Do Joint Locks Belong in Tae Kwon Do?
Most fans of the martial arts realize that Tae Kwon Do places significant emphasis on kicking. However, some may not be aware that the traditional Tae Kwon Do system placed clear emphasis on the manipulation of the joints in the arm. The applications of these locks in self-defense can be quite practical provided one understands how these locks are to be applied and what their true intended purpose is. That is why a closer look at the application of joint locks in the original Tae Kwon Do system could prove enlightening to practitioners of the art. Joint locks are often employed in close quarters when a person reaches, paws, or grabs. While it is still possible to kick in close quarters, the kicks may end up being jammed. That is, they would not reach full extension which renders them ineffective. Additionally, the extension of an opponent’s arm creates an opening for joint manipulation that places the aggressor in a very difficult situation. Simply put, it can easily be grabbed, immobi
