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

January 21, 2024

Self-Defence (Hosin Sul): Defense against an armed opponent (Dae Moogi): Defense against a Dagger (Dae Dando): Outward 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): Outward 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 outward slash Y.

Method 1

X: With the right hand holding the knife, perform an outward slash to Y.
Y: Move the right foot back and form a right rear foot stance knife-hand guarding block.
Y: Jump and with the right foot perform a mid-air kick.

Method 2

X: With the right hand holding the knife, perform an outward slash to Y.
Y: Move the left foot and form a sitting stance, while the left palm performs a pushing block from side on the right shoulder of X.
Y: Jump and with the right foot perform a flying front snap kick.

Method 3

X: With the right hand holding the knife, perform an outward slash to Y.
Y: In a sliding motion form a right rear foot stance with a forearm guarding block.
Y: Jump and with the right instep perform a flying side turning kick.

Method 4

X: With the right hand holding the knife, perform an outward slash to Y.
Y: Perform a middle side piercing kick and with the same foot consecutively perform a pressing kick.

Method 5

X: With the right hand holding the knife, perform an outward slash to Y.
Y: Slide the left foot forward and form a fixed stance, while the left fist performs a reverse punch.
Y: Jump and with the right foot perform a flying low 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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