The martial arts of Korea cannot be neatly lumped into one category. Some of the Korean arts focus on “hard” techniques like punches and kicks. Others emphasize “soft” techniques like throws. The most popular Korean martial arts include tae kwon do, tang soo do, hapkido and hwa rang do. One thing that these arts have in common is that it usually takes years of intense training to become proficient in them.
Techniques
Due to the popularity of tae kwon do, the Korean martial arts are well-known for their kicking techniques. If you train in tae kwon do or tang soo do, then you can learn jumping, spinning and flying kicks. However, if you choose to pursue hapkido, you can train extensively in throws or takedowns that use an opponent’s force against him. The Korean martial arts can also train you to use blocks, strikes and weapons. In fact, the art of hwa rang do teaches 108 weapons.
Self-Defense
Self-defense is an important part of training in Korean martial arts. This aspect of training can teach you how to defend yourself against various types of grabs. Common grabs used in training are wrist grabs, shirts grabs and bear hugs. A technique that hapkido uses to deal with a wrist grab is a reverse hip throw. If an assailant grabs your left wrist with his right hand, you can rotate your left hand inward and grab his right wrist. Step into the assailant and wrap your right arm around his waist on his left side. Forcefully throw the attacker over your right hip.
One-Step Sparring
One-step sparring is frequently a part of training at Korean martial arts schools. To perform a one-step sparring technique, you block a punch or kick from your training partner and follow up with a counterattack. For example, you can block a punch with a crescent kick. To execute this kick, bring your right foot across the front of your body and block the punch with the inside edge of your right foot. For your counterattack, you can spin and kick back at your partner with your left heel.
Sparring
To improve their fighting skills, students of the Korean martial arts often participate in sparring matches. Students don protective gear and practice punches and kicks on fellow students. Sparring can also improve your endurance because of the constant movement during matches. At martial arts tournaments, you can test your sparring skills against students from other schools. Tae kwon do sparring is also an Olympic sport.
Poomse
Some of the Korean martial arts, such as tae kwon do and tang soo do, practice poomse. Poomse can be translated to “form” in Korean. Poomse are choreographed patterns of martial arts techniques. If you enroll in a tae kwon do or tang soo do class, you can expect to spend a significant amount of time training in poomse. Forms can help you refine your blocking, punching and kicking skills. You can also visualize fighting imaginary opponents while practicing the various forms. In addition, students are typically required to demonstrate proficiency in poomse in order to advance in belt levels.
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