is tae kwon do effective?

[ryan1988]

hey im considering getting into tae kwon do and am wondering if it is effective at all in real life situations or just for sport. since it seems to be more of a long range style and uses mostly kicks i was just wondering.

[Tribalweapon]

It is my personal opinion that the art can be very effective if it is trained correctly but that a lot (not all) of the schools train more for the sporting aspect of it than self defense.

[Good advisor]

Everything is effetive, if a guy punch you in the face I would say that is effetive.
What do you think, what you lern doesn't mean you use it...Individuals use it in a differnet ways a TKD practisiner probely going to grab a metal pole and start a fight, while avboxer would use a gun...its endless

TKD, like WTF are the sport side of it, you can use alot of things for self-defencd and alot of things to harm somone.

[semi c]

it is trained correctly but that a lot (not all) of the schools train more for the sporting aspect of it than self defense.
Thats a good summation. I can relate to - I'm studying under two instructors at the moment - one treats the lesson like Taekwondo's just an aerobic exercise - whilst the other is more technique oriented supplemented with great explanations and pad/sparring work (not sport sparring).

I've never been involved in a street encounter (and hopefully never will) but from my understanding - fighting in the steet has a lot variables in it (weapons, terrain, opponent(s) etc.) - and therefore is very hard to train completely for. I think Taekwondo would be good for the striking part of your 'street defense' arsenal, but would not be a complete solution.

My advice to you is find a place, give it a go and see if you like it. It has been my experience that if you like something you generally will become good at it and hence be able to use it.

[Chrono]

My advice to you is find a place, give it a go and see if you like it. It has been my experience that if you like something you generally will become good at it and hence be able to use it.

Exactly.

Try not to go thinking if it's effective or not, but try to go and see if you like it or not. Enjoying it is the best motivation for going. Occasionaly I've went to class just because I wanted to see my friends there.

[Eliz]

Good point, Jonathan.

I also agree that the presentation of the art comes down to the individual schools - are they more self defense oriented or more sports oriented? If you walk in the door and immediately see gold medal counts from previous tournaments, you can bet it is sports oriented.

TKD is an aggressive self defense and I feel that it is very effective in an aggressive situation.

[jakmak52]

hey im considering getting into tae kwon do and am wondering if it is effective at all in real life situations or just for sport. since it seems to be more of a long range style and uses mostly kicks i was just wondering.

I've used it both in sport competition and street brawling.

[Chris Wade]

This will likely get me flamed, but I have yet to see a Tae Kwon Do school that teaches an effective martial art. Most get caught up in the sports aspect, or the fitness aspect. They teach really cool board breaking and nice forms, but when it comes down to application and useability, they come up short.

If you are looking for flexibility, fitness, and focus, then TKD can do very well for you, but not if you are looking for self defense as your main goal.

Again, my experience is limited to schools in my area and students that I have observed, but around here we refer to TKD as the "Korean Macarena". It's a nice dance, but lacks application.

[jakmak52]

This will likely get me flamed, but I have yet to see a Tae Kwon Do school that teaches an effective martial art. Most get caught up in the sports aspect, or the fitness aspect. They teach really cool board breaking and nice forms, but when it comes down to application and useability, they come up short.

If you are looking for flexibility, fitness, and focus, then TKD can do very well for you, but not if you are looking for self defense as your main goal.

Again, my experience is limited to schools in my area and students that I have observed, but around here we refer to TKD as the "Korean Macarena". It's a nice dance, but lacks application.

No flame :) In your area meaning just Canada? My instruction came from experts that started, including Michael Anderson, WAKO (World Association of Kickboxing Organisations) & the PKA (Professional Karate Association), ...on the contrary, it was when fulll contact karate was just that... I invite you to visit Championship Tae Kwon Do in Seminole, Florida to observe Mr. Jim Graden, Mr. Joe Lewis and Mr. Bill Wallace do nice forms and board breaking... :D If your experience is primarily with Jiu-Jitsu & Karate, I would guess your TKD experience is limited as well :bow:

[scruffysmileyface]

Try not to go thinking if it's effective or not, but try to go and see if you like it or not. Enjoying it is the best motivation for going. Occasionaly I've went to class just because I wanted to see my friends there.


An excellent point, if I may say so. Remember, "effectiveness" isn't only a measure of whether the physical techniques will work in a fight, but also whether you will have developed into a mature enough person to avoid using them if you can. Not everyone agrees with this view, but this is how I see it.

