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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.
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.
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