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General Questions
Hi ,my name is tiar and im 18 years old ,and im interesting about join a taekwondo club,the thing that i wanna ask is am i too old to join a taekwondo club as i never done it before and do you guys have some sort of weight limit,like whats the minimun weight or whats the maximum.thank you very much Tiar Hi Tiar. We have beginners of all ages starting Taekwon-Do all the time - and at 18 you are certainly still young! It is also suitable for any body types and is excellent for losing weight if that is what you want to achieve. (It is now well accepted at high intensity training such as Taekwon-Do is the best form of exercise for losing weight, as long as you watch your diet.) Have a look at our directory for a club near to you, and I hope we will see you at training soon. Paul M [Aug 2004] Is walking stance lower block full facing (shoulders square as in a punch) or half facing (with the shoulder of the blocking arm slightly forward)? There seem to be two lines of thought on this. Do you know why? Avis Sanders
Paul M This is quite probably a commonly asked question; what attack is a circular block specifically designed to defend against? I ask only as i have heard various interpretations, all of which have equal merit. 1 - Defence against a low front snap kick (say to the knee joint). As you bend the rear leg and cross your arms you are effectively \'catching\' the kick, and then deflecting it by \'scooping\' it out of the way in a circular motion, to upset your attackers equilibrium. 2 - defence against a low then middle attack (low front snap kick to knee followed by middle front punch). When bending the rear leg and crossing the hands, the blocking hand blocks the low kick with the inner forearm, before traveling in a circular motion to block the middle punch. This has a certain appeal, as Won-Hyo teaches students the defence for the attack that follows. As a self-defence, both these methods can be effective and if the end
result is that you have successfully defended yourself then the technique
worked, but what is the correct answer to give a 6th Kup learning Won-Hyo? Thomas Young Both answers are correct and I would explain both possible applications to green belts. More importantly, get them to practice it with a partner to get a real appreciation of the technique. Paul M [Aug 2004] For an elderly person who has suffered a heart attack 12 years ago &
believes has arthritis, however teaches TKD (25 years experience) - what
physical activities would you recommend if their goal is to improve upon
speed & stamina? Voni That depends upon a number of things like if you have been training lately or if you are returning to training after a break. Firstly you must check with your Doctor that it is okay to proceed with Taekwon-Do training. Secondly you should make the Instructor aware of your physical condition and discuss a training plan. ITF Taekwon-Do is amazing for general fitness, with the benefit of being able to adjust the intensity to your own level, as long as you have an Instructor that will allow you to do that. Start quietly at the back of class and as your fitness improves you can be more and more involved in the sessions. I would also be doing some walking and stretching outside of normal classes if possible. Good luck. Paul M [June 2004] When performing line work I have been instructed that when turning about you perform the last movement performed (ie chookyo magki to D, turns to chookyo makgi to C). But, on occasion i have also been instructed that there is an exception; if the last movement performed was a punch, you turn into a low forearm block (najunde palmok makgi). Is this correct, ie a punch turns into a low block; or that any ATTACK turns into a low BLOCK; or do you simply repeat the last movement performed, whatever it was? Yours in Taekwon-Do, Thomas Young There are no hard and fast rules for this. In the old days we used to do it as you mentioned, but General Choi had since indicated you can do any movement when turning, and the instructor should make it clear to the class what technique he or she wants them to do. Having said that, if no instruction is given by the instructor then typically you would perform the same movement as you were just practising when you turn. If you have been kicking, then normally you would do an L-stance guarding block. Gen. Choi used to emphasise the different methods of turning (spot, step, double step turns etc) and encourage us to teach all the different methods and include these in our fundamental exercises. Unfortunately many Instructors will only teach a spot turning moving the front foot to the center line - just one of many ways to turn. Paul M At WHAT RANK does one BECOME a MASTER in ITF STYLE TAE KWON DO? (In my Org, the WTF, 4th Dan is the Starting Rank for Master). I would like to know how the other ITF Styles Grade their Ranks for my own personal knowledge. Thank you very much for your time.
