Techniques and Targets Part 1- - Chief Instructor's Blog November 2012

Note: This two part series describes effective targets and scenarios for some of the Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do techniques. This first part describes various upper body techniques, most effective targets, when you would use them, and which forms each technique is practiced in.


The information presented here is to help students understand further the art form and the tactics on which Han Moo Kwan is based. Neither the instructors nor the Han Moo Kwan Association assumes any responsibility for the use or misuse of the information contained herein. The information herein should not be misused. The information is provided so students will have knowledge and can ensure their practice is safe in the dojang and to ensure any responses to an attack are appropriate and justifiable.

While the information herein describes specific targets, it should be noted that any strike or kick can cause damage either by the strike itself or what occurs after the strike (such as an opponent falling and hitting their head). Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do is a serious art form which can have deadly results if used improperly or with the intent of being deadly. The information herein is to support the knowledge of the Han Moo Kwan martial artists to use the art form only in self-defense and only if avoidance or escape is not an option. Neither the author nor the Han Moo Kwan Association assumes any responsibility for the use or misuse of the information contained within this blog.

Upper Body Attack Techniques

Listed below are 10 upper body techniques (strikes and blocks) taught and practiced as part of Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do basics and hyung. In a sparring or self-defense situation, the strike (or block) and location depends on range and opponent’s position. Blocks should be performed to do damage, not just deflect and evade. By practicing blocking to damage (“block to break”), you have an opportunity to end the attack with a “defensive” block as opposed to an offensive strike. This list and details presented here describe locations assuming both the student and opponent are standing. Alternative locations could be considered if one or both were not standing (on your knees, on the ground, etc).

Punch

This punch strikes with the first two knuckles. This is a strong attack and effective against the temple, throat, nose, center of the jaw/ chin, lower edge of the jaw, sternum, solar plexus, abdomen, lower abdomen, floating ribs, ribs, upper back, center of the back, lower back, kidneys, groin, upper arm, radius bone, and back of the hand. A closed fist punch to the head should only be considered by students who have had sufficient training and have conditioned their hands over time. The punch can be executed from different stances and in different directions (e.g., forward, downward, upward, etc.). Forward Punch and Attack Punch are basic Han Moo Kwan techniques. Attack Punch is used in Kibon Hyung, Kibon One, and Kibon Two, among other forms.

Spear Hand

Spear Hand strikes with the tips of the fingers which are held tightly together. Spear Hand is typically used as a counter to an attack (target location depends on range and opponent’s position.) Spear Hand is utilized primarily to strike soft tissue areas of the body: xiphiod process (point directly below the sternum); suprasternal notch (large, visible dip where the clavicles join the sternum), side of the neck (carotid artery), carotid bulb, groin, eyes, armpit, and kidneys. Strike is linear from hip for maximum force. Arms stay close to body to support use of entire body for strike. Spear Hand is a short, close-in strike so it’s hard to detect and difficult to stop. Spear Hand can be executed from different stances and in different directions (forward, upward, and downward). A variation of spear hand is the extended spear hand (with guard to protect the nerve bundle in the arm pit). Extended Spear Hand is practiced in Pyung Ahn 2 and Pyung Ahn 3.

Knife Hand

Knife Hand strikes with the outer edge of the hand. Knife Hand is effective against the temple, throat, bridge of nose, upper lip, lower edge of the jaw, center of the jaw/ chin, side of the neck (carotid artery), back of the neck, collarbone, third cervical vertebrae, sternum, floating ribs, solar plexus, upper arm, back of the hand, groin, kidneys, and joints (e.g., wrists, elbows, and knees, etc.). Knife hand is effective for small areas such as the neck because you can strike without hitting other areas first. Since the edge of the hand is narrow, the concentrated force from the strike can cause severe damage when applied correctly and to effective targets. According to Mr. Kim, Knife Hand has one and a half times the force of the fist. Knife Hand can be executed from different stances and in different directions (e.g., outward, downward, inward, forward, etc.). Forward knife hand is part of the Cat Stance Attack technique. Double Downward Knife Hand is practiced in Pyung Ahn 1. Outward Knife Hand is practiced in Pyung Ahn 2. Basic inward Knife Hand is practiced in Shipsu. Knife Hand can also be used as a block.

Low Block

Low Block is used as a counter to an attack toward the lower section of the body. Low Block uses the outer edge of the arm to deflect kicks and punches towards the lower portion of one’s body (groin to knee). Low Block can be used against any strike which has an upward thrust that starts low. Low Block can be executed from different stances and in different directions (e.g., inward and outward, etc.). Low Block followed by Side Medium Block can pin kicks and torque opponent’s hip. Low block is used in Kibon Hyung, Kibon 2, Pyung Ahn 1, Pyung Ahn 3, and Pyung Ahn 5. Inward Low Block is practiced in the following Hyung: Shipsu, Mepojan 1, Mepojan 2. Applications could include: counter to a same side blocked punch, a punch to the groin, and Front Kicks. Inward Low Block followed by a Medium Block can pin kicks and torque opponent’s hip. Inward augmented Low Block is practiced in the following hyung: Shipsu, Mepojan 1, and Mepojan 2. Applications could include: Counter to a same side blocked punch, a punch towards the groin, and Front Kicks. The block should be thrown with sufficient force to break the attacking limb, or at least throw the opponent off balance sufficiently to disrupt any possible combination.

