WTF rule change questions

[tkd_person89]

Do you think the games will be a lot more fun and entertaining and exciting because of the new rules, as the WTF so claims? How so?

Do you think the new rules which include punching and a smaller ring makes Taekwondo now a true martial arts competition with less rules?

All opinions on the new rule changes appreciated. Thanks.

[tkd_person89]

And also do you think that incorporating punching will make these guys keep their hands up now and actually start using hand techniques?

[Maxx]

The rules incorporated punching before... are you referring to head punches?

[tkd_person89]

Yeah but it was rarely counted. In the past a punch had to be a blatantly and unmistakably a clear, hard hit to be even considered for scoring. Now however, all punches will be scored, and thus, the athletes will be required to wear gloves.

Head punches are still not allowed. However, the new WTF rules are just like Kyokushin rules. All out fists + feet but no punches to head and no shots below waist.

[seanyseanybean]

Yeah but it was rarely counted. In the past a punch had to be a blatantly and unmistakably a clear, hard hit to be even considered for scoring. Now however, all punches will be scored, and thus, the athletes will be required to wear gloves.

Head punches are still not allowed. However, the new WTF rules are just like Kyokushin rules. All out fists + feet but no punches to head and no shots below waist.

Kyok allows kicks to the legs though.

[tkd_person89]

that's the only exception but i think leg kicks are highly overrated

[kuk sool won]

then you have NEVER been kicked in the leg by someone who knows where to kick you.

Your've seen the likes of kick and thai boxers right? They basically aim for two parts on the leg, about an index finger higher than the knee on either side, on the outside of your thigh is the largest pressure point on your body i beleive its 2mm big (correct me if im wrong) get kicked there and if you haven't conditioned your legs properly you will go down like a sack of spuds. The fortunate thing is the pressure point is on a muscle, if its on a muscle then it can easily be conditioned so that you don't feel it

[Maxx]

The Thais and the Burmese fighters have a reputation for being able to break the femur and an opponent with their shin kicks. Most people who have never experienced a leg kick from a well trained thai boxer, burmese boxer or bare knuckle karate stylist will go right down from one. Seen it happen more often than not.

Not that the WTF's rules making them illegal is a bad thing. GM Hee Il Cho's son, Jacob Cho once told me that the reason for the emphasis on above the waste kicking was to take the most powerful tools the body has to offer and aim for the vital points of the body such as the ribs and internal organs. A well placed side kick can easily break ribs or rupture the spleen... and of course we all know what the jump spinning back kick can do to someone if it lands. Never the less, most of the AIMMAA schools out the still incorporate leg kicking as well. Not only was it originally part of TKD but they see the value in it.

[KDH]

Yes I am also wondering about these new rules...

Are they just what TKD needs to become more "martial" and exciting to watch??? hmmm


Also, it seems to me only Muay Thai and Kyokushin Karate are the only styles that truly incorporate leg kicks in sparring. Even regular kickboxing rules dictate above waist shots, much like TKD, trad. karate etc etc

[Maxx]

Probably about 10 years ago I was reading a copy of the Taekwon-Do book that General Choi wrote. I know that there have been several versions and countless revisions so I'm not sure exactly what version this was. Anyway I happened to be reading through the sparring rules section and it stated something about the knee joint being a legitimate target and an attack done successfully to that area should be awarded with a point.My guess is that it was a very old copy/version.

I have heard several people who visited korea in the late 60's early 70's state that there was leg kicking at that time. I tend to believe, however, that the leg kicking at that time was probably pretty rudimentary and probably revolved more around side kicks to the knee joint as opposed to round kicks. The same kind of thing that is generally taught in TKD classes as part of self defense these days.

[KDH]

Thanks, I did not know that actually. But that doesn't really address my question though.

Will WTF comp become more "harder" and more realistic and fun to watch as a result of these new rules?

[Maxx]

I guess that depends on what you find to be interesting. Since it will be easier to score with punches, my guess is that you will see a lot more sloppy flurries of punches in close range. I don't really think that anyone can predict with accuracy what will happen but if you think about it you will now have a tool that you can use to score with that is very low risk and easy to use. If I understand the rule change, and I've only heard it from other people, I would guess that you are going to see an increase in fighers standing toe to toe and firing flurries into one another with wreckless abandon. You still can't punch to the head and fighters will be wearing a chest protector.

Punching uses a lot less energy than kicking does as well. Could be more interesting. Then again, it could just end up being a train wreck waiting to happen.

[eXcessiveForce]

Decided to change your name huh TKD. I didn't really even need to look up your ip to figure that one out. lol