|
One step sparring |
10 min |
|
* |
|
* |
|
|
Combination kicks |
15 min |
|
|
* |
|
* |
|
Kick w/Stretch bar |
20 min |
* |
|
|
|
|
|
Arranged free spar. |
15 min |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
Free sparring |
15 min |
|
|
|
|
* |
Stretch: Front, In-to-Out, Out-to-In
Basic Kick: Front, Side,
Round-house
(Ex.: 5/side is for the left and right side.)
Advanced
Kick: Stepping front, steeping side, stepping round-house kicks
Combination Motion: See the list
in chapter 17 & 18
Arranged
free sparring: One side attacks while the other side defenses.
Free sparring: Safety equipment needed for the head, mouth, chest, shin,
and in-step.
To Instructor:
1.
Wait for students from fifteen minutes before the
class hour
2.
Plan each class in advance. Do not play by ear!
3.
Dependence is always an import factor. Don’t push your plan, but read each
student's rhythms.
4.
Make the students rhythms part of your plan.
5.
Do not wait for a chance, but make the chance.
6.
Love the students, then you will see what they
need.
7.
When you love teaching, then you will develop your
own way of teaching.
8.
Tae Kwon Do starts with etiquette and finishes
with etiquette.
9.
Do not leave the school before the students.
10.
Motivation is better than just teaching
techniques.
19. Training Schedule
|
Belt/ Dan |
Theory |
Techniques |
|
White |
7. The basic
vital points |
7. 3 basic
kicks
|
|
Yellow to Green |
|
1. Basic forms: Kicho to Pyungan
Dan 2. Principle of blocking 3. Principle of attacking 4. Hand blocks 5. Advanced kicks 6. One step sparring 7. Combination of kicks 8. Combination of hands 9. Free sparring |
|
Blue to Brown |
|
Hook kick Turning kick Flying kick
Free style (tournament style)
|
|
1st to 2nd Dan |
|
One to two
Technical breaking Speed breaking Power breaking |
20. Personal Basic Routine Training (daily)
|
Part of Body |
Description |
Unit |
Hand
|
|
10/motion |
|
“ |
|
|
Foot |
|
10/side |
|
2. Front Kick |
“ |
|
|
3. Side Stretch |
15/side |
|
|
4. Center Side Kick |
20/side |
|
|
5. High Side Kick |
10/side |
|
|
6. Round-House Kick |
“ |
|
|
7. Twisted Front Kick |
8/side |
|
|
8. Hook Kick |
“ |
|
|
9. Descending kick |
“ |
|
|
10. Turning Side Kick |
“ |
|
|
11. Jumping Kick (Front, side,
round-house, Turning side) |
“ |
|
|
12. Half-Step Kick & Turning Side Kick |
5/side |
|
|
13. Turning Kick |
10/side |
|
|
14. Flying Kick (Front, Side, Round-House) |
5/side |
|
|
15. One-Two Punch & One-Two Target Kick |
10 times |
|
|
Form |
Forms for your level. |
3 x form |
|
Free sparring |
One Step Sparring |
5 times |
|
Arranged Free Sparring |
2min x 5 |
|
|
Free-Style Free Sparring |
2 min x 5 |
|
|
Special Training |
Sandbag: Concentrate on accuracy and speed |
10 x kick |
|
Forging on a wooden pole: Fist and Back-Fist
Front, Side, Round-House Kick |
50 x each 10 x each |
|
|
Forging on concrete: Knife Hand (Inside and
Outside) |
50 x each |
|
|
Kicking a Target |
15 min |
Notes:
21. Advanced
Routine Training for Competitor
|
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
|
* Warm-up Stretching Running (4km) Round trip (10mx4 times) Punch & kick (20mx 5 times) Sit-up (50) Side step (50) Stomach Pushing (100) Jump-over back (50) Sit-0n neck (400m) Zigzag Run (200m) Weight training Bench Press (10 x 3 set) Wrist curl (10 x 3 set) Two hand press Knee lift (10 x 3 set) Calf raise |
* Warm-up Stretching Running (4km) Running Up/Down Hill (round trip) (20m x 5 times) Pitching Run (10m x3 times) One Leg Run (hill) (100m) Zigzag Run (hill) (200m) Basic Kicks (hill) Weight training Bench Press (10 x 3 set) Wrist curl (10 x 3 set) Two hand press Knee lift (10 x 3 set) Calf raise |
* Warm-up Stretching Running (5km) Stair Running (round trip) Stair running (2 stairs with two feet together) Stair running (with one foot) Stair running Zigzag Stair walking (sit like duck and walk up) Seat and jump 2 stairs, 2 feet same time Stair walking (1 person on the back) Weight training Bench Press (10 x 3 set) Wrist curl (10 x 3 set) Two hand press Knee lift (10 x 3 set) Calf raise |
* Warm-up Stretching Running (4km) Light running (mountain) (2.5km) Huddle jump (6 level) Huddle jump (jumping kicks) (flying kicks) Round (100mx 5 times) Interval training (30m x 3 times) (20m x 2 times) (10m x 5 times) (400m x 1 time) Weight training Bench Press (10 x 3 set) Wrist curl (10 x 3 set) Two hand press Knee lift (10 x 3 set) Calf raise |
* Warm-up Stretching Running (4km) Running (100m x 3 times) Interval training (30m x 3 times) (20m x 2 times) (10m x 5 times) (400m x 1 time) Jumping Huddle Both feet Long jump Front Back Right Left Push-ups (50) Side step (50) Stomach Pushs (100) Weight training Bench Press (10 x 3 set) Wrist Curl (10 x 3 set) Two Hand Press Knee Lift (10 x 3 set) Calf Raise |
22. Method of Training
A trainee’s problem is how to improve techniques, but trainer’s problem is
how to make trainee’s techniques.
