Hmm, I'm intersted in seeing the kick in SSGB#9 and YDGB#6 as none of our forms have them. I belive there's a kick in BGGB#3 or 4. I'm just learning #1 so I've only seen the higher BGGB forms in demonstration and the 'ol memory's a little foggy.

Are the kicks in SSGB#9 and YDGB#6 varations found only in Korean forms? Is this a change that perhaps the North American dojangs may incorporate? I'd like to see some more kicking in the forms. .....the legs....such a useful yet less used body part....

One thing I wanted to raise [but it seems I did not] when this topic was first brought up was about students who aren't training in an unarmed art. When a kick is introduced, are proper kick mechanics taught? Are the punch/kick drills taught?

I was never taught to kick. I just "do". It's like that with most of our students. I've never met a person who has NEVER thrown a kick. Seeing as the kick is aimed at around hip level, it's not really a hard kick anyway.

Wow, I hope my enemies all subscribe to that attitude. Defense will be less of a worry.



There's more to kicking difficulty than height, Charles. If you want your knees and hips to work without pain in the future, you might want to reconsider that assessment. Hopefully all that TKD training you are having to take now isn't all "just do it."

Isn't it preferable to have options based in real techniques than based in "Flail-at-you Do"?

I have to echo Tony on this. I see TKD beginners of all ages who cannot kick properly, even at low targets. Not only are they at risk of potentially hurting themselves at some point, but their faulty technique lacks power and/or proper target approach.

For example, it's not uncommon for me to see a beginner throw a "front kick" without chambering the leg both on the approach and the retraction. Their front kick basically looks more like a low ax kick.

Maybe I just didn't explain myself correctly. What I mean is that I've never had a problem with the kick. Frankly, if I was doing it wrong, my teacher would be the first to tell me. He harps about any tiny little detail, and with 35 years of experience in teaching TKD, bad kicks in Gumdo would be the Holy Grail of "harpage".

I've never really heard anyone ask about the kick too much. If you ask me, it's a total waste of a limb, but it's nice to see it given a bit of thought.

When I saw this, I instantly thought of Anthony's patented 'killer move', as shown on the Realistic Sparring Weapons video clip. His kick provided a perfect distraction to allow the 'kill' with the sword.

I suppose anything that breaks up an adversary's concentration, control of distance, or timing is a good technique to combine with other techniques in sparring.

That's what we're basing our comments on. So either you aren't explaining yourself correctly or we are taking you too literally. Now I can't speak for Tony, but I don't like taking responsibility, so I'm putting the blame on you. You're not explaining yourself correctly

I'm just giving you a good natured hard time, Charles. Just think of it as being harped on some more.

LOL.