Skill in Action [1 ed.] 0897500717, 9780897500715

Citation preview

Skill in a ee

by Pu Gill Gwon

Skill in

by Pu Gill Gwon

Part I SKILL IN COUNTERATTACKS

Part I THE DYNAMIC ART OF BREAKING

©Ohara Publications, Incorporated 1980 All rights reserved Printed in the United States of America Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 80-83428 ISBN 0-89750-071-7

OHARA i) PUBLICATIONS, INCORPORATED BURBANK, CALIFORNIA

About the Author Pu Gill Gwon was born near Seoul, Korea. When he was a youngster he moved with his family to Pusan, Korea. While in school there he learned western-style boxing. For young Pu Gill Gwon, his work in the boxing ring set him on the road to martial arts success. He won the Junior Boxing Championships in his tournament class and in 1953, he met his first Korean martial arts master, Ha Dae Young, and began the study of tae kwon do. From there, he began to branch out into the study of yudo, with Chang Hang Je. In 1954, he became an instructor in tae kwon do, specializing in ji do kwan, a special style, utilizing many techniques of self defense. In 1958, Pu Gill Gwon joined the Korean Navy’s Underwater Demolition Team. His superb physique, excellent health and agility, developed through a religiously dedicated pursuit of the martial arts, saw him through the difficult training so well that he jumped from student to instructor and was assigned to the Korean Naval Intelligence section in 1959. Gwon regards his tours as a teacher and in the Intelligence Division as probably the most hazardous of his life. In 1967, he joined the International Tae Kwon Do Federation. Pu Gill Gwon visited the United States in 1971 to demonstrate his techniques, including his dynamic breaking methods, at various martial arts expositions. The public response was enthusiastic. He stayed on and opened his first dojang in Baltimore, Maryland. Today Pu Gill Gwon has eight schools in various locations around the United States. He attributes the popularity of his classes to the dedication the students have once they get underway. The art of dynamic breaking, as developed by Pu Gill Gwon, has brought standing ovations across the country. This began in 1975, at the Martial Arts Exposition in Chicago promoted by Jim Jones. In this book,

Pu Gill Gwon

shares his dynamic art of breaking technique with

the seriously practicing advanced tae kwon do student, and all martial artists intent on expanding their arsenal of techniques. These are the same as those Gwon demonstrated in Chicago at the McComer Convention Center in 1975. These techniques carried Pu Gill Gwon through self defense situations and earned him fame in the country as a martial arts superstar. Pu Gill Gwon has also written the book, Dynamic Art of Breaking, published in October is 1977, and made a movie, Dangerous Passages in May 1978. He the in on currently Korean President of the Tae Kwon Do Associati

U.S.A.

Part I

Skill in COUNTERATTACKS

No chess player has ever found, nor is likely to find, a sure way of winning from the first move. The game contains too many variables for even one of today’s nerveless electronic computers to plot out a guaranteed checkmate.

This is equally true of self-defense—which is certainly no game, but is equally unpredictable, and with far greater numbers of variables. However, from long study and accumulated experience, the rules of self-defense can be compared to the rules of war—which in fact, it is.

The first rule is that the strongest opponent usually wins. If the contending camps are equally strong, the most determined wins. This is the second law. If the determination is equally strong, then the victory goes to the one who can seize the initiative—the third law. Surprise—the fourth law, plays a decisive role in the laws which make up the ABCs of warfare. In self-defense, the same laws and principles hold equally true for both opponents. What varies, and what makes the difference between win or lose, is the way each opponent uses them to his ability and the particular situation. This book concentrates upon providing the winning variable— the techniques of counterattack, which makes use of the third law—that of seizing and keeping the initiative, and the fourth, surprise. Mastering the techniques of counterattack can make you a winner in any encounter.

="

Offense and defense are both important when free-sparring, but counterattack is more important. It can cause more accidents to opponents, and it takes offense off the opponent’s mind.

