HONSINSUL
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art of self-defence (honsinsul). Its techniques where developed on the battlefields of Korea and to-day you need to be a black belt in Taekwondo to be part of the Korean special forces. So while other martial arts have moved to be solely a combat sport Taekwondo retains at its core its martial ability. Many people join Taekwondo for self-defence and fitness. Everyone would agree that what appears to work in a James Bond or Jackie Chan film may not necessarily work in the street. On the street there are no rules, or referees to stop the fight when someone is getting beat up, so the student must alter his thinking for the street from when he is training in the safe environment of a dojang (training hall). Prevention Avoiding fights is the best option for a Taekwondo student. You do this by avoiding places and people that may lead to trouble. If someone tries to pick a fight with you do not be afraid to admit that you do not want trouble, make an excuse that you have to catch a bus, or you are late for your dinner, or whatever. You will probably feel frightened at this point which is only natural. So make a hasty retreat and sprint up that road! Better to run away in the confidence that your plan to get away worked than to end up in a fight and hurt. Make sure to tell your parents/guardians what has happened. If you are being bullied by a number of bullies you need to speak to your parents and your teachers. No one should have to solve bullying on their own. |
Looking Angry
If talking is failing you may want to try to attempt to look extremely angry with the attacker. Open up the gap between you and the attacker by shoving him hard on the chest and moving back waving your arms, shouting, spitting, bulging your eyes and barking “back off!” These madman antics may well scare him into not wanting to fight with you or enough for him to back off allowing you to run. Out on the street If you think someone is following behind you on a street, cross over the road. If they cross the road they may just be taking the same path. To test this cross back over the road. If they cross over again then they may be following you. So run to the nearest busy place or house with a light on. Knock the door and ask them to call your home. Do not go inside because you do not know who they are and you may be walking into danger. If you are caught screaming ‘Fire, fire!’ will attract more attention than shouting ‘Help’ as many people are frightened to get involved. Defensive techniques There are many proven hand and foot techniques (indeed elbow and knee) taught as you go through the grades within Taekwondo that are practiced for the street. Obviously only techniques appropriate for children are taught, but still should be effective. In Taekwondo we do not practice throwing, twisting-of-arms techniques or holding the attacker down on the ground. This is because we do not want to struggle with the attacker or try to arrest him like a policeman. Also nowadays there will probably be more than one person attacking you. This means you can’t spend time on one attacker or the other attacker will get you. We are always looking to stop the attack and escape. Working through the syllabus and grades of Taekwondo will offer you knowledge on how to defend yourself. Many of the techniques could seriously injure another child so dangerous techniques are not taught until the student is old enough to understand the dangers and consequences of a technique. Techniques that will cause a reasonable level of pain and stop the attacker are taught. |