Hyung are a prearranged series of offensive and defensive techniques (blocks, strikes, and kicks) that are performed in a specific pattern. Hyung contain the foundation of any particular art form. Some believe the true meaning and spirit of an art form can be found through the study and understanding of the art forms’ hyung.
It is also believed that the fundamental fighting tactics required to be effective are all embedded in the hyung. For this discussion, my definition of tactics is an expedient means of achieving an end. Tactics are what you do during contact with the opponent (kicks, strikes, etc).
References [1] and [2] are both contain very good information to explain the theories behind hyung (forms) and ways of deciphering hyung (forms) applications.
So, if that premise is true, what do the tactics within the HMK hyung tell us about the art form?
HMK practices 15 hyung in total. If we review and analyze the tactics in the 15 hyung, it should uncover the essence of which tactics would be most effective in a fight based on the HMK philosophy, its strategy and tactics.
This review and analysis can be at a fundamental level (that is the most obvious technique) or at a deeper level to what the possibility of some techniques are. For the purpose of this discussion and analysis, we will stick to the most obvious techniques.
A review of the 15 hyung and all its obvious kicks that are practiced show that 55 kicks are thrown. Of those 55:
• 34 are Front Kicks* (62 %** of the total)
• 19 are Stamping Side Kicks (35%** of the total)
• 2 are Crescent Kicks (4%** of the total)
*Note that for this analysis there is not a differentiation between a front kick from a Natural Stance or a Rear Leg Front Kick from an Attack Stance
** Note these numbers are rounded
So, from the analysis, we can conclude the kicking tactics you’d use most often in a fighting situation is Front Kicks and Stamping Side Kicks and periodically Crescent Kicks.
So, you may ask yourself, if this is the case then “Why are these kicks the most effective?” and “Why bother practicing the other kicks?”. Let’s look at possible answers to each of these questions.
Why are these kicks the most effective?
Below are some of my thoughts to this question. There may be additional reasons as well and if you come up with any, I’d really like to hear your ideas.
1. Front Kick is very effective for several reasons
• Can be throw quickly and easily facing an opponent
• Hard to stop using a linear, piston action
• Can be thrown towards the knee, shins “under the radar” of the eyes of the opponent so they do not even see it coming
• Very effective closer in to the opponent
2. Stamping Side Kick is very effective for several reasons
• The Stamping Side Kick is an effective technique when used to strike an opponent’ foot, shin, or knee
• The kick is low and under the eyes, gaze of the opponent so they are not prepared or see the kick coming
• Very effective as a close in kick
3. Crescent Kick is not a common kick used in self-defense or sparring, but can be effective when the situation arises.
• The kick can be used as a sweep to an opponent’s shin area to take an opponent off his feet. As a sweep, the kick is low and under the eyes, gaze of the opponent so they are not prepared or see the kick coming.
• The kick can be used for defensive purposes and can be used to deflect or alter attacking opponent’s kick or hand technique followed by a counterattack.
• It can also be used as an unconventional attack to confuse a more skilled opponent.
• Effective as a close in kick
Since one of HMK’s main strategy is close in fighting and these kicks are effective close in, it makes sense you see these more often as tactics in the forms.
Why bother practicing the other kicks or heights other than low to the ground?
Below are some of my thoughts to this question. There may be additional reasons as well and if you come up with any, I’d really like to hear your ideas.
There are several reasons to practice the other kicks and kicks that are high and not just low. Some of those include:
• Development of all muscles (hip flexors, quadriceps, calf muscles, etc)
• More kicks give you more options
• Strength
• Power
• Endurance
• Discipline
• Flexibility
• Balance
• Coordination
• Awareness of oneself and body
The hyung can not account for every situation, every encounter, and every angle of attack. Other kicks such as side kick, turnaway kick, back kick have their place and times to be used in a self-defense situation. The hyung are telling us that the most effective kicks for close-in fighting.
Regards,
Kelly
“Always practice kata with its practical use in your mind.” ~ Anko Itosu (1830-1915), Okinawan Karate master
References
1. Bunkai-Jutsu by Iain Abernethy
2. The Way of Kata: A Comprehensive Guide for Deciphering Martial Applications by Lawrence Kane
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