Back to the Sources: Grappling in Taekwon-Do
By Roy Rolstad, ITF Radix
Modern ITF Taekwon-Do is often perceived as a striking art, emphasizing powerful kicks and sharp hand techniques. However, when we look deeper into the roots of Taekwon-Do and analyze its early curriculum, we find a significant element that is often overlooked: grappling.
The original teachings of General Choi Hong Hi and the foundational influences on Taekwon-Do included various throws, locks, and takedowns, many of which have faded from common practice today. By rediscovering these elements, we can restore Taekwon-Do to its full potential as a complete martial art.
Grappling in the Early Days of Taekwon-Do
When General Choi developed Taekwon-Do, he drew inspiration not only from Karate and Taekkyeon but also from traditional Korean self-defense methods and military combatives. The early generations of Taekwon-Do pioneers—many of whom had backgrounds in Judo, Hapkido, and traditional Korean wrestling (Ssireum)—incorporated joint locks, sweeps, and throws into their training. These techniques were included in the Hosinsul (self-defense) section of Taekwon-Do and were demonstrated in General Choi’s Encyclopedia. The demonstrations included joint manipulations, off-balancing techniques, and counters to grabs, proving that Taekwon-Do was never meant to be just a striking art.
Why Did Grappling Fade from Taekwon-Do?
Several factors contributed to the decline of grappling in mainstream Taekwon-Do:
1. Sportification of Taekwon-Do
• As Taekwon-Do developed into a competitive sport, the focus shifted toward sparring-friendly techniques, which prioritized kicks and punches over close-range grappling.
• Rules against grabbing, throwing, or joint locking in tournaments led to these techniques being practiced less frequently.
2. Simplification of Curriculum
• As Taekwon-Do spread worldwide, instructors often simplified their teachings to focus on easily teachable and visually impressive techniques.
• Joint locks and throws require precise timing and control, making them more challenging to teach in large class settings.
3. The Influence of Modern Training Methods
• Many dojangs focused on high-intensity kicking drills and pad work, often at the expense of practical self-defense applications.
• The rise of specialized grappling arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo also led to a division, where grappling was no longer seen as part of Taekwon-Do’s core training.
Restoring Grappling to ITF Taekwon-Do
At ITF Radix, we believe in preserving and evolving Taekwon-Do’s original intent as a complete martial art. To do so, we must reintegrate grappling into our training. This doesn’t mean transforming Taekwon-Do into a grappling art but rather restoring its self-defense roots.
How to Reintroduce Grappling into Your Taekwon-Do Training
1. Study the Hosinsul Section of the ITF Encyclopedia
• The Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do contains detailed self-defense applications, many of which involve joint locks, takedowns, and counter-grappling techniques.
• Analyzing these movements helps us understand how Taekwon-Do originally incorporated grappling.
2. Break Falls and Rolls
• Before practicing throws and takedowns, students should train proper falling techniques (break falls and rolls).
• This ensures safety and builds confidence in dealing with close-range attacks.
3. Practice Against Grabs and Holds
• Train defenses against wrist grabs, lapel grabs, and bear hugs, incorporating joint manipulations and escapes.
• Focus on using Taekwon-Do’s natural stances and movement principles to create leverage.
4. Use Throws and Sweeps Within Patterns (Tul)
• Many traditional pattern movements (such as pulling motions and downward strikes) can be interpreted as takedowns or joint locks.
• By applying realistic self-defense scenarios to tul movements, we uncover their original purpose.
5. Incorporate Grappling in Free Sparring (Jayu Matsogi)
• While competition sparring has rules, self-defense training should include clinching, off-balancing, and takedown defenses.
• Drills such as grip fighting and escape scenarios help practitioners become comfortable with close-quarters combat.
Join Us for a Hapkido Workshop in Oslo
For those looking to expand their knowledge of joint locks, throws, and practical self-defense, I will be teaching at a Hapkido workshop in Oslo this Sunday, alongside the instructors of the Norwegian Hapkido Federation. As a 6th-degree black belt in Hapkido, I’ve spent years studying and refining the self-defense aspects of Korean martial arts, and this workshop will be a great opportunity for Taekwon-Do practitioners to explore grappling techniques that can enhance their overall skill set.
Grappling has always been a part of traditional Taekwon-Do, even if it has faded from many modern schools. By revisiting the Hosinsul teachings and early applications of Taekwon-Do, we can reconnect with the art’s original intent.
At ITF Radix, we are committed to bringing back lost knowledge and refining Taekwon-Do into a fully functional self-defense system. Understanding and applying grappling techniques doesn’t take away from the beauty of Taekwon-Do’s strikes—it enhances its effectiveness and ensures we stay true to the art’s complete combat potential.
Roy Rolstad
ITF Radix