Sir In the ITF the title of Master is awarded at 7th dan. The system of rank is designed so that the 9 degrees (dans) of black belt are divided into three: 1-3 dan is novice, or beginner levels of black belt. 4-6 degree are considered experts, and 7-9 dan are Masters. This system has been in place since the 1960's. All gradings must be conducted by 4th dan or higher, and you can grade up to 2 below your own level. e.g. a 4th dan can grade up to 2nd dan. You also must have attended an international Instructors Course before your gradings would be authorised by eh ITF. Each Country normally has their own requirements as well. Paul M [Feb 2004] When doing an upper elbow strike, is your hand supposed to start facing down then turn as it moves up? Or start facing up? Sheri The backhand faces up throughout the entire movement. Paul M [20 Oct 2003] I started TKD to improve my fitness and learn how to defend myself. Since then martial arts have moved from my hobbie to my passion. I spend time talking to people from other martial arts and studying the different styles and reasoning for these styles. One thing I have become increasingly aware of is that styles such as tkd have very specific stances, especially in the patterns. I understand that these stances where developed to maximize stability to help in the generation of power for certain techniques but surely by trying to make everyone have exactly 2 shoulder widths here and 15 degrees there as opposed to some slight alteration, the stances can easily lose the purpose they were originally designed to teach. Not allowing for these slight alterations seems to ignore the physical differences such as variations in bone and muscle development which between two \"normal\" people can be quite noticeable. In my club as I get higher up in the ranks I am constantly getting told to get lower, wider,narrower, longer,shorter, push knee out further and so on and so on. For example in relation to the L-stance I am aware that the weight and centre of gravity are to be mostly positioned towards the back foot, yet as I am made to lengthen my stance, lower my stance, push the knee out a bit more and angle my foot a couple more degrees inward, I find my stance becomes much more dependent on the front foot for stability and my balance is not as secure. The alterations done to my stance are directly from any TKD material which is currently in date yet I believe the alterations done defeat the purpose the stance was designed to accomplish. As I get higher in the ranks I notice many students perfect the foot angles and distancing but in the process lose the things which I would have thought where more important such as the weight distribution and centre of gravity. Perhaps I have an incorrect idea of what the stances are designed for or maybe I just need to try harder, I am not sure and that is why I have written this letter. I fear this letter may give the impression that i don't enjoy Taekwon-do immensely which I do but I am becoming more and more aware that there are so many things in martial arts that I want to improve on and I donut have time to perfect things I don't agree with. yours faithfully
[Answer by Mr Davidson] Shoulder distances, angles and weight distributions are just 'Ball park' figures (a Guide). To say 'exactly this' or 'exactly that' would be difficult if not impossible to measure. We say L-Stance should be 70% - 30% weight distribution. How can one tell if the person is exactly that? Maybe the student's weight is 72% - 28%. Who knows. Using 'shoulder width' distance as a guide allows the small person, the large person, the medium person to find their best position to ensure proper, balance/stability. We cannot say '1 shoulder width' is say exactly 400cm. If we did then there would be some pretty unstable stances. You can then come down to, how far do you bend your knees whilst in various stances? At the end of the day it comes back to the skeletal and muscular makeup of the individual. Only that individual will know if it feels right, and it works. The Instructor may put a student into an unfamiliar body position/stance. It may feel odd, it may feel uncomfortable. With practice and repetition this can become natural. Then somewhere along the path (Do) the person will find his most effective shape. [2 July 2003] Also, are there preferred guards for kicks that are used less frequently, such as back and twisting? Brendan Doogan A certain amount of latitude can be allowed in line work or sparring, but certainly in patterns the other hand should be brought to the hip. With other kicks the hands should generally be in a guarding position or in the previous hand position. For example, when executing a back piercing kick from bending ready stance B, keep the arms in the same position as in the ready stance when kicking. Paul M
