What do our participants say?

The first step has already been taken: The first TKDD Dan and license seminar took place in Germany from January 9th to 16th, 2022.
28 participants received the 1st Dan TKDD here. We asked our participants for statements about their experiences and plans with TKDD.

What is the difference between Taekwondo Defense (TKDD) and Classical Taekwondo?

Thomas Priermeier: Overall, through shorter, more efficient movements beyond the pure teaching of Taekwondo. Blocks take all or part of the body or target out of the line of attack. Counter techniques are not executed individually - there is no "final tension" - but basically several actions in quick succession.

Frank Steffen: At TKDD, the focus is on the applicability of the techniques in a real situation.

Maik Löhr: TKDD is Taekwondo self-defence in a modern guise. The basic techniques of Taekwondo have been adapted to the demands of the street. The competitive Taekwondo - kyorugi and patterns - plays no role in TKDD. The focus here is on effectiveness and realistic application. What counts is self-defence, which is neglected in current Taekwondo training. Most clubs have their focus on forms and competition, here the techniques are limited by rules. Many techniques are only practiced for correct execution, not for actual application. With TKDD it is exactly the opposite.

Joshuar Piuma: Classic Taekwondo is a purely traditional martial art. As such, Taekwondo is appropriate and adheres to strict rules. TKDD, on the other hand, is purely application-related and works with the rules of the road. There are no strict processes or guidelines, the focus is clearly on one's own safety and defending it in every situation.

Michael Bussmann: The so-called classic Taekwondo is geared towards sport. While self-defense is required for exams, it is rarely practical and effective. In addition, this kind of self-defense is not a figurehead for Taekwondo. Taekwondo Defense combines effective techniques into a dynamic self-defense style that actually only has a rudimentary relationship with classic Taekwondo. It can be understood as pure self-defence or as an independent martial art, depending on the orientation of the trainer. In addition, TKDD can also fill the self-defense gap of regular taekwondo.

Enrico Simon: TKDD is faster, more direct and more targeted, without sporting rules. It is designed to eliminate the opponent as quickly as possible.

Werner Sefrin: Taekwondo Defense is undoubtedly the further developed form of Taekwondo. It can be implemented in a contemporary way in self-defence: the movements are shorter and more appropriate to the requirements of defending oneself. I can immediately incorporate an exercise into a defense situation during training and thus gain a greater understanding of the application. The movements are more economical in Taekwondo Defense and bring a quick decision in my favor. Taekwondo Defense makes the training itself more varied and gives you the feeling of never being long-winded.

Leonhard Hanawitsch: Through more efficient techniques and short, faster movements as well as avoiding a lot of effort.

Michael Heinrich: I wouldn't describe it as a difference to "normal" Taekwondo, but as a significant advancement! Difference would mean that it is something else. But the name Taekwondo Defense already says that the possibilities of defending oneself have been developed from Taekwondo. Certainly there are big differences in the execution of the techniques, for example because blocking and kicking techniques in Taekwondo - as known from the Poomsae - are carried out generously, which is not conducive to self-defense, which must be carried out quickly. Grandmaster Kim explained to us with examples and showed that the techniques that are briefly carried out in defense have their origin in the techniques of Poomsae. Ultimately, this means that Taekwondo Defense showcases a cornucopia of possibilities for what Taekwondo is all about. You just have to find them and understand them and/or have them taught you.

What is the most important experience or are the most important experiences that you take away from the nine days?

Thomas Priermeier: Being more relaxed without final tension or focus in the techniques - and therefore faster. Don't stop: Counter techniques must be applied as a rapid flow of multiple techniques to provide safety. More control through breathing to allow explosive short-distance techniques. And: despite all the hardships, we have become a magnificent team!

Frank Steffen: How well-known Taekwondo techniques can be used realistically in modified form - even at close range. How to increase the effectiveness of techniques at close range. Learning "combination techniques", for example a fist bump from a block technique.

Georg Neise: The basic techniques in TKDD are certainly a new experience. The special way of executing punches, blocks, kicks and footwork, which are more effective and efficient than those previously known. Then there are the knife techniques, which – fortunately I don't have the experience to do this – can also be applied realistically. Still a simple way of defending with the short stick, but which can also be implemented with other objects.

Joshuar Piuma: The basic knowledge of Taekwondo is very important because TKDD builds on and expands on it. Nevertheless, it is an independent division with great potential and should therefore definitely be taken seriously.

Detlef Chabierski: That you have to be open to everything new. TKDD is a sport that impresses with its speed, creativity and dynamics.

Sandra Richter: Less an experience, more an insight: how to improve or increase the speed of executing punches and blocks by changing the movement sequence.

Michael Bußmann: The effectiveness of the techniques lies in the details, no video or book can replace that.

Dietmar Brandl: To finally have done something for myself again. The seminar broadened my martial arts horizons again. TKDD enabled me to break out of old patterns and to question or relearn what was familiar.

