Self-Defence (Hosin Sul): Defense against an armed opponent (Dae Moogi): Defense against a Dagger (Dae Dando): Slashing to the head

January 5, 2024

Self-Defence (Hosin Sul): Defense against an armed opponent (Dae Moogi): Defense against a Dagger (Dae Dando): Slashing to the head

“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.354)

Defense against a Dagger (Dae Dando): Slashing to the head

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 slash the head of Y.

Method 1

X: With the right hand holding the knife, raise it over the head and thrust it down in a slashing motion to Y’s head.
Y: Move in the thrust with a walking stance, while the left forearm performs a reverse rising block.
Y: With the right fist perform a middle reverse punch to the face of X.

Method 2

X: With the right hand holding the knife, raise it over the head and thrust it down in a slashing motion to Y’s head.
Y: In a shifting motion dodge to the rear, while forming an L-stance forearm guarding block.
Y: Move the left foot sideways, while the right foot performs a low turning kick to X.

Method 3

X: With the right hand holding the knife, raise it over the head and thrust it down in a slashing motion to Y’s head.
Y: Move the left foot sideways while forming a rear foot stance forearm guarding block.
Y: With the right foot perform a middle side piercing kick and then bring the right foot back to form a right L-stance.

Method 4

X: With the right hand holding the knife, raise it over the head and thrust it down in a slashing motion to Y’s head.
Y: In a sliding motion move back and form a right L-stance.
Y: Jump and with the left knife-hand perform a flying outward strike to the neck to X.

Method 5

X: With the right hand holding the knife, raise it over the head and thrust it down in a slashing motion to Y’s head.
Y: Move in the thrust by forming a right L-stance, while the left outer forearm performs a reverse rising block.
Y: Maintain the stance, while the right fist performs a high punch to the philtrum of X.
Y: Jump and with the right foot perform a flying turning kick to X.

Method 6

X: With the right hand holding the knife, raise it over the head and thrust it down in a slashing motion to Y’s head.
Y: Move in the thrust by forming a walking stance, while an X-fist performs a rising block.
Y: Jump and right foot performs a dodging front snap kick, while flying away from X.

Method 7

X: With the right hand holding the knife, raise it over the head and thrust it down in a slashing motion to Y’s head.
Y: Move in the thrust with an L-stance, while the right knife-hand performs a rising block.
Y: Move the right foot sideways, while the left knee performs a turning kick.

Method 8

X: With the right hand holding the knife, raise it over the head and thrust it down in a slashing motion to Y’s head.
Y: Shift sideways and form a right L-stance forearm guarding block.
Y: With the right foot perform a middle side thrusting kick.

Method 9

X: With the right hand holding the knife, raise it over the head and thrust it down in a slashing motion to Y’s head.
Y: Move in the thrust with a walking stance, while an X-knife-hand performs a rising block.
Y: With both hands grab X’s right wrist and twist it clockwise.

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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