[27 June 2003] Could you please tell me which is the correct version of the hooking kick? I was running through some fundamentals with my instructor, and he told me that a hooking kick is a defensive movement that looks similar to a twisting kick. I always thought a hooking kick was a strike that comes around the target (as in sparring). Timothy McMillan Your instructor is correct - a hooking kick is a defence using the side instep, not to be confused (but often is) with a reverse hooking kick, which is the second kick you refer to. Have a look at Matthew Breen's essay on commonly misunderstood terminology: http://www.itfnz.org.nz/ref/essays/commisun.htm Paul M
What is this kick called and is what circumstances would it be used? Nick Roberts This is called a side thrusting kick, and it is variation of the side piercing kick - used to attacking the front of the opponents body that is slightly further away than can be reached with the side piercing kick. Paul M
Dear Mr McPhail Regarding flying techniques: is there a difference between a flying(twimmyo) technique and a jumping(twiggi) technique, and what is there definition? The classification in the encyclopedia under flying techniques refers to Twimmyo only. Do both classifications have relevance, or do we only use flying ie; flying front kick. Thank you in advance
David Flying techniques are executed while the body is in the air, whereas jumping is used to dodge a low attack or to cover distance quickly. For example, movement 36 of Yul-Gok tul is a jump, because the strike is performed on the ground, with the jump used to cover distance. Paul M Brendan Doogan There is minimum time period of 18 months, and the number of session is a guide. It is not permitted for example to take a 18months year off training then return and expect to be able to grade. That is why we put the numbers of training sessions in the handbook. We don't have tentative dates for 204 yet, but you can be assured there will be a black belt grading in Auckland in May, then possibly at the end of the year as well, similar to this year. Paul M
Sir, what are the exact measurements and angles of your arms in parallel stance? Renee Richardson The distance between fists is about 5cm and 7cm in front of the abdomen. Distance between the elbows and the floating ribs is about 10cm. Hold the upper arms forward 30 degrees while bending the forearms 40 degree upwards. Paul M
What is the difference between pushing, pressing and checking kicks? Nick Roberts Pushing kicks are to push the opponent away using your bodyweight rather than speed of the kick. Pressing kicks are primarily to break the knee joint, and checking kicks are to restrict the opponent's movement by placing your foot on their leg or body. Paul M
Why do some ITF schools teach Ko-Dan whereas others teach Juche in it's place. Was Ko-Dan the original and did General Choi. chande it to Juche? - I am really unsure? Cheers Nick Robert Ko-Dang Tul was replaced with Juche Tul in 1984. Some organisations still use Ko-Dang instead of Juche, some use both, with Ko-Dang being practiced by those with injuries or other physical limitations - as it is much less physically demanding. The change over was, as still is, quite controversial, as Juche is a philosophy linked with communist North Korea. Most people however just enjoy the pattern and spend many years trying to perfect it. Paul M
28 April 2003 When giving the Korean for a full movement, what is the correct way to say "Move foot to C..." before giving all the rest? Thank you. Tom Young Not sure about the Korean for "Move the foot to C" but here are some general guidelines complements of Mr Andrew Niven: Well, like english there are many different ways to say things, some more correct, some more commanding. What I use goes something like this... Side, Stance, movement, direction. Right L-Stance Forearm Guarding Black Stepping backwards If they are already in a movement there will be no need
to tell them Turning kick stepping forward Forearm Low Block Stepping Backwards Hope that helps,
21 March 2003 Dear Sir Regarding Yul-Gok 1st move left arm moving across is it shoulder line or centre line, and with the 2 punches that follow are they shoulder line or centre line?
The first and 4th movements are shoulder line. The punches themselves are solar plexus line. Paul M
20 March 2003 Dear Sir, Could you please answer these questions for me. 1. I was wondering how a side pushing kick is performed in line work. Is it executed like a side piercing kick or some other way? Usually from a sitting or parallel stance, quickly move your non-kicking foot past the other foot first, then perform the kick.