Take Iaido for example. No real, modern combative application whatsoever, but your opponent is the ego, selfishness and lack of control. These are things you will need to conquer, and conquering them through your chosen martial art (whatever it may be) will aid you in a real-life situation.

Is Tae Kwon Do effective, physically? I haven't studied it at all, but I'm willing to bet that the answer depends on you.

~scruff

[Chris Wade]

No flame :) In your area meaning just Canada? My instruction came from experts that started, including Michael Anderson, WAKO (World Association of Kickboxing Organisations) & the PKA (Professional Karate Association), ...on the contrary, it was when fulll contact karate was just that... I invite you to visit Championship Tae Kwon Do in Seminole, Florida to observe Mr. Jim Graden, Mr. Joe Lewis and Mr. Bill Wallace do nice forms and board breaking... :D If your experience is primarily with Jiu-Jitsu & Karate, I would guess your TKD experience is limited as well :bow:

You are right, my TKD experience has been primarily observation, and a couple of TKD students that came to train at the dojo. . I am sure that much if it is "McDojo/McDojang" influence. I should also have said that many or most of the karate schools in my area are also not what I consider "effective" and focus way too much on the point fighting aspect.

An interesting sidebar discussion might be what makes an art "effective"? I don't mean how many UFC fights can it win ;)

Here's a couple of things that I think are important:
- Transition. Are students exposed to the different fighting ranges and how to get into or out of them? That doesn't mean every school should teach grappling, but are students taught how to handle the guy that slides inside the kick/punch range?

- Rules are for the dojo/dojang. Students need to be exposed to training/sparring that is not rule bound. I came from a karate background when I started jiu-jitsu. I had pretty decent kicks, but in the beginning, often when I chambered for a kick I would get kicked in the groin or in the supporting leg. I was ill-equipped for someone who didn't fight by the rules.

[jakmak52]

You are right, my TKD experience has been primarily observation, and a couple of TKD students that came to train at the dojo. . I am sure that much if it is "McDojo/McDojang" influence. I should also have said that many or most of the karate schools in my area are also not what I consider "effective" and focus way too much on the point fighting aspect.

An interesting sidebar discussion might be what makes an art "effective"? I don't mean how many UFC fights can it win ;)

Here's a couple of things that I think are important:
- Transition. Are students exposed to the different fighting ranges and how to get into or out of them? That doesn't mean every school should teach grappling, but are students taught how to handle the guy that slides inside the kick/punch range?

- Rules are for the dojo/dojang. Students need to be exposed to training/sparring that is not rule bound. I came from a karate background when I started jiu-jitsu. I had pretty decent kicks, but in the beginning, often when I chambered for a kick I would get kicked in the groin or in the supporting leg. I was ill-equipped for someone who didn't fight by the rules.


I agree with you there :D

[Akuma]

I'm willing to bet that the answer depends on you.




Excellent reply. Peace.

[Chrono]

Take Iaido for example. No real, modern combative application whatsoever, but your opponent is the ego, selfishness and lack of control. These are things you will need to conquer, and conquering them through your chosen martial art (whatever it may be) will aid you in a real-life situation.


This is an excellent example. Nobody's going to get in any swords fights, but it's not the techniques you're going to use in real situations.

[ryan1988]

Alright thanks. This went much deeper than i had thought it would which is good. I am considering getting into Taekwondo and have found a near by dojo called Le Blanc's. If any of you could look over the website and see if it seems like a good place to start learning that would help a lot-http://www.masites.com/leblancs

[bloodymonkey117]

well... a well placed foot to the head would certainly take ME down :bandit:

[jakmak52]

Alright thanks. This went much deeper than i had thought it would which is good. I am considering getting into Taekwondo and have found a near by dojo called Le Blanc's. If any of you could look over the website and see if it seems like a good place to start learning that would help a lot-http://www.masites.com/leblancs

Looks good to me :D

[Chrono]

well... a well placed foot to the head would certainly take ME down :bandit:

It's not the fact that if it will take you down or not. It's the fact that if it will even hit your head or not.

[bloodymonkey117]

if you spend your time training to kick someone in the head, chances are you'll be able to. But i know whatcha mean.

[Erik]

Though TKD is not one of the first MAs I would go to to learn to fight, I must give a lot of credit to the amount of fitness one gets from the art. The leg strength and especially the strength and flexibility in the pelvic basin are pretty valuable. This should not be underrated.