It is to your advantage to be able to anticipate your opponent’s open spots, and attack accordingly. Exact time is necessary to take advantage of your opponent’s momentum, and the inability to avoid your counterattack. Always counterattack by the shortest distance possible, after avoiding your opponent’s attack in the shortest distance possible. It is most important to keep your eyes on the opponent at all times. Never turn your head away from the opponent. For example: Your opponent executes one attacking technique at you. If you only avoid his attack, then he has another chance to attack, but if you avoid it, and counterattack, at the same time, then your opponent has little chance to avoid your attack because he is still moving toward you. After several months of constant practice, you can develop good counterattack techniques.

One should practice body movements with a mind for defense. All animals, including man, have unconscious reflexive movements; instinct. Fierce, strong animals, when attacked, move and avoid the attacker. Weaker animals, when attacked and cornered, counterattack instinctively.

Counterattack techniques teach the mind to react calmly in an emergency. Normally, people never think about attacking or fight-

ing. Therefore, in an emergency situation, they do not know the necessary movements to avoid and counterattack. Unconsciously they try to move away giving the opponent another chance to attack. The author of this book has spent many years arts and watching and teaching students in the never consider the techniques of counterattack. tice counterattack techniques. They concentrate ing and developing their free sparring techniques.

practicing martial martial arts. Most They never pracsolely on practic-

When free sparring against a more accomplished martial artist, the student tends to be intimidated; he has no self-confidence. This writer makes a policy of teaching counterattack so that the student will automatically respond with counterattack techniques—to his advantage. Before attempting any of the techniques described in this book, one should read carefully each explanation while referring to the accompanying illustrations. Each technique should be practiced slowly to develop speed, power, and timing. The key to mastering counterattack is practice.

There is much to be learned from the martial arts. Most important is that they should always be used for justice, without fear, and for good and useful purposes. Good luck and study hard.

publishers note

Practice body movements

with a mind

for defensive

attack. All animals have unconscious, reflexive stinct. Fierce animals, when they are attacked,

counter-

movements; inmove, avoiding.

When weaker animals are attacked and cannot run away, they will counterattack. Counterattack is better than running away. It is better for the mind to learn to react calmly to an emergency situation. Normally, people never think about attacking or fighting, so in an emergency situation, they cannot use necessary movements to avoid and counterattack. Unconsciously, they try to move out, giving the opponent another chance to attack, instead of the first person thinking about counterattack. This writer has spent many years practicing and watching martial arts students. Most students never think about counterattack. They never practice counterattack techniques. They only practice and develop their free-sparring techniques. When they are free-sparring, they are afraid of the opponent, they have no confidence in themselves. This writer makes a habit of thinking about and teaching counterattack, so that in a situation where a person is being attacked, he will automatically react using counterattack techniques. I hope everybody learns a lot from the way of martial arts. Use it for justice, without fear, living a good life. Before attempting any of the techniques in this book, read each explanation thoroughly, while referring to the accompanying pictures. Practice all techniques slowly, as you gradually develop speed, power and timing. Good luck, and study hard.

contents For Defense

Against: 18

FRONT

SNAP

KICK

46

ROUNDHOUSE

78

SIDE

100

SPINNING

126

BACK

TURNING

142

BACK

FIST ATTACK

164

JUMPING PUNCH

176

KNIFEHAND

200

REVERSE PUNCH

KICK

KICK BACK

KICK KICK

RIGHTHAND STRIKE

FIST

COUNTERATTACKS

Chapter Defense

1 Against..

FRONT

SNAP KICK

FIST PUNCH Left Fighting Stance Opponent is also in a left fighting stance. (1) Always maintain a distance to where you can be close enough to attack, and yet far enough to where you can watch

opponent’s As

your

front snap

body

movements.

opponent

kick

with

attempts

(2) a

his right leg,

watch for him to push forward, bending his right knee and aiming the knee toward intended target. (3) As opponent attacks, drop your

left

arm

for

a low-section

block,

snapping your upper body to your right at the same time, to achieve

more

power.

(4) Strike

at oppo-

nent’s lower leg, stopping him before he can fully extend his kick. As your block is executed (5) thrust your body forward pushing off both feet. At the same time, draw the right fist back preparing for a reverse punch. (6) Execute the reverse punch aiming for opponent’s solar plexis. Since opponent is standing on only one leg, your punch should knock him off balance,

leaving him open

long enough

for you to attack again if necessary. As your attack is completed (7) bring your hands back to a guarding position, coming back to a balanced

fighting stance.