I like the standard kneeling exercise with the toes tucked under. Sit in that position and do neck exercises, then lean back on the toes as well. Toes are no different in that they need regular stretching too. 3. Is a hook kick a reverse hooking kick performed off the front leg? I read Mr Breen's essay on the axe kick and that's what I gathered from it but I would just like to check that I understood it properly. Also in the essay he said a hook kick (reverse hooking kick) cannot be performed off the back leg moving forward. So how would the kick be performed in line work if you wanted to do it off the front leg? Would you remain where you are when executing the kick or would you skip forward a little? Or should you just do it moving backwards or during a consecutive kick? As Mr Breen says, there is no such thing as a hook kick. The kick you are referring to is a "reverse hooking kick", which can be performed with the rear leg or front leg. 4. What height can a hooking, crescent and inward/outward vertical kick be performed at? Hooking and crescent kicks can be performed low and middle, vertical kicks can be any height. 5. Is the outer forearm side block in Yul Gok high or middle? I think it is high but I would just like to check. High is correct. 6. What is the difference between the condensed encyclopedia and the 15 volume? The main advantage of the 15 vol set is that it gives photos of each movement for every pattern, showing the application and the foot diagram. Other than that it's pretty much the same. 7. If you were performing an inner forearm middle side block would the blocking tool be shoulder height, like attacks, or would your knuckles be shoulder height? Is it the same with all blocks or are some different? Fist or fingertip - see the techniques article in the next issue of TKD Talk. 8. How far across your body should your fist be with forearm rising block?
Should it be in line with you shoulder line or chest line? The blocking tool should stay at the centre of the forehead. The 7cm is an approximation. I usually say about a fist distance away. 9. With guarding block I noticed some people tend to drop their arms down into the block where others bring their arms across their body. Which way is correct? Well the back arm drops and the front arm comes across. :0) I know what you mean though - block around not straight down. 10. With back piercing kick should your shoulders be facing directly away from where you are kicking, or more half facing? I find it quite hard to keep my shoulders facing away and looking where I am kicking at the same time. Should you just be able to see where you are kicking, or have a good view or your target. Should the kick be held like a side piercing kick or pulled back faster? Half facing so you can see. Hold the same as the side piercing kick. 11. I was looking through the flying kicks section of techniques in action and saw a picture of Mr Lawrence Mantjika which said he was the president of ITFNZ. I thought the president was Mr Norman Ng. Or is a new president elected each year? Mr Mantjika as the president for a two year term from 1997, then Mr Ng became President in 1999. Mr Ng is stepping down this year so a new President will be voted on at the AGM on 12 April 2003. 12. When saying the name of the at the end of each pattern does it matter how loud it is as long as it's loud enough for everyone to hear clearly? Or would you rather it be yelled out? I prefer it to be yelled, demonstrating good spirit. 13. How many 1 step techniques should you know when grading for 4th gup? Also once you have covered the required techniques if you can adequately perform flying kicks is it O.K to perform them? The same when grading for 3rd Gup. Around 5 or 6 is okay. We prefer you to keep to your own syllabus, but with your instructors' permission you may be able to throw in a few extras. 14. How is hae san pronounced? I've heard instructors pronounce it like it sounds but with others it sounds like they're saying "E SAN". Is there any correct way or is either fine? Click to hear 15. In the coloured belts techniques syllabus reverse turning kick in Korean is spelt "BANDAE DOLLYO CHAGI" but in other books it's "BANDAE TOLLYO CHAGI". How do you know what the correct way is? I ask because in the black belt grading you have to sit a theory test. Would little spelling differences like that matter? No it doesn't matter. We take the spelling from General Choi's Encyclopedia. You often see D's and T's interchanged - the correct pronunciation is somewhere between the two. 16. Should a flying side piercing kick be performed like a side piercing kick so one hand is pulled back to your hips while the other throws out a punch? Or should both be kept close to your chest guarding? Generally with flying kicks you should try keep your hands in front of your body close as you can to a guarding block. 17. Why do you throw a punch with side piercing kick? Is the fist pulled to the hip or in front of the chest? This is incase the kick is smothered or blocked by your opponent, as a back-up technique. Also helps with balance and body position. The other fist is pulled to the hip. 18. What should you do when you have been taught to do techniques differently by different instructors ie. one instructor teaches you to pull your fist back to your hip when doing a side piercing kick and another teaches you to pull keep it in front of your chest? Do what you are taught at the time without questioning it. If you feel strongly about it you can ask the instructor about the technique afterwards. 19. When sitting for 7th dan are you invited to grade or is it like a dan grading where you sit for it when you want? I heard you had to be invited but that may be for 8th dan. When sitting for master do you have to grade? Or is it given to you? It varies from Country to Country. In the US for example, Grand-Master Sereff will know when his 6th dans time is up and invite them to grade. In New Zealand we don't have any Masters so the Grading Sub-Committee and the Executive Committee would request permission from the ITF firstly, then organise a grading with a senior panel of Masters. I physical test is not compulsory for 7th dan and above, but most do these days. 20. One more question. Is there a limit to the number of questions you can ask? I haven't seen anything suggesting there is but I'd like to know. Sorry if there is and I missed it. No limit. Sounds like you need an Encyclopedia though as most of the information is in there. :0) Thank you very much for your time, I hope I didn't ask too many questions.
