Anyahaseo

[ryanhall]

Kwanjanim.

You contest that TKD can be effective, but I have to disagree. Unless it is radically altered in a number of ways, it is still a VERY sub-par means of personal protection. Everything from the deep stance to a low guard makes it unworkable. The punching mechanics are insufficient to generate power enough to knock out an attacker, and the kicks are showy and very telegraphic. I'll echo what Spanky said: I would like to understand how you alter the art to make it at least somewhat workable. Crosstraining in Hapkido just doesn't cut it for me as an answer. I am not attacking, just wondering. I look forward to hearing what you have to say.

[Tom Yum]

I guess it depends on what the ciriculum (spelling?) focuses on, right? Hyung training and throwing strikes from the horse stance are useless for self-defense. This is good for someone who is looking at TKD as an artistic endeavor and might be timid about contact fighting. Lets say that grandpa has long since retired and would like to get back into shape, but doesn't want to fracture anything. Atleast he can learn to throw a ridgehand, knifehand, finger jab and palm strike to vital areas. He won't be able to fend off Ken Shamrock, but its better than nothing.

Many TKD stylists develop great fighting attributes. I know a guy that can kick a cigarette out of my mouth. I think if he would have missed, my teeth would have been on the floor. One of the most favorite techniques that TKD people use against a jab is to move their head away from the jab while simultaneously throwing a lead leg side kick into the puncher's ribs as they are exposed from throwing the jab. An alternative counter is to throw the kick it at the knee. Kwangjanim, please feel free to comment on these techniques.

I definitely agree that TKD is lacking in punching techniques/development. From my observations, TKD stylists seem stiff and unable to keep their hands up in punching range. Some of them cross train in boxing or muay thai to make up for this. Some of them can pick up MT really quickly. I think Master Toddy, the famous MT coach (based in England) requires his students to also studdy TKD (I thought I heard this from someone on another post)

While TKD is not a complete art by definition of fighting ranges, it develops fighting attributes such as flexibility and quickness. There are many salvagable techniques.