pstevens

I've heard enough TKD backlash to last a lifetime...and to some extent, I agree — TKD can be quite useless at times (like when a guy has you in his clinch). However, you must also realize that martial arts is a personal venture that YOU must make work for yourself. That's right, an instructor can only show and explain to you "how and why it's done," but it's up to you to apply and perhaps tweak according to your needs.

For instance, I've tried Choy Li Fut kung-fu and didn't agree with it..Does it mean that Choly Li Fut sucks? No, it just means I wasn't be able to pull off most of Choy Li Fut's moves. However, I did retain the principle of maintaining a good base. That's the element worked for me.

I teach TKD, but not in the same way my Master taught me. Why? Because his methods reflect his personal experience which is not mine (although some ideas and concepts are similar)... Down the road, if my students teach, I hope they teach their own way and not mine.

I find that TKD teaches good kicking speed and mechanics. Learning various kicks, while not always functional is good for agility and balance...Besides, you never know when spin kick will come in handy...perhaps you're getting blind sided and that's the only technique that can be used...who knows...

With all the hype surrounding Muay Thai, I've started training a bit for myself. I agree that it is a very sound stand-up martial art, perhaps one of the best. But there's still room for my TKD... NOTE: Not all Muay Thai practitioners are the seemingly invincible fighters we are accustomed to seeing in the ring. In fact, a lot of them are just average martial artists who train hard to stay in shape. The main difference seems to be that there's more discipline in the class and also more conditioning... Fortunately, I stay well conditioned with boxing and grappling.

But my point is to make things work for you, at the same time maintaining an open mind. If someone says that hopping around on one leg (as they do in TKD) and kicking people is risky, you should evaluate it realistically. When you kick, you're essentially off balance (although it seems otherwise), so it is really wise to do so? No... Is my answer...But that's just me.

magic

Excellent post!

Any martial art can be made to work effectively - it depends your personal characterisitcs and how you train it. TKD kicks are very well-grounded scientifically in terms of generating the most power in the shortest time, with the quickest recovery. This is the advantage of the "sport side" of TKD. If you want to use TKD for self defense, however, you cannot neglect the other ranges - punching, clinching and grappling - as well as pre- and post-fight tactics.

My two cents worth . . .

Magic

m.artist

very true. i have learned my lesson and will try hard not to cap on tkd anymore

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MADDOG

Hello,

I am new to this forum but not to the MA.

I understand both sides of this debate, for the praise and for the condemnation of TKD.

A segment of our TKD adopted the marketing strategies of the McDojo’s and found great finical success. This watering down of the TKD has hurt our reputation in the MA community but as McDojo’s grow in numbers there are other MA communities that we can add to this list of bastardizing the arts for finical gain.

I appreciate TKD and respect TKD. 21 years ago my first instructor was TKD MDK. I attempt to practice and teach the way that he taught. His way was the old way. To be martial in all that you do, develop the charter, develop respect for yourself and others, have integrity in all that you do and adapt and overcome all obstacles to the best of your ability. He was a great teach and I truly believe this is why I love TKD, even to this day.

In regards to what we can do in the TKD community to correct our tarnish image, I would recommend to take care of our own individual Dojang’s. In our own Dojang’s we are responsible for what is taught. We do not have to conform to the WTF or any other organization. We can teach once again the power, effectiveness and beauty of TKD.

Thank you.

Ed Barton

Marku

we need more people like you in the world, pstevens. Keep posting! ^_^


Self expression is IMPORTANT!

avelocci

Today I got in somewhat of a street querrel at school and a guy bigger than I am charged at me after throwing my friend to the ground. I used turning and front snap kicks to keep him at a distance and was well prepared to chop him down with punches and knife-hands if he got in close but luckily it didn't come to that. I agree TKD has its merits and it all depends on the individual, sure some kicks may render you off balance but if you have a problem with that, change it to adapt for yourself. It worked for me and it can work for you too.

Sincerly,
Andrew Velocci