Any questions answered will certainly be appreciated. Have a good day
:-)
14 March 2003 For our white belt grading do we need to know the korean words as well as english or is the theory multi choice? Amy - White Belt Yes, you should try and learn both. Paul M
13 March 2003 I began training in the year 2000 under Mr McKendrick from Blenheim. After undergoing my first grading experience I had a chance to speak with you, I spoke about my desire to become a social worker and my hopes to use tkd and other martial arts as a form of rehabilitation. Your advice to me was to become an instructor in years to come. Since then, three years have passed and I now feel that I have the necessary skills,passion and experience needed to open and maintain a club. My question is this: Although I can not sit for my black belt until November this year, is there any way for me to start a new club as a 1st gup?
Congratulations Rana on sticking with your training and nearly achieving your goal - I am sure you will do it! Although you can't start your club until you achieve your 1st dan, you can certainly get everything in place ready to go. Make sure you have a current First Aid Certificate and have attended an Instructors Course. You can also apply to the your Region (http://www.siregion.itfnz.org.nz)for permission to open the club ahead of time, on the condition that you get your 1st dan. Look for a suitable hall and even start talking to potential members. Get a support network set up - perhaps someone to help with the administration and so on. There is other useful advice for staring clubs in the essay library: http://itfnz.org.nz/ref/essays/index.htm If you need any further help contact your Regional Director or feel free to email again. All the best Paul M
6 March 2003 Dear mr McPhail How do you define a twin (Sang) movement and double (Doo) movement? Yours in Taekwon-do David Usually twin means two attacking or blocking tools striking the target at the same time, whereas double is one after another. Paul M
5 March 2003 Hello Sir, I have heard about a book, "The History of Taekwon-Do Patterns; The Chang-Hon Pattern Set Chon-Ji Through Choong-Moo" by Richard L. Mitchell, Published by Lilley Gulch TKD. I am desperately trying to get hold of a copy of it, but it seems to be out of print. I know you recommended it to someone in 1998; I'm in the UK but I was wondering if you knew whether it's still available ANYWHERE; even if it means a high charge for shipping costs to the UK? Many thanks, and best wishes, I spoke to Mr Mitchell last June, and he said it was out of print and no re-prints were planned. I will speak to him again, and see if I can organise some kind of PDF version to be created for sale over the Internet. Will let you know. Paul M
Hello sir, Can you please tell me which direction my toes should be pointing at the extension of a back piercing kick. thank you & Tae Kwon Derek Coradine The foot should point about 45 degrees downward. Paul M
[7 Dec 2002] Hi Kind regards Liz Tee Congratulations! No problem training while you are pregnant - just avoid free sparring or any partner work with people you don't trust, and minimise jumping. Check with your Doctor first of course. I have graded some women who were "very" pregnant - keen to get that grading out of the way before the big arrival! My wife was instructing my club while I was away on the grading trip at 9 months pregnant too. Paul M
[7 Dec 2002] Respected Sir, I have two questions. 1) I am considering to go to South Korea in 2004 to teach English. I wish to continue my training in ITF. However I cannot find any information about the possibility of ITF in South Korea. Is there any possibility of ITF instructors in South Korea? As far as I know, the only ITF style schools in South Korea are under the Organisation headed by Master Choi Jung Hwa. You could try contacting them for more information at http://www.itf-information.com/ 2) Could you please explain the reasons why the blocking arm of a Kind regards, The intermediate placement of the arm and fist depends on the way the arm is going to rotate. Inner forearm blocks rotate the opposite way to outerforearm blocks, so the start position of the arm and fist is opposite. Paul M
