Punching & Striking - (Jireugi & Chigi)
Tae Kwon-do hand strikes are performed as a close distance alternative to kicks. They are executed in a number of ways - from standing, jumping, spinning and rushing forwards. Hand strikes make up fast combinations of strikes which can leave an opponent stunned and unable to defend himself. Tae Kwon-do hand strikes can be separated into two distinct styles:- Closed hand strikes (Punches)
- Open hand strikes
Various surfaces of the hand may be engaged as the striking surface depending on which area of the opponents body is being targeted. This leads to a large array of hand positions.
Theory of Economy of Motion
1) All defensive techniques must actually be offensive techniques.
2) Move out of the path of any opponents technique rather than encountering it directly.
3) Never anticipate what your opponent has in mind.
4) Never attempt a technique that you have not fully mastered.
Theory of Continuous Motion
1) Always follow one technique with another
2) Always strike to the most debilitating and easily accessible target on the opponent.
2) Each defensive and offensive technique performed must allow for an easy and effective follow on with another technique.
Fist - Joomeok
A closed fist may be jabbed out directly to strike with the forefist knuckles. This is a suitable position for general punches, and is the most commonly used type of punch. Closed fist punch's are categorised as either Jiruegi - linear punch, or Chiruegi - circular punch. Types of punches are : lead arm straight punch (Banhdae Jiruegi), reverse arm straight punch (Bahro Jiruegi) , hook punch (Gullgi Chiruegi), upper cut punch (Chi Chiruegi).
Hammer Fist - Mee Joomeok
A closed fist may be brought down in a hammering motion to strike with the underneath/bottom of the fist.
Backfist - Deung Joomeok
The hand is swung backwards, with the back of the hand knuckles being the striking area. Momentum garnered in the swing makes this a powerful strike.
Knife Hand - Sonnal
This is an open hand strike, using the bottom blade of the hand as the striking area. This open hand technique is often used as a combined blocking and striking technique against the opponent due to the small surface area of the striking hand being able to inflict pain to the opponent at the same time as blocking the opponents strike. Types of knife hand strikes are : Knife Hand Strike In-Out (Sonnal Bahtak Chigi), Knife Hand Strike Out-In (Sonnal Ahn Chigi), Knife Hand Strike to the Neck (Sonnal Mok Chigi)
Ridge Hand - Sonnal Deung
A Ridge Hand is the opposite to a Knife Hand, where the top of the open hand strikes.
Fingertips - Bahnkeut
Using the end of the fingertips as the striking area. The fingers are used to strike vulnerable areas of the body such as pressure points. Used in self-defence sparring, one and two finger strikes are made to the eyeballs. Four finger strikes engaging the tips of the outstretched hand
Spearhand - Pyonson Keut
Using the end of the fingertips as the striking area, with the hand in an open and straight position. The fingers are used to strike vulnerable areas of the body such as pressure points, and when used in self-defence is used to strike vital points such as in the neck.
Thumb - Umji
This is a fist with the thumb protruding over the top. This is a formidable weapon in pressure point striking. Vulnerable areas can be targeted all over the body such as the sternum, the spaces in between the ribs and other nerve clusters.
Palm Heel - Batang Son
Is a classic self-defence strike where the hand is pulled back to engage the base of the palm in an upwards thrusting strike. This is particularly dangerous if applied to the base of the nose or chin and can result in very serious injury or death. The Palm Heel may also be used as a defensive blocking and deflection technique against a punch causing no injury to either person, commonly seen in One Step Sparring as the initial defense aginst the first attack punch.
Four Knuckle Flat Fist - Pyon Joomeok
Instead of closing the fist completely, the fingers are held out and only the knuckles are bent thereby presenting the upper set of knuckles as the striking surface. This concentrates the punches power due to its the smaller surface area. In self-defence, it may be used to purposefully break an attackers jaw.
Elbow - Palkoop
This uses the outside of the upper forearm, or depending on the type of strike, the outside point of the elbow as the striking area, with in both cases the arm fully bent at the elbow.
Lead Arm Punch (Banhdae Jireugi) from Long Stance (Ap Koobi Sohgi)
Reverse Arm Punch (Banhdae Jireugi) from Long Stance (Ap Koobi Sohgi)
Hammer Fist (Mee Joomeok Chigi from Parallel Stance (Naranhee Soghi)
Elbow Strike (Palkoop Chigi) from Long Stance (Ap Koobi Sohgi)
Spear Hand Strike (Pyonson Keut Chigi) from Long Stance (Ap Koobi Sohgi)
Back Fist (Deung Joomeok) from Long Stance (Ap Koobi Sohgi)