20

21

|

|

i

FIST PUNCH Right Fighting Stance Opponent

is

in

a

right

fighting

stance. Always maintain a distance to where you can be close enough

to

attack

where

body

(1) yet

you

can

movements.

far

watch

enough

to

opponent’s

(2) As opponent

attempts a front snap kick with his right leg, watch for him to push

forward,

bending his right knee and

aiming

the

target.

(3) Twisting

knee

toward

your

intended

body

to

the right, execute a low-section block at opponent’s lower leg before he can complete his kick. As

your

block

is executed

(4) swing

opponent’s leg to his right, away from you. This technique should cause opponent to lose his balance and be open for your attack. (5) As you execute your block, draw your right hand back, preparing to punch. (6) Quickly throw the right fist to opponent’s left temple pushing your body forward at the same time to generate more power. Your punch should be slightly hooked instead of a straight punch. As the attack is completed (7) bring your hands back to a guarding position and coming back to a balanced, fighting stance.

22

23

SPINNING BACK-FIST Left Fighting Stance (1) Opponent left fighting

is also in a stance. Al-

ways maintain a distance to where you can be close enough to attack, yet far enough to where you can

watch opponent’s body movements. (2) As _ opponent attempts a frontsnap with his right leg, watch for him to push forward, bending his right knee and aiming the knee toward the intended target. (3) As opponent attacks, bring your right leg and pivot in a clockwise direction, turning your head around quickly to keep opponent in your sight. As you turn, bring your right hand across your face preparing for a

24

ws)

back fist attack. When your leg is up to block (4) it should divert opponent’s attention downward. At this time bring your right arm forward for a back fist attack striking your opponent’s temple. Combine the momentum of your turn with the extension of your attack to generate more

power.

(5)

As

you

execute your back fist attack try to move in behind opponent’s right side so he will be unable to attempt another attack. As your attack is completed, bring your hands back to a guarding position coming back to a balanced fighting stance.

25

KNIFE HAND BLOCK FOLLOWED BY SWEEP Left Fighting Stance Opponent

is also

in a left

fighting stance. (1) Always maintain a distance to where you can be close enough enough watch

to attack, yet far to where you can opponent's body

movements. (2) Opponent attempts a front snap kick with his right leg. Watch for him to push forward bending his right knee and aiming the knee toward his

intended target. (3) As opponent attacks, execute a low-section block with your left arm. Push forward off the back foot simultaneously blocking the opponent's lower leg before he can fully extend

his kick. (4) As your block is executed continue to swing the blocking arm down, under opponent’s leg. As his leg is being held

26

= 7—_—

bring

your

right

hand

up

to opponent’s _ right shoulder. As you grab op-

ponent’s right shoulder (5) hook your right leg inside of opponent’s left leg. At the same time push opponent’s right shoulder backward,

sweeping

him

down to the floor. As this technique is being executed you should still be holding opponent’s right leg. As opponent hits the floor (5) push his right leg across his body, so he will not be in a position to attack from the floor. At this time attack with a right hand reverse punch, thrusting

downward

to op-

Pponent’s solar plexus or other vital area. As your attack is completed, quickly

come

balanced

back

fighting

up

to

a

stance.

Ai}

—

BACK

FIST

Right Fighting Stance

Opponent is in a left fighting stance (1). Always maintain a distance to where you can be close enough to attack, yet far enough to where you can watch opponent’s body movements. As opponent attempts a front snap kick with his right leg (2) watch for him to push forward, bending his right knee toward intended target. As opponent attacks, bring

your

right leg up (3) pre-

paring to block opponent’s kick. At the same time, draw your right hand

across your face to prepare for a backfist attack. Bring your right foot (4) down

28

on opponent’s lower leg before he can fully extend his kick. As you

kick

with

your

block his

foot

his

attention should be diverted downward. At _ this time, quickly move in with the right hand back fist attack to the opponent’s right temple. As your

back fist

is executed

(5)

push off your left leg toward opponent, using the entire body’s power to generate more power. As your attack is completed, (6) bring your hands back to a guarding position, coming back to a balanced fighting stance.