[5 Nov 2002] Dear Mr McPhail I have a question regarding the Korean terminology for the hooking kick and reverse hooking kick. According to our coloured belt techniques handbook, hooking kick is translated as golcho chagi and reverse hooking kick is trasnlated as bandae dollyo goro chagi. I would have thought reverse hooking kick would have translated to bandae golcho chagi. Do you have any idea why there is a difference in translation? Many thanks and regards, Phil Harper My understanding is that the Korean for reverse hooking kick gives a fuller explanation of the kick than in English. That is because the reverse hooking kick is actually a "variation" of the reverse turning kick, so the Korean says "reverse turning hooking kick". Paul M
[27 Oct 2002] I am writing on behalf of my daughter, a 10-year-old green belt. She sparred valiantly today against a 9-year-old boy who had at least 50 pounds on her and was a full head taller (she lost 7-6). In my opinion, her opponent was using excessive force and place two hard kicks to her jaw and one to her solar plexus before the judges warned him. My child plots at less than 5% on the height and weight scales on the growth chart for girls her age; and she has reached 85% of her adult height. She moves up to the 10- and 11-year-old age category in January. The disparity between her height and weight and that of the other children will only widen. What's a mother to do? I understand that the whole point of taekwon-do is for her to learn to defend herself against any size opponent. But, should I allow her to risk her health while learning against children with poor control? Should I put a chest protector on her? Should I have pulled her from the ring after the first excessively hard blow and no warning? Should I direct her to forfeit as soon as she learns the opponent assigned to her in the bracket is too large? Can you suggest a regulation that I can promote to our karate association that will help to protect her and other children like her? Yes I would encourage your daughter to wear a chest protector - and any other pads allowed in the rules. Unfortunately there are sometimes mis-matches with competitors heights, weights and abilities - and sometimes it's not apparent until they actually sep in the ring. A good referee will keep a close eye on the fight and ensure the safety of the competitors - especially with children. We have a rule that if the competitor is unable to defend themselves adequately, then the referee can award the fight to the opponent. It actually doesn't get used much, we tend to just have judges keep a close eye on the kids, talk to them as the fight is progressing, and if necessary ask an overly aggressive opponent to settle down if needed. We want them to enjoy the tournament experience and do so safely. Paul M
[9 Oct 2002] Sir,
Phillip Miller Luring block is indeed a bit of mystery - but my understanding is that it is a block executed after a feint - to draw an attack from the opponent, then block with the palm to divert the opponent's attack and break their balance. It does not occur in any patterns. Paul M
Dear Sir, I was wondering if you could tell me where and when the Junior World Champs will be held in 2004. Also when will the trials take place and what rank you do you have be to trial?
Two Countries have applied to host the 2004 World Champs: Italy in May and Sloveniain Sept/Oct. They will announce which it will be at the 2002 Junior World Champs this year. Trials would take place towards the end of next year and would be probably open to anyone that can achieve at least their first dan by the tournament day in 2004. Good luck!
Paul M
9 Oct 2002 Can you give me some more information on the principles of sine wave. (apologies if the spelling is incorrect) We have just joined ITFNZ from the UK and it is a new concept for us. Any help would be much appreciated.
