Hosinsul (Self defense)
Hosinsul is one of the four principles of Tae Kwon Do. Although Tae
Kwon Do is a "self defense" sport in itself, it focuses on high and
spinning kicks which are not very suitable for real life (street)
application. Hosinsul is a mixture of all kinds of techniques,
including grappling/locks as well as depending against armed attackers
etc.
Self defense is something that cannot be practiced alone. You will
need a partner that has equal strength. You will learn how to react
(and how not to react), proper freeing techniques, locks and
strangling techniques.
The following techniques are generally (this is not a rule, of course)
practiced (where the opponent either uses his body (i.e. hands), a
knife or a stick):
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Control techniques |
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Freeing techniques (Paegi)
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Termination techniques
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Linear vs. Circular
There are two sorts of self-defense (this is a BIG generalization):
The hard or linear way and the soft or circular way. In the linear
form one uses arms and legs to block a strike of the opponent. The
advantage is that there is a direct counter-threat, which results in
pain for the opponent. The disadvantage is that this method requires a
lot of power and it may look extremely violent for outsiders. The
circular form has a different view. Here you use the power and speed
of the opponent to neutralize him/her using circular movements. The
advantage is that you can neutralize your opponent without hurting him
and that no strength is required. The disadvantage is that it takes a
lot of skill and practice to come to the necessary level. You will
most likely use a combination of both. |
