The Myth That Fancy High Spinning Taekwondo Kicks Don't Work

Thoughts on advanced kicking for self defense and practical application.
Taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, Hapkido, Kuk Sool, Hwarang Do, TaeSooDo, SooBahkDo
by John D. Nottingham, 6th Degree Black Belt USA Martial Arts & Kickboxing Phoenix

Sure Taekwondo is the most popular and widely practiced martial art in the world.  Taekwondo is not only a traditional art of self defense, it is an international Olympic sport.

Anyone who has practiced Taekwondo long enough has experienced the negative comments about the art.  The big, popular thing always takes its fair share of criticisms and hits because it makes a big target.  From WalMart to Taekwondo, there is little difference about being the lead dog and the convenient target of envy.

• "Them fancy kicks don't work."
• "High spinning kicks don't work on the street."
• "You throw high kicks on the street and you'll get killed."

While I agree that these beliefs hold true for most people and martial artists, it does not apply to advanced kickers.  In my experience, these generalized comments are common to those who cannot kick or have not been on the receiving end of a skilled kicker.  The key is not if the kicks work, it is if the kicker can make them work.  In my career of practicing Korean Martial Arts for nearly 30 years, I have met some great kickers  who are highly functional and quite dangerous with kicks... yes, even the fancy high kicks and spinning kicks that are the target of so much bias opinion.  

John Nottingham Flying Side Kick with Punch circa 1994
photographer: David Goron

I know of numerous incidences of where high kicks have been used in self defense, law enforcement and other applications.  In on particular situation, a Taekwondo teacher knocked out an armed man robbing a bank he was in with a single high kick.  

An advanced kicker can throw dynamite kicks cold, with no warm up or even preparatory stance.  They can blast pin point targets from a variety of angles and set up the techniques in such a way as to create the desired result.  Of course these advanced skills aren't available to those who do not have the physical capability to do them - but that doesn't negate their proven effectiveness among those who can.

The generalizations about kicking are rooted in a fundamental flawed thinking paradigm, not on science, nor pragmatic analysis.  Instead it is subject to experience and personal opinion.  Those who have been with great kickers or can execute functional kicks themselves have no qualms with the effectiveness of their skills. They experience it first hand and learn the strengths and limitations of them.  It is those who cannot throw them or are unwilling to do the work necessary to functionalize their kicking techniques that are often the loudest critics.   Out of shape loud mouths who refuse to stretch and do the required practice are typically the most preachy.  Of course, this is the same for any functional technique - those who can do. 

The reason high kicks, advanced kicks and jumping spinning kicks can work is that it is a surprise.  Surprise remains the one of the greatest advantages in battle.  It is not the technique, it is the technician that matters most.  For those who do not have functional kicks, it is true that they are at greater risk of hurting themselves if trying to use them in practical application.  However, for those who have paid the price and done the work, they have additional tools in their arsenal that can offer a significant advantage.

The right tool for the right job is invaluable.  It's not what you do, it's how you do it.  As for me, I'd rather have a wide variety of skills to adapt to whatever the station dictates.  Not to mention, it's really fun to kick.  Just my opinion.