29

FRONT SNAP KICKS Right Fighting Stance Opponent

is in a left fight-

ing stance. maintain a

(1) Always distance to can be close

where you enough to attack, yet far enough to where you can watch opponent’s body movements. (2) Opponent attempts a front snap kick

with

his right

leg. Watch

for him to push forward, bending his right knee and aiming the knee toward intended target. As oppo-

nent attacks (3) bring your right leg up quickly, preparing for a front snap kick, moving slightly to your right to avoid oppo-

nent’s kick. Bring your leg, (4) knee to chest, cocking the leg back, aiming the knee

30

toward

intended

tar-

get. (5) Thrust your right leg forward, kicking to opponent’s mid-section and striking with the ball of your foot. Since you will have little momentum your power will have to be generated from your thigh, plus the snap of your kick. As you execute the front snap

kick,

(6)

push

off

your back leg moving forward to generate more power. will be one

Since opponent standing on only

leg, your

knock

him

kick

off

should

balance

leaving him momentarily open to attack. As your

attack is completed

quick-

ly recock the leg, coming back to a balanced position.

Si

ROUNDHOUSE KICK Right Fighting Stance Opponent ing

stance.

is in a left fightAlways

main-

tain a distance to where you can be close enough to attack and yet far enough to where you can watch opponent’s body movements. As opponent attempts a front snap kick (2) with his right leg, watch for him to push forward, bending his right knee and aiming the knee toward the intended target. As opponent attacks (3) bring your right leg up preparing for a front turning kick, moving slightly

32

to your right to avoid opponent’s kick. As you

bring the

leg up (4) turn

your upper body and right

hip over to your left and looking over your shoulder to focus on intended target. Combine the turn with the snap of the kick to generate more power. Strike the side of opponent’s head with your instep. As your kick is completed (5) quickly recock the leg before you come down to a balanced fighting stance.

oie

SIDE KICK Right Fighting Stance Opponent

is in left fight-

ing stance. maintain a

(1) Always distance to where you are. close enough to attack, yet far enough to where you can watch opponent’s body movements. (2) Opponent attempts a front snap kick with his right leg. Watch for him to push forward,

LEE ee -onnesoreigys

bending his right knee and aiming the knee toward his intended target. As oppo-

| NX

\

34

nent attacks (3) bring your right leg up preparing for a side thrusting kick and leaning your upper body away tack.

from opponent’s atBring your right leg

up, knee to chest the leg parallel

(4) with to the

floor, aimed toward intended target. At the same time, turn your upper body and right hip over to your left, looking over your shoulder to focus on

intended target. As you

thrust your kick, push your body in the opposite direction to generate more power. (5) Execute your side-thrusting kick before opponent can complete his front snap kick. Your kick should be aimed toward opponent’s mid-section, striking with your heel. As your kick is completed,

recock the leg before setting down, coming back to a balanced fighting stance.

35

SPINNING

KICK

Left Fighting Stance Opponent

is also

in a left

fighting stance. (1) Always maintain a distance to where you can be close enough to attack, yet far enough to where you can watch opponent’s body movements. Opponent attempts

(2)

a front

with

his

snap

kick

right

leg.

Watch for him to push forward, bending his right knee and aiming the knee

toward intended target. As opponent attacks (3) turn your

body

in a clockwise

direction, bringing your right leg up to prepare for a hooking kick. As you turn,

move

slightly

to op-

ponent’s right to avoid his kick. (3) Bring your leg up, knee to chest, with the

36

leg

parallel

to

the

floor

and armed _ toward _intended target. Thrust your kick to the area just to the right of the target’s head. At the same time, pushing your upper body in the opposite direction to generate more power. As your kick is extended, snap the

leg back across the side of opponent’s head. Combine the momentum of your turn with the execution of your kick to achieve maximum power. Contact should be made with the back of your heel. As your

attack

is

completed,

(5)

quickly recock the leg as your upper body follows through, returning to a balanced fighting stance.

37

BACK TURNING KICK Left Fighting Stance Opponent

is also

in a left

fighting stance. (1) Always maintain a distance to where you can be close enough to attack and yet far enough to where you can watch’ opponent’s movements. Opponent attempts a front snap kick

(2)

with

his

right

leg.