Therefore the trainer has to focus on a method of instruction.
Instruction methods should be different according to the size of the
class, the level of students, and the condition of the class. Most classes are composed of mixed levels so
the trainer needs skills to manage class effectively.
I will divide three parts to explain about structure of class: Stages of
Introduction, Development, and Closing.
An instructor must check a student’s condition
before class and lead all the students in the same rhythm. Positive motivation is the best way to lead
students. The instructor must retain a
proper distance from all students. The
following things are what an instructor should notice in the stage of
introduction:
a)
Lining up
b)
Checking attendance
c)
Checking uniforms and belts
d)
Motivating
e)
Warming up
An instructor should use yelling, instruction, and
demonstration to help students’ understand techniques. The instructor should be achieve following
things:
a)
Make the class strive to do their best.
b)
Be available to students any time.
c)
Enforce strict rules and regulations.
d)
Observing and supervising students.
e)
Corrections should be made as soon as possible.
f)
Let the students know what they will learn in the
next level.
The instructor must notice the following when demonstrating to students:
a)
Focusing on the target.
b)
Requiring accurate demonstrations because students
may have a different opinion on one another
c)
The instructor should demonstrate techniques
according to the level of students.
d)
The whole motion is better than a part a motion
e)
Divide motions into several steps with slow
motions when motions are complicated.
f)
Students need to concentrate on the instructor
g)
The instructor must demonstrate common problems.
h)
The instructor must be honest to their students.
i)
Right after the demonstration, the instructor has
to make the student practice the same techniques.
2)
Stages of Closing
The instructor listens to their students on what they learned in the
class. In this time, an evaluation can
be made for students, and give them a goal for the next level. If an instructor finds that a student's body
characteristics are different, he can develop techniques for the student and
recommend other proper techniques.
Encourage students before you give advice. They will remember encouragement better than advice.
23. Injury
Any human strives to keep a sound physical
condition. That is a reason many
students enroll in Tae Kwon Do these days, although there is a chance of
injury. Therefore, students should
research to prevent any kinds of injuries during practice and the instructor
must teach students safety rules in the class.
3) Causes of Injury
a)
Lack of Skill
Tae Kwon Do techniques are developed only through repetition of the same
motions for long hours. Without enough
practice, students take risks when advancing techniques and the possibility of
injury is very high. The basic motions
are the foundation of construction.
Without a solid foundation, a building cannot be strong. If a student lacks skill, they need to
repeat the basic motions. Advanced
motions should be practiced step by step.
For example, skillful competitors use less energy than typical people
do. After they kick targets, they relax
their muscle immediately, thus they can kick faster and wear down slower than
unskilled. When the consummation of
energy accumulates over time, the possibility of injury is higher. Students need to concentrate on basic
training more than advanced skills.
b)
Lack of Knowledge
As all sports have safety regulations, Tae Kwon Do also has regulation for
safety. All students should adhere to
them for their colleagues and themselves.
For example, keeping short nails can prevent small, but frequent
injuries during practice.
c)
Lack of Attention
Carelessness is the greatest cause of injury. Students must develop good practice habits and attitudes. Good habits and attitudes are the most
effective way to prevent injury.
d)
Excess Strain
Less experienced competitors feel straining in the free sparring because
they want to win although there is no winner or loser in class. Their muscles are unaccustomed the way their
bodies are moving, so they cannot show their real level of techniques and they
cannot concentrate on free sparring and they are tire easily. In this case, the possibility of injury is
high. Students have to practice until
they have confidence.
e)
Excessive Training
Excessive training can be a cause of injury because it brings on
fatigue. Contemplative faculty, the
ability to judge drops rapidly, and the reflective function of body is
lowered. It can even cause a fractured
bone.
4) Prevention of Injury
Tae Kwon Do is a certain kind of team practice. If one person prevents injury but the other people do not, he is
a victim of injury. Instructors and
students should recognize how to prevent injury during practice. The following are noted to prevent
unexpected injuries:
a)
Practice the basic skills
b)
Before free sparring or competing, warm-up
c)
Train by the schedule and control the quantity of
practice
d)
Use safety equipment during free sparring
e)
Build your knowledge about possible injuries
f)
Develop good habits in practice
g)
Never relax during free sparring. An injury can happen in a split second.
h)
Have confidence.
