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We are all so familiar with the progress society has
made in many different areas. Yet when we look at Tae Kwon Do it seems we have
moved backwards. From a standpoint of self defense we have veered of course and
developed into a sport. I am not saying this is wrong, but simply trying to lead
you to analyze the whole situation further.
Japanese karate had a very great influence on TDK.
Japanese karate was, in turn, influenced by Okinawan karate and it too was, in
turn, heavily influenced by the martial arts of the Fukien province in China. If
you follow this route you will see that White Crane played a very heavy role in
early karate development. I remember one of the living greats of karate, Taika
Seiyu Oyata, saying, "Fists denote Japanese combat sport; Karate is open hand
art."
How often have you heard someone say that he is
taking Aikido or Jujitsu to learn locks as there is not much of that in TKD
system? Is it really missing in TDK? Remember, if our art's heritage is open
hand then all locks and traps are there. You have to analyze the forms, not from
the block, punch perspective but from the open hand perspective.
A good rule of thumb is whenever the arms come
together or cross each other then a lock or trap is being executed. How often
does this happen in your form? Every time you chamber your aim? Look at your
form from this angle and try to work out the locks. You will enjoy the form more
and be closer to our heritage. |
