Techniques and Targets Part II - Chief Instructor's Blog December 2012

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

Kicks

Listed below are the four kicks taught and practiced as part of Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do basics. In a sparring or self-defense situation, the kick and location depends on range and opponent’s position. The 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).

High Kick

As an advanced kick (intermediates and advanced students), this kick can be used across the collar bone, upper back, center of the back, lower back (if body of opponent is doubled-over), or a sweep to take down an opponent. This technique can also be used to maneuver or off-balance an opponent as a leg sweep. High Kick can be executed from different stances.

Front Kick

Front kick is a very fast, forceful kick using the ball of the foot and a piston action. The toes are pulled back for protection. It is an effective technique when your striking range is too far to use hand strikes. Front kick is an effective technique when used to strike an opponent’s chin, nose, sternum, solar plexus, ribs, floating ribs, solar plexus, abdomen, lower abdomen, upper back, center of the back, lower back, inner thigh, outside of thigh, calf, groin, kidneys, kneecap, back of the knee, or shin. Front Kick can be performed from any of the basic stances. Front Kick is used in Kibon 3, Kibon 4, Pyung Ahn 2, Pyung Ahn 4, and No Pe Hyung. Jump Front Kicks are used to perform a faster, more forceful front kick and optionally to close the distance.

Side Kick

Side Kick is a very forceful kick, since it utilizes the more massive leg and gluteal muscles. It is an effective technique when your striking range is too far to use hand strikes. Side Kick effective targets are the same as Front Kick. Contact with the foot will be on the outer edge near heel; toes pointed toward the ground. Side Kick can be executed from different stances. Jump Side Kicks are used to perform a faster, more forceful side kick and optionally to close the distance.

Turnaway Kick

Turnaway Kick is an effective kick when used against the head and joints of an opponent. It is also effective when used for maneuvering-techniques and sweeps. Turnaway Kick is good for quick, close in strikes up towards the temple (sneaking in below the opponent’s line of site), lower back, or to sweep an opponent off his/her feet. Turnaway Kick can also be used to deflect an opponent’s kicking leg or guarding arms. Contact with the outside area of the foot near the ankle. As an advanced kick (intermediates and advanced students), this kick can be used against the side of the neck, lower edge of the jaw, or temple; or a sweep to take down an opponent (target location depends on range and opponent’s position). As an advanced kick (intermediates and advanced students), Turnaway Kicks can be used to deflect or alter attacks (knife thrust, Front Kicks, Side Kick, Turnaway Kick). Turnaway Kick can be executed from different stances. Jump Turnaway Kicks are used to perform a faster, more forceful Turnaway kick and optionally to close the distance.

Regards,
Kelly

“A wise man hides his weapons” ~ Lao-Tzu (6th century BC), philosopher of ancient China, and best known as the author of the Tao Te Ching

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