When students are nervous, chances of injury are higher than normal
conditions.
24. Vital Areas
Not everyone knows the names of the various parts in the
human body. In Tae Kwon Do, however, it
is necessary for every student to have basic knowledge on the structure of the
human body, particularly its vital areas.
The vital areas for Tae Kwon Do are sensitive or fragile points in the
body, which are most vulnerable to attack.
It is essential for all students to familiarize themselves with the
various degrees of vulnerability on each vital area for an effective offense as
well as defense. Regardless of how concentrated
your power may be, if you miss the opponent’s vital spot, it will be difficult
for you to get the upper hand. The
illustrations in the next pages show the vial areas in Tae Kwon Do.
25. Etiquette
“Ye” (etiquette) is an
essential spirit in Tae Kwon Do training.
Tae Kwon Do practice must begin and end with etiquette. "Ye"
is an abbreviation of "kyongnye". "Ye"
denotes the way that all human beings must follow. The human spirit stands on the fundamental base, which is respect
for humanity.
"Kyongnye"
is a bow that signifies truthful respect to another. In Tae Kwon Do practice,
"kyongnye" is a bow
bending the upper body approximately fifteen degrees forward. Bowing symbolizes respect without and humility
within. Adequate and neat appearance
with a controlled mental attitude is critical in Tae Kwon Do etiquette. Bowing is "ye" and "ye"
can be cultivated through inner effort.
Tae Kwon do practitioners must bow when entering and
leaving the Dojang (studio), when
meeting Sabom-nim (master), and
higher ranked students. Before and
after working out with a partner in self-defense, step sparring, or performing
the poomse, you must bow in a
proper manner.
The goal of Tae Kwon Do training lies in the attainment
of the most ideal human values through rigorous physical and mental
practice. Where the will goes, the body
will follow. The attitude of the mind
will eventually determine the way our body will become. With firm determination in mind, the body
will become strong but flexible enough to meet any challenges in daily life.
Daily practice of an appropriate body posture and mental
carriage are important to bring out successful consequences during
training. The basic motions require
accurate learning and study. Tae Kwon
Do utilizes every part of the human body as weapons. Techniques are designed according to kinetic principles which are
classified as punching, thrusting, striking and kicking skills. Strategically categories are attacking,
defending and counter-attacking.
Every technique is based on proper stance with hand-foot
skill. Stance is the first movement of
any skill, which produces a variety of combinations. One basic movement can become a combination of stances and
kinetic execution of a hand or foot technique.
All basic techniques generate a certain amount of force
according to the type of technique. To
create maximum power, it is critical to synchronize these three components:
smooth execution of technique; mental awareness; and breathing. The equilibrium - the adequate shift of the
center of gravity - concentration is also important.
The line of the motion such as a linear or circular
course and the angle of the feet or arms determine the characteristics of basic
movements.
Caution for good
techniques:
·
Erect posture and relaxed shoulders
·
Focus the energy at the DAN
·
Harmonize motions and breathing
·
Keep your balance and shift the body properly
·
Power must be focused during the final impact
·
The focus of the mind and power must be conscious
26. Use of the Bag
The principle advantage derived from the use of the bag
is that the student is free to bring into contact with his target his entire
exerted strength, without the need to be wary of a human target. Practicing with the bag therefore improves
the skill of hand and foot movements and action and help to perfect these
movements. Above all, with intelligent
use of the bag, overall power, balance, speed and accuracy could be attained
and successfully developed in a relatively short period.
During training, efficient jumps, kicks and strikes with
the legs and feet will determine how well you can control with your target. The front portion of the sole plays a major
role in almost all movements, whether jumping or falling, blocking or
striking. Turning of the ball (front
sole) of the foot not only adds stable balance for an attack and defense, but
also for coordination of speed, power and timing.
The weight of the bag
should also be cautiously taken into account prior to practicing. For adult beginners, use of a bag of 40
pounds or less would be ideal, carefully calculating that the body will be able
to withstand the new weight.
A 50 pound bag is considered suitable for a person who
weights 130 pounds or more and who has already worked up to a level to be
sufficiently applied and developed with the use of the bag.
27. Competition Rules and Interpretation
Tae Kwon Do competitions conducted by two contestants,
Chong (blue) and Hong (red). Only punching and kicking techniques directed to the front of the
body are allowed. Kicks are allowed
only when attacking the face. Hitting
below the lower abdomen is forbidden.
All vulnerable parts of body are covered with protectors such as
headgear, the trunk protector, forearm and shin guards, the groin guard, and
breast guard to prevent injuries during competition.
See appendix
Things to be done in the
future
[1] Falling down, peeling off skins, can be kicked before execution of attack (making body sign for attack)