That being said, I'd prefer training that kicks low, trains full(er) contact, and eschews board breaking and doing forms as I see that (personally) as a distraction. For striking I'd prefer full contact kickboxing, preferably Thai style. But that's just me.

[Chris Wade]

Alright thanks. This went much deeper than i had thought it would which is good. I am considering getting into Taekwondo and have found a near by dojo called Le Blanc's. If any of you could look over the website and see if it seems like a good place to start learning that would help a lot-http://www.masites.com/leblancs

My first thought was "wow, a guy who looks to be in his late 40's is a 10th degree black belt?"

[semi c]

My first thought was "wow, a guy who looks to be in his late 40's is a 10th degree black belt?" :laugh: I thought the same thing.

I only had a quick look at the site but...

"Grand Master decided to create his own system of Taekwondo."

Did he just create his own style and then promote himself to 10th degree?

"the U.S. Military, the FBI, personal bodyguard training, scenario training, special forces units,"

And he's trained the special forces?

He may well be legit, but I would exercise some caution. You don't want to spend your time learning what you think is Taekwondo... only to find that it isn't.

[semi c]

and they refer to their insturctors as "Sensei" even though its a Korean MA!?

personally i would avoid this place.

[jakmak52]

If he's with Joe Lewis, he's legit.

[Chrono]

and they refer to their insturctors as "Sensei" even though its a Korean MA!?

That should strike up some caution.

[oneinchpunchmaster]

The best thing to do is to choose a MA system that suits you.Youcould research about a few Martial Arts and see which suits you most.Personally Taekwon-do is something i'd recommend to people.

[xxangelxkatxx]

Personally, at my dojang we practice more of the sporting aspect of taekwondo. Because of this, I have also started practicing hapkido and tang soo do which are, in my opinion, more practical. Anybody can throw a punch, but learning wrist controls can give an advantage. However, that's just my opinion.

[jakmak52]

There's a cover for every pot.... :bow:

[DominantPrincess]

Taekwon-Do, like other martial arts, will make you stronger, faster, and more graceful... and will serve you in self defense after years of dilligent training once you have built a stronger body with an effective muscle memory. If you are just looking for self defense, and not overall physical and mental improvement, you should take a six week 'self defense' class instead.

[Chris Wade]

Taekwon-Do, like other martial arts, will make you stronger, faster, and more graceful... and will serve you in self defense after years of dilligent training once you have built a stronger body with an effective muscle memory. If you are just looking for self defense, and not overall physical and mental improvement, you should take a six week 'self defense' class instead.

I would disagree with that statement. Yes, you will improve physical fitness with martial arts, but that's not the main purpose. As an example, where I trian we do no stretching or exercise as part of class. Students are expected to stretch before class and as my instructor says "I am here to teach you martial arts. If you want fitness, go join a gym.".

On a second note, are you saying that my twenty years of karate and almost ten years of jiu-jitsu have taught me no more in terms of self defense than a six week course? You can't equate what you learn in a short course with what you learn in dligent study of martial arts.

[Chrono]

On a second note, are you saying that my twenty years of karate and almost ten years of jiu-jitsu have taught me no more in terms of self defense than a six week course? You can't equate what you learn in a short course with what you learn in dligent study of martial arts.

Six weeks sure isn't long enough for learning all the aspects of self-defense. Chris said here, a semester long self-defense course is in no way the same as a enthusiastic study of martial arts.

[Bugeisha]

Of course a self-defense seminar isn't equivalent to years of training, but I don't think that was what was really being said.
If all you want is quick instruction on self-defense for your daily life, a self-defense course and some time at the shooting range are probably more in line with what you want than a lifetime of budo.
Could someone with the basic self-defense course defeat a skilled martial artist in single combat? Unlikely. But do they need to? I would guess that all most people need for reasonable self defense is a better situational awareness, and knowledge of some basic stupid mistakes to avoid making.
Obviously there's a difference between someone looking to protect themselves from the dangers of daily living and someone dedicated to the pursuit of a martial way. If ALL you're interested in is basic self-defense, you have to wonder if a dedicated study of the martial arts is the right path.

Though I do agree that fitness should be the independant responsibility of the students.

