Self-Defence (Hosin Sul): Defense against a sudden attack (Dae Boori Gong Gyok): While Kneeling

October 19, 2023

Self-Defence (Hosin Sul): Defense against a sudden attack (Dae Boori Gong Gyok): While Kneeling

“An unexpected attack can come at any time, any place. […] An attacker will usually have the initial advantage of surprise. A well trained student of Taekwon-Do, however, who has developed an instinctive conditioned reflex should stand a fairly good chance of blocking or at least deflecting a blow.” – Gen. Choi Hong Hi (Vol.5. p.314)

“The defender must know how to make use of his or her opponent’s momentum and force, while utilizing his or her dynamic and reflexive actions against momentarily undefended target.” – Gen. Choi Hong Hi (Vol.5. p.278)

While Kneeling

X (attacker), Y (defender). The roles of X and Y can be reversed so that both practitioners can practice all movements.

Both X and Y are sitting in front of each other in a kneeling position, with knees and toes on the ground and hands on the thighs.

Method 1

X: Move the hips up so that the upper body becomes erect, move the right foot forward and place in on the ground, with the left knee and toe on the ground as before, while executing a middle obverse punch with the right fist.
Y: Move the hips up so that the upper body becomes erect, move the right foot forward and place in on the ground, with the left knee and toe on the ground as before, while executing an obverse hooking block with the right palm.
Y: With the right palm hold X’s wrist and twist it clockwise, while with the left palm press X’s elbow joint. X will bend down. Further twisting of X’s hand or pressing X’s elbow may break X’s wrist or elbow.

Method 2

X: Move the hips up so that the upper body becomes erect, move the right foot forward and place in on the ground, with the left knee and toe on the ground as before, while executing a middle obverse punch with the right fist.
Y: Move the hips up so that the upper body becomes erect, move the left foot forward and place in on the ground, with the right knee and toe on the ground as before, while executing an outward block with a left knife-hand.
Y: With the right flat fingertip, perform a high thrust to X’s face / philtrum / eyes.

Method 3

X: Move the hips up so that the upper body becomes erect, move the right foot forward and place in on the ground, with the left knee and toe on the ground as before, while executing a middle obverse punch with the right fist.
Y: Move the hips up so that the upper body becomes erect, move the right foot forward and place in on the ground, with the left knee and toe on the ground as before, while deflecting X’s hand with a right knife-hand.
Y: Extend the right hand fully and perform an outward strike to X’s neck with the right knife-hand.

Method 4

X: Move the hips up so that the upper body becomes erect, move the right foot forward and place in on the ground, with the left knee and toe on the ground as before, while executing a middle obverse punch with the right fist.
Y: Remain in the kneeling position with knees and toes on the ground, but move the hips up so that the upper body becomes erect, while the right outer forearm performs a front block.
Y: Move the left foot forward and place in on the ground, with the right knee and toe on the ground as before, while the left fist performs a middle obverse punch.

Method 5

X: Move the hips up so that the upper body becomes erect, move the right foot forward and place in on the ground, with the left knee and toe on the ground as before, while executing a middle obverse punch with the right fist.
Y: Remain in the kneeling position with knees and toes on the ground, but move the hips up so that the upper body becomes erect, while the left knife-hand performs a front block.
Y: Move the left foot forward and place in on the ground, with the right knee and toe on the ground as before, while the left fist performs a middle obverse punch.

Method 6

X: Move the hips up so that the upper body becomes erect, move the right foot forward and place in on the ground, with the left knee and toe on the ground as before, while executing a middle obverse punch with the right fist.
Y: Dodge to the left, by bending from the waist and placing both hands on the ground on the left side.
Y: Support the body with both hands on the ground on the left side, while with the right foot perform a high turning kick to X’s face.

Method 7

X: Move the hips up so that the upper body becomes erect, move the right foot forward and place in on the ground, with the left knee and toe on the ground as before, while executing an outward strike with the right knife-hand.
Y: Remain in the kneeling position with knees and toes on the ground, but move the hips up so that the upper body becomes erect, while the right inner forearm performs a side front block.
Y: Bend from the waist and place both hands on the left side. With both hands supporting the body, perform a high side piercing kick with the right foot.

Taekwon-Do is a practical art; hence it can be learnt only from an instructor. Words, diagrams and videos can help only as a reference, and they cannot replace an instructor. Expert practical guidance from an instructor is invaluable.

“Certainly the most important asset any training hall can have is a good instructor. There is no substitute for a well-trained, intelligent, perceptive and patient instructor.” – Gen. Choi Hong Hi (Vol.6, p.17).

REFERENCE:

Choi, H. H. (1985). Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do (Vols. 1–15). Vienna: International Taekwon-Do Federation.

Also see:

Self-Defence Techniques (Hosin Sul): An Introduction

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