Josef Loderer: The direct and short, fast ways in defensive and attacking techniques

Andreas Thiel: The most important experience for me was that even as an experienced trainer you were once again challenged in the highest form and that all the trainers who took part were welded together as a group. This created a very good group dynamic - even if it wasn't always painless, we motivated each other a lot!

Is Taekwondo Defense Realistic?

Maik Löhr: Many techniques are easy to learn and can be used well in self-defence. Above all, the self defense with everyday objects such as pen, water bottle or backpack can be learned quickly, especially for the inexperienced. Therefore, TKDD is very realistic and well suited as a form of self-defense.

Georg Neise: TKDD is very well designed as a realistic form of self-defence and can certainly be used.

Dietmar Brandl: An unequivocal YES. A prerequisite is, of course, continuous training, especially with partners. TKDD offers many variations and possibilities of defense.

Sebastian Harbach: In my opinion, very much. In addition to all the techniques, I find that the defensive techniques with a stick against a knife are an enrichment for law enforcement officers.

Elke Höf: In my opinion, yes: they are much more applicable than TKD techniques.

Bernd Piuma: An absolutely realistic method that can be used well in everyday life.
Jan Graff: TKDD differs from Taekwondo in that the techniques really work in self-defense situations. The techniques are no frills, short, hard, effective. There are no rules in a self defense situation and TKDD therefore refrains from such phrases as bowing before or "giving your arm to the partner" whom he should then attack. After the TKDD course, Hapkido or other self defense systems seem outdated, outdated, too slow, too ineffective.

How would you like to use Taekwondo Defense in a club or in your own training?

Frank Steffen: Since this week [immediately after the seminar] in 1.5 training units per week. The first training session in the club met with a very positive response from the participants.

Maik Löhr: I will use and teach the techniques in our SV training. If you are interested, I can also imagine offering it as a stand-alone system.

Bernd Piuma: In my opinion, this is only possible as an independent training course. Individual sequences can certainly be included in traditional training, but they do not do justice to actual TKDD training.

Alfred Manthei: We will only train Taekwondo Defense one day a week and also offer a beginner's course.

Detlef Chabierski: We would like to offer Taekwondo Defense as a course in the club.

Dietmar Brandl: Parts of what you have learned will flow into the respective Hosinsul training sessions at the club. Above all, practical examples such as carrying a backpack correctly in the event of danger, defending against knives and blocking movements with a stick or other usable utensils. But what I have in mind in the near future is my own TKDD association or purely self-defense seminars based on TKDD. Because TKDD techniques are also suitable for "non-sporty" or older people for defense. Hardly any stretching is required, especially in the early stages. Thus, a new group of customers can be addressed. The execution of hitting and blocking techniques, which has been modified from normal Taekwondo, can also be better taught in a separate training session and the techniques are therefore not mixed up.

Enrico Simon: If possible, once a week as an independent lesson and again and again in the individual Taekwondo training units.

Jan Graff: I would like to set up my own new group for TKDD. I will try to recruit completely new members and I will try to get the members who are already practicing Taekwondo enthusiastic about TKDD.

Michael Scherer: We will probably offer it once a week in our club. We will not integrate it into the Taekwondo training, but there will be a separate TKDD training session.

Andreas Thiel: You have to find a balance between classic taekwondo and taekwondo defense in club life - which is certainly a challenge. Classic Taekwondo is characterized by poomsae and fighting. But what is missing is the origin of martial arts, self-defense. Therefore, for me, Taekwondo Defense is a good and realistic form of self-defence that you can and should include in classic training.

And here is some feedback from the "weekend participant" Matthias Merkle

Short feedback and conclusion right in advance: I'll be back 1000 percent and can only recommend it!! I'll be there again at the next seminar in April, again only for a weekend, but it's definitely worth it. We spent a lot of time with blocking techniques and hitting techniques. These were later incorporated into drills and I have to say that there was always a connection to reality. No dead movement patterns, no: partner makes an attack and I do ten moves. There has always been an emphasis on angle work, coverage and applicability. What I liked as a Taekwondo veteran: TKDD doesn't try to reinvent the wheel, but it brings reality and applicability back to Taekwondo techniques. The best example here are the block techniques and foot positions, which are actually not applicable in practice. With certain modifications, however, they could then be implemented. And I have to admit, I've never seen blocking techniques used in this way before. There were also people from Hapkido and Master Kim gave many approaches and food for thought for the type of their training. He also criticized the outdated thought patterns towards one-step combat and the like. When it comes to lever techniques, I'm usually rather skeptical in practice and I have to say that he hit my mind exactly here. He often asked "why" and then showed why something would not work in practice or how it could be done better. He works freely and even if he was attacked "wrong" new answers were immediately ready. He lives this style and also showed us videos made by the Kukkiwon, that was first class quality. About Master Kim himself: He has incredible speed and is extremely precise. He loves "light" contact :-) - that makes him very likeable. And I have to say that he took a lot of time with all the participants and always corrected them. He's a bit of a perfectionist. I took a lot of suggestions with me and will continue to work on them until April. But the best thing for me is that it reflects my style exactly and I can continue to grow and learn as a martial artist with other styles.