[jakmak52]

Of course a self-defense seminar isn't equivalent to years of training, but I don't think that was what was really being said.
If all you want is quick instruction on self-defense for your daily life, a self-defense course and some time at the shooting range are probably more in line with what you want than a lifetime of budo.
Could someone with the basic self-defense course defeat a skilled martial artist in single combat? Unlikely. But do they need to? I would guess that all most people need for reasonable self defense is a better situational awareness, and knowledge of some basic stupid mistakes to avoid making.
Obviously there's a difference between someone looking to protect themselves from the dangers of daily living and someone dedicated to the pursuit of a martial way. If ALL you're interested in is basic self-defense, you have to wonder if a dedicated study of the martial arts is the right path.

Though I do agree that fitness should be the independant responsibility of the students.


Well said Dillon, thank you.

[semi c]

I would disagree with that statement. Yes, you will improve physical fitness with martial arts, but that's not the main purpose.The Martial Ways are many things to many people - some people choose to place emphasis on the philosophy/spiritual aspect, others choose fitness and others choose combat preparation. In any case all of these points are about 'personal development' which is in my opinion entirely what the Martial Ways are all about.


"I am here to teach you martial arts. If you want fitness, go join a gym.". I'm a new student to Kendo (3 Lessons! :) ) and my reason for training is obviously not so I can defend myself with a sword on the street. Each Kendo practitioner gets a variety of benefits from its practice - benefits that I would not otherwise be able to enjoy if I simply joined a gym for fitness. But what the main purpose of Kendo is, is entirely up to the individual practicing it.


are you saying that my twenty years of karate and almost ten years of jiu-jitsu have taught me no more in terms of self defense than a six week course? You can't equate what you learn in a short course with what you learn in dligent study of martial arts. I agree that 6 weeks is too short, but their are some things that a Karateka will not encounter during his training. I think these self defense courses can be good - they can help ask questions that you would'nt normally consider. How to resolve a conflict diplomatically? How to spot dangerous situations? How to travel safely? Is your workplace secure? Can anything out side your house be used by an intruder to break in? Is your address plainly visible from the street?

Personally I would take common sense - e.g. locking your doors when you get in your car - over Killer Karate moves any day.

[jakmak52]

Taekwon-Do, like other martial arts, will make you stronger, faster, and more graceful... and will serve you in self defense after years of dilligent training once you have built a stronger body with an effective muscle memory. If you are just looking for self defense, and not overall physical and mental improvement, you should take a six week 'self defense' class instead.

Have you learned Kwan Gae yet ;)

[Chrono]

Of course a self-defense seminar isn't equivalent to years of training, but I don't think that was what was really being said.
If all you want is quick instruction on self-defense for your daily life, a self-defense course and some time at the shooting range are probably more in line with what you want than a lifetime of budo.
Could someone with the basic self-defense course defeat a skilled martial artist in single combat? Unlikely. But do they need to? I would guess that all most people need for reasonable self defense is a better situational awareness, and knowledge of some basic stupid mistakes to avoid making.
Obviously there's a difference between someone looking to protect themselves from the dangers of daily living and someone dedicated to the pursuit of a martial way. If ALL you're interested in is basic self-defense, you have to wonder if a dedicated study of the martial arts is the right path.


But you also have to keep in mind that the martial arts give you a whole lot more than just self-defense. The classes only give you just that and nothing more.

[DominantPrincess]

Hahahaha. Actually because I practice with our black belts, yes Sir I have, however, Choong Moo is the one I need to know for my test and I'm not doing so good on it. That 360 jump is driving me mad! Choong Moo certainly has earned it's meaning of 'loyalty' for me.


Have you learned Kwan Gae yet ;)

[jakmak52]

Hahahaha. Actually because I practice with our black belts, yes Sir I have, however, Choong Moo is the one I need to know for my test and I'm not doing so good on it. That 360 jump is driving me mad! Choong Moo certainly has earned it's meaning of 'loyalty' for me.

I think Choong Moo is hard for everybody, especially that "360" :laugh: Toi Gye, Kwan Gae, And Bassai Dai are my favs :D

[Eliz]

Hahahaha. Actually because I practice with our black belts, yes Sir I have, however, Choong Moo is the one I need to know for my test and I'm not doing so good on it. That 360 jump is driving me mad! Choong Moo certainly has earned it's meaning of 'loyalty' for me.


Agreed. Twenty years ago, yes. Now???? :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: I can still jump well enough, but the dreaded knees are not exactly pulled up the way they used to be. For that reason, and that reason alone - I hate teaching Chung Moo. I usually defer the example of the 360 degree jump/land in back stance double knife hands, to one of my YOUNGER assistants.
Thanks for the thought. I needed a good laugh tonight.