Tae kwon do (TKD)

The art of the feet and the hands. Or The art of kicking and punching.

Taekwondo has been around for centuries and has evolved and adapted with the times. In recent years TKD has became one of the most popular Marital Arts and has become a medal event in the Olympics since the year 2000. Prior to 2000, TKD has enjoyed Popularity in Point Fighting/Tournaments both Nationally and Internationally. Its techniques has been used in Kickboxing and MMA. And just about any stand up style of Full Contact Marital Arts Type Competition.

Noteables that utilize TKD techniques: Cung Li, Josh Thompson. Taekwondo was first popularized by Master Jhoon Rhee in America.

Techniques Most Utilized in Full Contact Sanctioned Fighting Sports

Note: Always check the rules to your specific sport to see what techniques are currently allowed to be used in a sanctioned bout or competition.

Grand Master Jhoon Rhee

1. Round Kick ( Roundhouse): Most common kick used besides Front Kick in most stand up fighting styles.  A technique needed in any Fighters Arsenal.  Tip:  Fake a outer leg kick than kick too the head.
   
   1. Jump Round Kick:  Greater force and definite Knock Out power if done correctly in a sanctioned fight.
      
   2. Dash Round Kick
      
2. Sidekick:  Favored by most Fighters with Taekwondo training, easily breaks ribs, knock opponent to the ground or off balance leading to a takedown.
   
   1. Backside Kick: Nice technique for when opponents are closer and/or within punching or kicking distance. This is a most have for any fighter needing improvement in their stand up game.
      
   2. Jump Backside kick:  To be used to end a Fight or to create distance between you and your opponent.
      
   3. Jump Sidekick
   4. Flying Sidekick
3. Front Kick:  Is very effective in backing up and knocking the wind out of your opponent.
   
   1. Step Front Kick:  Allows for greater force in your kick.
      

       

   2. Dash Front Kick:  This kick allows you to cover ground quickly and making it hard for your opponent to counter with a punch.
      
   3. Flying Front Kick:  Same principle as a "Superman Punch," but with the force of a kick means your opponent will be knock completely off balance and opening their guard allowing for punches in bunches, or an easy takedown. If your opponent is not already on the ground.  This technique could render your opponent unable to continue the bout.
      
4. Spin Heel Kick:  Most be timed right, set up with a Roundhouse Kick, then Left & Right Front kicks and double punch. If connects with the opponent's head or torso almost guaranteed knockout or TKO.
   
5. Crescent Kick: Set up with a fake Front kick, than switch to the Crescent Kick to the side of the face.
   
6. Ax Kick:  Can be used to take out your opponent's shoulder or to move opponent back creating a little space for Spin heel.
   
7. Elbow strikes:  Properly used is deadly. Check rules for your sport, to see if allowed.
   
8. Back fist:  Good misdirection strike. Check rules for your sport, to see if allowed.
   
9. Punching Techniques:  TKD is primarily kicking, but has a very effective punching technique.  That has been even studied by some of the greatest Professional Boxers in the world.
   

Taekwondo Techniques would complement the following fighting styles: Boxing, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, MMA Fighters with Wrestling Background and MMA Fighters with Jiu Jitsu Background.

As you can see the KICKS are the most popular part of TKD used in the sport of TKD and other competitive fighting sports. To note most kicks in TKD, if not all, are taught for above the waist kicking.

Grand Master Chang Nam Ju

The Taekwondo Instructor with one of the most effective kicking styles of TKD in US: Grand Master Chang Nam Ju, 8th Degree Blackbelt. See the following website: www.justaekwondo.com

Note: for Noncompetitive Marital Artists, Fitness Geared Practitioners, or Self-Defense Purposed learners of Marital Arts. I want to make it clear most of the philosophies behind Marital Arts is to build a person’s confidence, increase level of discipline, and respect for your fellow human being. I was taught you learn how to fight so you won’t have to fight. Meaning if you know how to fight, why fight? Most Marital Arts Instructors teach how to avoid fighting. And will not tolerate use of marital arts/fighting unless its in Self Defense only and their was no avoiding physical confrontation.