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

January 6, 2024

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

“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): Slashing to the stomach

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 stomach of Y.

Method 1

X: With the right hand holding the knife, thrust it in a slashing motion to Y’s stomach.
Y: Move the left foot sideways and form a sitting stance, so as to capture the blind right side of X, while the left hand grabs X’s right forearm.
Y: With a right knife-hand strike X’s wrist, and immediately grab it.
Y: With both hands, twist X’s right arm to make X lose balance and fall.

Method 2

X: With the right hand holding the knife, thrust it in a slashing motion to Y’s stomach.
Y: Move the left foot sideways and move to the blind right side of X, while the left hand grabs X’s right forearm.
Y: Move the right foot to the back to form a right rear foot stance and then with the right foot perform a flying reverse turning kick to the head of X.

Method 3

X: With the right hand holding the knife, thrust it in a slashing motion to Y’s stomach.
Y: In a sliding motion move back and form a right L-stance.
Y: With the right foot perform a hooking kick to the right arm of X, and consecutively with the same right foot perform a low front snap kick to the abdomen.

Method 4

X: With the right hand holding the knife, thrust it in a slashing motion to Y’s stomach.
Y: Move back and with the right foot perform a crescent kick to the right arm of X.
Y: In a jumping forward motion form a right X-stance, while the right back fist performs a high side stike to the temple of X.

Method 5

X: With the right hand holding the knife, thrust it in a slashing motion to Y’s stomach.
Y: Dodge to the left to form a left L-stance, and then with the left foot perform a crescent kick to the right arm of X.
Y: Lower the left foot to take a L-stance, while the right flat fingertip performs a middle obverse thrust.

Method 6

X: With the right hand holding the knife, thrust it in a slashing motion to Y’s stomach.
Y: Dodge to the left to form a left L-stance, and then with the right foot perform a flying side piercing kick to the head of X.

Method 7

X: With the right hand holding the knife, thrust it in a slashing motion to Y’s stomach.
Y: In a shifting motion dodge backwards and then jump up with both feet in the air, while the right knife-hand performs a mid-air strike to the head of X.

Method 8

X: With the right hand holding the knife, thrust it in a slashing motion to Y’s stomach.
Y: In a sliding motion move the right foot sideways and dodge to form an L-stance.
Y: With the left foot perform a flying side thrusting kick to the chest of X.

Method 9

X: With the right hand holding the knife, thrust it in a slashing motion to Y’s stomach.
Y: Dodge sideways and form a rear foot stance, while the left palm performs an inward block.
Y: With the right foot perform a flying reverse turning kick to the head of X.

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

Need high-quality martial arts gear at reasonable prices?

Pacific Sports (a subsidiary of Pacific International Taekwondo) offers a range of high-quality, functional and affordable Taekwondo, Karate, Jiu Jitsu uniforms, as well as Martial Art and Kickboxing equipment, Kick Boxing Shorts, MMA Rash Guards, MMA Gloves, TKD paddles, Shin Guards, Kick Shield, Instep Pad Guards, Focus Pads, Focus Mitts, TKD shoes and Gel Hand Wraps.