skribs
Grandmaster
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- Nov 14, 2013
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Not buying it man. I know there is what approximates punching in tkd, but number one there are no strikes to the head in tkd competition or sparring(the primary target of good punching technique), so most that train like that would have no clue what to do about someone that punches well, and number two there is so little emphasis on the rather antiquated hand techniques that are there that even if they were near par with something like boxing technique wise( they patently are not), the lack of focus on them would leave ones that train in such a minimal way unprepared to deal with incoming hand strikes to the head.
TKD contains good kicking technique, but let's keep the discussion honest here.
Let me see if I can give a more serious reply...
- No hand strikes to the head in Olympic-style rules. Some strikes (kicks) are allowed to the head. Not that I'd normally nitpick that, but just thought I'd point it out with everything else you got wrong. However, ITF TKD has punches to the head, and WT schools may do punches to the head in their sparring sessions (even if it's not allowed in competition).
- The head is a good target. So is the solarplexus, which is definitely an available target in WT sparring. There's this thing in boxing called a body blow. Guess what that doesn't hit? The head.
- The "rather antiquated hand techniques" that you describe...I'm guessing you're talking about the chambered punches or the lunge punches used in the forms. Those are merely a training tool to teach the mechanics of a punch. If you think that's how a TKD guy would actually punch, you're woefully mistaken.
- I'll give you that the the "lack of focus on them" would leave a TKD person less capable at defending a punch than a boxer. But...that would apply to every other martial art as well.