Liz Tee Sine wave is something that General Choi emphasised heavily in his seminars, but unfortunately there is very little written information on it in his books. The first reference to it is in the "Training Secret" where number 8 states: "To create a sine wave during the movement by utilizing the knee spring properly." The Sine wave motion is also mentioned in the Theory of power under MASS where it states: "...by slightly raising the hip at the beginning of the motion and lowering the hip at the moment of impact to drop the body weight into the motion..." In the stepping sections sine wave is demonstrated, and interestingly, the 1999 edition of the Condensed Encyclopedia new photos and explanations were added at the end of the PUNCHING section (Page 148), demonstrating the correct sine wave action that should be used when stepping forward and punching. Anyway, sine wave is used to incorporate the entire musculature of the body to generate power. An article in Martial Arts training Magazine said a study concluded that 70% of the power in a punch comes from the legs. (No details on how the study was done.) As well as the sine wave action contributing to the MASS, it also has an important role in helping the body to relax and move in a smooth flowing way, which can increase our power because the muscles are less tense. Many of us have had to change out style over the years - from the big hip twisting action, through to no hip at all and everything in between. I don't know anyone who would want to go have to that - as once you get good at the sine wave principal it increases your power greatly. More information about sine wave and speeds in patterns can be found here. Paul M
9 Oct 2002 I am wondering if you have any idea why a side piercing kick is called
"yopcha jirugi" when jirugi refers to a punch? R Hancock I have often asked myself the same. Was it that the General wanted to say that the kick was in a punching motion - or Punch with a piercing motion? I am not sure, however I have found out the following. jjirrigi loosely means thrust, pierced, pricked and jirrigi
(note only one This is a subtle change and I don't think that when it was translated they would have thought it would make much difference. When talking to my Korean friends it took me a long time to be able to hear the difference and is taking me even longer to be able to say it. What I tend to tell people is that both the punch and the side piercing kick must travel in a straight line to the opponent, kind of like a stabbing or piercing motion, in this sense the two are similar. Thanks and I hope this helps, Andrew Niven - IV Dan ITF - ITFNZ
25 August 2002 I just started Tae Kwon Do and my Master keeps trying to help me fix my front stance inside high block, but I don't know what I'm doing wrong. Could you please define and explain in proper detail the execution of front stance inside high block Squeek Umm - not sure which block you mean there Squeek - maybe you mean walking stance inner forearm block? First make sure your stance is correct (ie correct width and length - back leg locked straight). Second thing is to make sure you cross correctly - the block arm should be underneath the other arm - both palms facing down. Finally, make sure you finish in a half facing position, with the block towards the center of your shoulders. Hope that helps. Paul M
I'm sure the ITF would like to hear from you - you can contact them via the website: www.itf-generalchoi.com/, or you could try the United States Taekwon-Do Federation - www.ustf-itf.com/
Neill Livingstone I think there will often be a cross-over or combination of the three types, and the terminology is just to clarify in the student's mind the options he or she has available to them: to attack with full power Taekwon-Do techniques to a vital spot, to break a joint or to just release from the grab.
Paul M
7 Sep 2001 Hi,
Darren My own opinion is that women, often do not have the upper body strength to do press-ups (depending on strength to weight ratio) and should never be forced or encouraged to do this particular exercise. It then becomes a personal responsibility of the participant. In the case of 13 yo who do not have enough medical judgement, I suggest that the exercise is not even offered in class except with the knees planted. This will always make the student assume a mid-sectioned piked position and take the strain off internal musculature. There are other chest exercises which are effective (including variation of the hand position in the press-up) which can be used to increase the degree of difficulty without adding abdominal strain.
16.7.01 The attacking tool for both the back and side piercing
kicks is the footsword. The difference between he kicks is the body position,
angle of the foot, trajectory of the leg and purpose of the kick.
Dear Sir Any tips? I appreciate your answer. Tim Vizcarra Mr Vizcarra Sounds like you are trying to stand up too straight when you do the kick. The supporting leg needs to be quite bent otherwise it's very difficult. Try the kick sitting on the floor to practice getting your foot over properly, and do some slow stretches with your foot up on something to help develop the flexibility needed to turn the foot. Hope that helps.
