Like the Brazilian jiu jitsu, Taekwondo was also a combat martial art. Despite its higher popularity as a sport, it still faces disrespect from the followers of other martial arts. To some extent, they do not regard Taekwondo as it deserves.
It is a sad situation, but there are some reasons behind it. Mostly BJJ enthusiasts show their disrespect towards it. Now let’s see the significant reasons and whether the fans are right or not to give less importance to it.
Taekwondo is not liked much in the present time as it has not evolved as a real martial art. It is still identified as the Olympic game and sports only. Before categorizing it as the Olympic sport, it was a genuine combat sport. However, it is still a dangerous combat martial art in some regions, just like before.
Understanding Taekwondo
Taekwondo is a martial art form that originated in Korea in the 1940s, created by merging various skills that were honed over time.
Taekwondo is a striking art that features impressive foot techniques and speed. Presently, Taekwondo has evolved into one of the most popular martial arts and sports, with a global skill count reported over 100 million.
Why Do Other Martial Arts Disrespect Taekwondo?
Initially, taekwondo training reflected the original Japanese karate-do system, involving the practice of traditional stances, blocks, and strikes.
Nowadays, traditional techniques are not given much attention in many schools. They have been substituted with continuous movement exercises, stretching, and jumping with exercises on objects or light bags, with focus mitts and excessive taekwondo gear.
The objective of mastering the fundamentals is to cultivate the correct technique, utilize the entire body, and uphold the tradition of Taekwondo.
Technical compositions or “Patterns” (Hyung, Tull; Pumse) are choreographed battles against an imaginary attacker. It is performed by the practitioner himself to enhance balance and refine basic techniques.
Today, form performance is a global sport, and most nations have technical teams that participate in form performance competitions. Moreover, in Taekwondo, hitting above the neck is not allowed, which many consider a significant drawback of this martial art. However, primarily most fans say this rule is not to save the players. The truth is that it exists to protect the person giving the punches.
The main reason for avoiding punches is that the human forehead is structurally far stronger than the human fist. When a person throws a punch, a seasoned fighter intentionally ” meets” the incoming punch with his forehead. This action can cause serious harm to the wrist bones and phalanges. These injuries often become permanent.
From the preceding information, it’s clear that Taekwondo has primarily evolved into a game and Olympic sport rather than the combat martial art it once was. However, there are still regions where players perform genuine and dangerous martial art. Now let’s explore those conditions where Taekwondo is considered a combat martial art.
Self-defense Taekwondo
Sport fighting is rule-based competition, whereas self-defense techniques come into play when there isn’t sufficient space. Moreover, self-defense techniques are used when:
- Punches and kicks are not feasible
- During a weapon attack
- Attacks from behind
- Scenarios where the attacker has gained control by choking or holding the victim.
Self-defense encompasses punches, leg strikes, elbow and knee attacks, grips, arm and leg locks, choking, throwing, and so on. Unlike other aspects of Taekwondo, self-defense is not standardized and varies based on the instructor.
Taekwondo In The Past
In the 1970s, Taekwondo was primarily practiced and sparred without any rules. Practitioners would strike each other with their feet and fists, powerful enough to break iron bars.
Moreover, Taekwondo also taught grappling techniques, head strikes, carotid chokes, eye pokes, and even how to dislocate shoulders and knees. As evident, this martial art was quite ruthless before implementing the current rules.
Military Application Of Taekwondo
Taekwondo has evolved from the martial arts system employed by soldiers during the Hwarang era (around 600 AD) to protect their nation from invaders. In a military context, Taekwondo has no rules other than to kill. It is not designed for submission as seen in modern MMA or as a sport in the Olympics.
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Conclusion
Taekwondo was initially a dangerous martial art taught for military use.
However, with the passage of time, it has matured and transformed. Currently, it is a sport, even an Olympic one, implying it has numerous rules. It is significantly less hazardous in a street battle or self-defense.
Nonetheless, we must remember that the only constraint to this martial art is its regulations. If you are studying Taekwondo in a traditional manner, then it is a commendable martial art that should not be disrespected as it occasionally is.