High Block

High Block uses the outer edge of the arm to protect ones head and neck from overhead strikes (clubs, sticks, arms, etc.). An effective High Block can stop or deflect an opponent’s attack. A forceful High Block will break the opponent’s arm. While the basic High Block is executed in Attack Stance in an upward, forward direction protecting the head from a forward blow, High Block can be executed from different stances and in different directions High Block is used in Kibon 4 and Shipsu. High Block can also be used as an attack against the throat, upper lip, lower edge of the jaw, center of the jaw/ chin, side of the neck (carotid artery), and back of the neck.

Hammer Fist

This punch strikes with a bottom of the fist. This is a strong attack and effective against the top of the head, temple, bridge of the nose, lower edge of the jaw, sternum, collarbone, ears, base of the neck, base of the skull, ribs, floating ribs, solar plexus, upper arm, back of the hand, abdomen, lower abdomen, groin, upper back, center of the back, lower back, kidneys, and joints (e.g., wrists, elbows, and knees, etc.). Hammer Fist can be executed from different stances and in different directions (e.g., outward, downward, inward, etc.). Downward Hammer Fist is used in Pyung Ahn 1. Outward Hammer Fist is used in Pyung Ahn 2, Pyung Ahn 3, Pyung Ahn 5 and in a combination in Pyung Ahn 5. Double Downward Hammer Fist to side of the body is used in Shipsu. Single Downward Hammer Fist to the side of the body is used in No Pe Hyung.

Ridge Hand

This strike is with the inner-edge of the hand (thumb’s edge). It is performed similar to an outward and inward Knife Hand, except the opposite edge of the hand is used. The ridge hand is effective against targets such as the temple, throat, eyes, side of the neck/carotid artery, bridge of nose, upper lip, center of the jaw/ chin, lower edge of the jaw, groin, floating ribs, lower back, and kidneys. It is also used in specialized techniques where the rounded edge of the knuckle can penetrate sensitive areas. Ridge Hand can be executed from different stances and in different directions (e.g., inward, upward, outward, etc.). Outward Ridge Hand is used in Pyung Ahn 4. A short outward ridge hand is practiced in Shipsu. Double Upward Ridge Hand is practiced in No Pe Hyung.

Backhand

Backhand is with the back of the fist delivered in a snapping motion of the arm, leading with the elbow. This attack is effective against the top of the head, temple, nose, orbital bones, solar plexus, ribs, abdomen, lower abdomen, floating ribs, groin, kidneys, and the lower back. The elbow remains slightly bent. Used when close to your opponent, as a counter attack following an arm block with the same side fist, or an attack following a kick. Backhand can be executed from different stances and in different directions (e.g., downward, upward, outward, etc.). Outward Backhand is used in Pyung Ahn 3.

Palm Strike

This strike is executed using the heel of the palm in a straight forward direction. This is primarily used for offensive attacks. Palm Strikes are effective against the back of the head, nose, temple, orbital bones, chin, center of the jaw/ chin, lower edge of the jaw, ears, sternum, solar plexus, ribs, floating ribs, groin, abdomen, lower abdomen, upper back, center of the back, lower back, and kidneys. Palm Strike is used when close to your opponent, in combination with other attacks and kicks, or as an initial attack Palm Strike can be executed from different stances and in different directions (e.g., forward, upward, downward, etc.). Double Upward Palm Strike is used in Pyung Ahn 4 and Combination Spilt Double Palm Strike in Shipsu.

Elbow Strike

This strike is applied with the area near the elbow, in a thrusting motion or using the pointed end of the elbow in a downward motion or backward motion. It is strong and effective when applied at close range. The elbow strike in a forward thrusting motion is effective against nose, temple, center of the jaw/ chin, sternum, solar plexus, ribs, floating ribs, abdomen, lower abdomen, kidneys, upper back center of the back, lower back, and groin. The elbow strike using the pointed end is effective against top of the head, sternum, collar bone, radius bone, solar plexus, ribs, floating ribs, abdomen, lower abdomen, kidneys, upper back center of the back, lower back, and groin. Elbow Strike can be executed from different stances and in different directions (downward, outward, inward). Inward Elbow Strike into open palm (in a thrusting motion) is used in Pyung Ahn 4 and Pyung Ahn 5.

In Part II, the most effective targets for the Han Moo Kwan kicks will be described.

Regards,

Kelly

"It is necessary to develop a strategy that utilizes all the physical conditions and elements that are directly at hand. The best strategy relies on an unlimited set of responses." ~ Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), founder of Aikido, from his book “The Art of Peace”

References:

1. Korean Karate Free Fighting Techniques, Sihak Henry Cho, 1968
2. Hand-to-Hand Combat, Joe Begala, 1965
3. Karate-Do Kyohan, The Master Text by Gichin Funakoshi
4. Bunkai-Jutsu by Iain Abernethy
5. The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do: (Shorin-Ryu) by Shoshin Nagamine
6. The Bible of Karate Bubishi by Patrick McCarthy