| Most fans of the martial arts realize that Tae Kwon | | | | grabbed, immobilized, and twisted/hyper-extended. |
| Do places significant emphasis on kicking. However, | | | | And, remember, joints are very easy to exploit |
| some may not be aware that the traditional Tae | | | | because no matter what the size of the person may |
| Kwon Do system placed clear emphasis on the | | | | be, a joint has limited strength and motion. When |
| manipulation of the joints in the arm. The applications of | | | | proper leverage is placed on it, the ability to manipulate |
| these locks in self-defense can be quite practical | | | | and control the joint - and the body -- is possible. |
| provided one understands how these locks are to be | | | | The manipulation point is important here because most |
| applied and what their true intended purpose is. That is | | | | people assume the joint lock is applied either to break |
| why a closer look at the application of joint locks in the | | | | (as in Jiu Jitsu) or throw (as in Akido or Hapkido). |
| original Tae Kwon Do system could prove enlightening | | | | However, the manipulation of the body via joint locks |
| to practitioners of the art. | | | | can be done in such a way that it opens the body for |
| Joint locks are often employed in close quarters when | | | | strikes. For example, if an aggressor was to grab a |
| a person reaches, paws, or grabs. While it is still | | | | TKD practitioner's wrist, the TKD person could grab |
| possible to kick in close quarters, the kicks may end up | | | | the wrist, twist the arm, and then move it upwards to |
| being jammed. That is, they would not reach full | | | | gain a clear pathway to the ribs. From this, a clear kick |
| extension which renders them ineffective. Additionally, | | | | to the floating rib area could be delivered to the |
| the extension of an opponent's arm creates an | | | | individual. Yes, you can combine joint locks with kicks |
| opening for joint manipulation that places the aggressor | | | | and do so quite effectively. It takes a little practice but |
| in a very difficult situation. Simply put, it can easily be | | | | it can be done effectively with the proper effort. |