I've formerly received instruction in the art of Kempo, but the instructor stopped teaching. I never resumed training. Currently, I'm considering joining a studio with an 6'th Dan instructor in TKD, but I had two questions before I did so: First, is their any weapons training in TKD? I know that there are many Korean weapons used in Korean martial arts, but does TKD of any style embrace such weapons. Second, if weapons are part of training, when would one be likely to begin training with weapons, assuming one was in good shape and very quick to learn? Thank you much. Travis Taekwon-Do is basically an "un armed" method of self defence - so if you really want to learn weaponry then it wouldn't be the martial art for you. We do however teach defence against weapons, and many instructors believe it makes good sense to therefore learn a bit about handling these weapons, such as the knife, baton and so on. Some instructors have training in these areas from other arts, so teach a bit in their TKD classes. This is good, and makes for a bit of variety. Strictly speaking though, the answer is no. Regards Paul M
Dear Sir, I have not trained for some years and am in the process of preparing
Cheers. Respectfully Emma Rosner My advice is to get back to club quick...your instructor and other students will give you all the help you need. There are video available from the ITF, the first two tapes go up as high as Choong Moo. These are a good guide - but it would be cheaper to buy the CD ROM, which contains all the patterns. Good luck Paul M
Dear Sir, I have changed to ITF style from WTF Tae kwon do recently. I had only few lesson in CHCH club and I found difference in stance. That is L-stance I thought it shoud be right angle between two feet. But they taught me take about 70 degree like fighting stance. I changed because I am learning new style. HOWEVER, I look up the ITF manual book which is published in London then I saw L-stance is right angle. Which one is correct? right angle or about 70 degree? Cheers. JoongSeon Park From the 90 degree foot position, each foot should then
point inward Paul M
18 Dec 1998 I would like to know how to teach the new techniques to my students.
I am a first dan in WTF and i already moved out to ITF. When mr Sutrisna
came back from New Zealand and brought a new techniques, my students feel
confuse and shock about the changing. Thank you Taekwon Aryono Dennis It is always difficult to learn new techniques, especially when you have been doing things one way for such a long time. But you must remember that Taekwon-Do is always evolving, and we all have undergo corrections and modifications. This really makes it great, and keeps it interesting and always improving. Try and positive, put it across to your class as a challenge, and before you know it you will look back and laugh. Paul M
Sir, I have trained under WTF before and a large difference I noticed between the two martial arts is that in ITF there is a lack of defence against an armed assailant. IN Australia, where I trained in ITF, we practiced self defence nearly every night and it was required to pass gradings. Many encounters today involve knives, bats etc so why aren't defensive tactics taught to prevent the injury or even death of a practitioner when encountered by an armed opponent? Yours, Joshua Zugai ITF Taekwon-Do has plenty of techniques for defence against armed opponents. Within ITFNZ we try to teach the complete martial art, including all the various aspects including patterns, sparring, self defence, moral culture and so on. The coloured belt grading syllabus is centered around mastering the basics of the art, so that by first dan you have a good grounding of solid techniques. Included in this syllabus is basic self defence against an un-armed opponent. Once a black belt, you then should be concentrating (among other things) on self defence against knife and stick attacks and self defence in more unusual situations - and these are a part of the senior dan grading tests. The average student only spends three hours per week on the floor, so teaching correctly, and in the correct order, is very important. This is why other organisations fall down by over emphasising the more spectacular or fun aspects like sparring, before a grasp on the basics has been achieved. Paul M
[14 Nov 98] Sir, I am aware of the Hwarang and what they basically were but I wish to know more. Do you know where I could find information about them. Yours, Joshua Zugai The History of Taekwon-Do Patterns; The Chang-Hon Pattern Set Chon-Ji Through Choong-Moo Published by Lilley Gulch TKD. Third Edition, September 1993. Available in New Zealand from Martial Arts Apparel Taekwon-Do encyclopedia by Gen. Choi Hong Hi. Korean history books - local library Local expert: Andrew Niven (studying Korean at Auckland Uni and doing study on Hwa Rang
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