Tae kwon do is a Korean martial art that translates as a way or method for using techniques with open hands and feet. Tae kwon do typically is known for its high, spinning and jumping kicks, but the system has many hand techniques for attack and defense as well. Tae kwon do hand techniques are similar to other martial arts, though combinations vary by school and organization.
Hand Positions
A basic fist is not the only hand position in tae kwon do. The ridge hand, or knife hand, and palm heel also work for attack and defense. You must learn all three to correctly utilize tae kwon do hand techniques. To make a fist, curl your fingers into your palm and cross your thumb onto your middle and index fingers. A fist should be tight but relaxed. Do not clench your fists and dig your nails into your palms. To make a ridge hand, hold your wrist and fingers straight, touching your fingers together. Place the thumb against the side of your hand but tuck the thumbnail beneath your index finger. For a palm-heel position, start with a ridge hand and then bend your wrist back. The heel of the palm is the lower part of the palm near your wrist.
Closed-Fist Techniques
The closed fist refers to a basic fist because the hand is closed, unlike a ridge hand or palm heel where the palm shows. The most well-known technique with a closed fist is the straight punch. To perform a straight punch, chamber your hand next to your waist in a fist. Then, rotate your forearm as you extend your arm straight forward and make contact with your two largest numbers. The wrist always stays straight when you hit or you could break your wrist. Closed fists also work for blocking techniques. High, low and medium blocks all use closed fists, though not exclusively. Closed-fist blocks are effective for kicks, round punches and straight punches. An example of a blocking technique is the X-block. Start with both hands chambered at your waist, then extend them both toward the ceiling, crossing the arms like an "X" just above your head to block an overhead strike.
Ridge-Hand Techniques
The ridge hand, like the closed fist, is both for striking and blocking techniques. Any closed fist is possible with a ridge hand. To throw a ridge-hand strike, start with your hands up in front of you in fighting position, like a boxer. If you are right-handed, it is likely more comfortable to have your left hand and left foot forward. Extend your right hand forward like a straight punch but slightly outward toward the right. Turn the palm to face the floor as you bring your arm forward and then swing the hand to the left to strike with the inside ridge of your hand on the outside of the index finger. Reverse these directions if using your left hand.
Palm-Heel Techniques
Palm-heel techniques offer an alternative to strike with your palm heel instead of a straight punch. A basic palm-heel strike is a direct punch to the face or sternum. Use the same motion as a straight punch but bring your hand up in the palm-heel position with the wrist bent, hitting with the heel of the hand. You can also block with the palm heel. The palm-heel block is for short range strikes to your body or face. To perform a palm-heel block, hold your right hand at shoulder level with the palm facing to the left, your elbow bent and your arm parallel to the floor. Then, bring your palm across your chest to block a strike to your sternum, making sure to redirect the strike all the way to the left side of your body where it won't hit you.
References
- World Martial Arts Academy WTF Tae Kwon Do; The History of Tae Kwon Do; Glen R. Morris
- Daily Motion; The Ridge Hand Technique in Tae Kwon Do; Jeff Wade (video)
- West Side Tae Kwon Do; Basic Punches; January 2008
- Unify Tae Kwon Do; Hand Techniques; Master Lee Heyes
- Golden Phoenix Tae Kwon Do: Tae Kwon Do Blocking Techniques
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