I have recently been asked why we do not practice more ground fighting in the Club.
My rationale is not meant to say that Han Moo
Kwan is a better martial art than those that focus or practice mostly on the ground, but
meant to explain, based on the Han Moo Kwan objectives as a martial art, why we
avoid ground fighting, if we can.
Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do is meant to be used
strictly for self-defense purposes, and only if options do not exist to avoid the
confrontation and conflict. So, bottom
line is if you can walk away (or run) and remain safe at the start or anytime
during a confrontation, that should be your choice or at least considered. It will be much harder or not even be an option
to walk away if you are on the ground.
And when we talked about self-defense, it can
be any scenario – single attackers, multiple attackers, middle of the street on
a hot summer day, while with people you love, etc. And in self-defense, no technique is
considered illegal and there are no rules. I contend that unless you are a
master ground fighter, your probability of staying safe and not harmed against
multiple attackers is very low if you are on the ground and still probably only
if none of the attackers are skilled.
All it takes is one person to get behind you and kick you in the head
and you will almost be instantly unable to defend yourself. You are much better off on your feet against
multiple attackers. In addition, if you
are with other people and also need/want to defend them against attackers, you
will be unable to do that if you are on the ground.
We also intentionally practice a more Aikido
style of falls and rolls that allows us to get back on our feet more quickly
and effectively.
We do practice ground fighting from time to
time so you can have the confidence that the majority of the techniques we
practice on our feet can be just as effective on the ground if for some reason
you end up on the ground.
And, we do practice some basic grappling techniques
like take downs, some throws, and leg sweeps for example, but with the focus of
performing the techniques and staying on our feet. In self-defense, it can definitely be advantageous
to getting your attacker on the ground while ensuring you stay on your feet
(for one, gives you the opportunity to walk or run away).
So, bottom line, for self-defense purposes
and assuming it can be any scenario, we believe that defending ourselves from
our feet is better.
Regards,
Kelly
“Nothing is more
harmful to the world than a martial art that is not effective in actual
self-defense.” ~ Choki Motobu (1871–1944), Founder of Okinawan Tomari-te Karate