Watch for him to push forward, bending the right knee and aiming the knee

toward

intended target. As

opponent attacks, bend both knees slightly and jump up in a clockwise direction preparing for a back turning kick, moving slightly to opponent’s right to avoid his kick. Bring your right leg up,

38

. _ knee to chest (3) with the

leg

parallel

and

aimed

to

the

floor

at the intended

target. Combine the momentum of the turn with the execution of the kick

~to

achieve

~ power,

while

maximum looking over

your

right shoulder

cus

on

intended

to fo-

target.

- Thrust your kick to opponent’s mid-section as you push

the

your

upper

opposite

body

in

direction

to

_ generate more power. This _ kick should be executed at the highest point of your jump. As your kick is completed, (4) quickly recock

the leg before you come _ down ito a balanced fighting stance.

39

HOOK KICK FOLLOWED BY ROUNDHOUSE KICK Right Fighting Stance Opponent is in a left fighting stance. (1) Always maintain a distance to where you can be close enough to attack, yet far enough to where you can watch opponent’s body movements. (2) Opponent attempts a front snap kick

with

his right

leg. Watch

for him to push forward, bending his right knee and aiming the knee toward intended target. As oppo-

nent attacks, (3) raise your right leg for a hooking kick. Push forward off your more

left leg to generate power as the kick is

being executed. (4) Bring your right leg up as for a side thrusting kick, knee to chest, with the leg parallel to the floor and

40

aimed

at the intended tar-

get. At the same time, turn

your

body

over

to your

and

right

hip

left, looking

over your right shoulder to focus on intended target. Thrust your right leg out to the area to the right of opponent’s head, simultaneously pushing your upper body in the opposite direction to generate more power. As the kick is extended, snap the leg back across the right side of opponent’s head, striking with the back of your heel. As your attack is

completed

(5) quickly

re-

cock the leg before your upper body follows through,

balanced

coming

fighting

back toa

stance.

4)

SPINNING

KICK

Left Fighting Stance

Opponent is also in a left fighting stance. (1) Always maintain a distance to where

you

can

be

close

enough

to attack, yet far

enough

to where

you

can

watch opponent’s body movements. (2) Opponent attempts a front snap kick with his right leg. Watch for

him

to push

forward,

bending his right knee and aiming the knee toward intended

nent

target.

attacks,

As oppo-

(3)

bring

your left leg up as for a lowsection side-thrusting

kick. Bring your left foot down on opponent’s lower leg to block his kick. Simultaneously continue to turn in a clockwise direction, jumping up for a back spinning kick with your left leg. Your foot is

42

basically a stepping stone for the jumping kick. As you continue around, (4) your right leg should be fairly straight, swinging around in a _ continuous straight line, not an upand-down motion. More power will be generated if the upper body comes

around first, (5) looking over your right shoulder to focus on intended target, as your lower body fol-

lows

through

executing

your kick. Aim this technique to the back of oppo-

nent’s head striking with the back of your heel. (6) As your kick is completed, allow the leg to continue past

the

target

as the up-

per body follows through, coming around to a anced fighting stance.

bal-

LEFT KICK FOLLOWED BY ROUNDHOUSE KICK Left Fighting Stance Opponent is also in a left fighting stance. (1) Always maintain a distance to where you can be close

enough

to attack,

yet far

enough to where you can watch your opponent’s movements. (2) Opponent attempts a front snap kick with his right leg. Watch for him to push forward, bending his right knee and

aiming intended

the

knee

target.

toward As

oppo-

nent attacks (3) bring your left leg up as for a lowsection side-thrusting kick. Block opponent’s lower leg with your foot before he can fully extend his kick. This block is basically a stepping stone for your next technique. (4) As you block opponent’s

44

as ra

ek ae ee

attack with your left foot, simultaneously jump up for a roundhouse kick with your right leg. Combine the momentum of your turn with the snap of your kick to attain more power. Execute the roundhouse kick (5) snapping

the

leg as you

turn

your

lower body to the left, simultaneously twisting your upper body to the right to exert more power. This kick should be executed at the highest point of your jump, striking the side of opponent’s head with your instep. As your

kick is completed (6) quickly recock the leg before you balanced

come down to a fighting stance.

45

COUNTERATTACKS

Chapter Defense

2 Against..

ROUND HOUSE KICK