Self-Defence (Hosin Sul): Defense against an armed opponent (Dae Moogi): Defense against a Dagger (Dae Dando): Inward Slash

January 20, 2024

Self-Defence (Hosin Sul): Defense against an armed opponent (Dae Moogi): Defense against a Dagger (Dae Dando): Inward Slash

“Defense against an armed opponent requires the ultimate in technique. […] though someone who has fully developed speed, balance, power, tactics and self-confidence may possibly defend against a knife, club, bayonet or staff, it requires the highest degree of expertise to defend against a gun. If it is necessary for the defender to take more than two steps to reach his opponent, especially if he is an observant gunman, then the technique will fail.” – Gen. Choi Hong Hi (Vol.5. p.354)

“[…] following points must be borne in mind when defending against an armed opponent.
1. If a dodge is employed, move away from the direction the weapon is facing, except in the case of straight stab or thrust, in order to avoid being stabbed or cut.
2. Gauge your distance precisely. Dodging too far from your opponent may make it impossible to execute a counter-attack in time. Against a bayonet or staff, lengthen your strike during the dodge so that opponent will find it necessary to take an extra step for a combination movement. Compensate for this increased distance by positioning yourself for an instant spring to cover the extra step in a single bound.
3. Blocking should be executed against the attacking arm or hand, rather than the weapon itself, when defending against a knife or club.” – Gen. Choi Hong Hi (Vol.5. p.341)

Defense against a Dagger (Dae Dando): Inward slash

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

X and Y are standing and facing each other. X attacks with a knife to inward slash Y.

Method 1

X: With the right hand holding the knife, perform an inward slash to Y.
Y: Pull the right foot and form a left rear foot stance forearm guarding block.
Y: With the right foot perform a low front snap kick.

Method 2

X: With the right hand holding the knife, perform an inward slash to Y.
Y: In a shifting motion dodge to the rear.
Y: Skip on the left foot, while the right foot performs a low side piecing kick.

Method 3

X: With the right hand holding the knife, perform an inward slash to Y.
Y: Form a parallel stance and jump up with both legs.
Y: While jumping up in the air, with the left fist perform a flying middle punch to the face to X, and while coming down from the jump, with the same fist in a consecutive motion, perform an upset punch.

Method 4

X: With the right hand holding the knife, perform an inward slash to Y.
Y: Pull the right foot and form a left rear foot stance forearm guarding block.
Y: With the left foot perform a pick-shape kick.

Method 5

X: With the right hand holding the knife, perform an inward slash to Y.
Y: Move the right foot in a sliding motion and form a right L-ready stance.
Y: Jump up and with the right foot perform a flying outward vertical kick.

Method 6

X: With the right hand holding the knife, perform an inward slash to Y.
Y: Move the right foot and form a sideways sitting stance.
Y: With the left foot perform a side pushing kick.

Method 7

X: With the right hand holding the knife, perform an inward slash to Y.
Y: Move the left foot to the rear and form a left rear foot stance forearm guarding block.
Y: In a walking stance move in the thrust, while the left knife-hand performs a high side reverse block.
Y: With the right foot perform a high turning kick.

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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