Posted by DevilDoll on October 15, 2002 at 19:11:30:
Now when I studied this it was spell differently (in english letters) - like it is in the subject line- but it looks like the same thing
The popularity of kickboxing in Korea lags behind the sport's popularity in the United States and Europe, but it is definitely on the
rise. This stems in part from the fact that public kickboxing spectacles involve the practitioners of three separate martial arts:
kickboxing, kun gek do and kyuk too ki.
Kun gek do was discussed in Volume I of the Korean Martial Arts Resource newsletter. Therefore, kickboxing and kyuk too ki will
be examined here.
Relatively few 'dojang' in Korea teach kickboxing, which Koreans pronounce as 'keek bok shing.' However, you can occasionally
see a 'jong hap che yuk gwan' (a combined gymnasium where a variety of martial arts are taught) at which kickboxing classes take
place several times a day. Naturally, kicking is emphasized, after all, it is Korea we are talking about. Some experts criticize the
punching techniques of Korean kickboxing, but if you find them below par, try checking out a regular boxing gym. The Koreans
are, in fact, internationally known for their boxing prowess.
Be forewarned that kickboxing and boxing seem to attract students whose moral standards fall somewhat below those of most
Korean martial arts students. And they must endure a reputation of being akin to street hoodlums, or 'gang pae.' Remember the
temper tantrum thrown by the Korean boxer who lost his match in the 1988 Olympics? Most Western kickboxers visiting Korea
would be better off concealing the fact that they practice the art, instead, they should probably just say they study American
martial arts or something similar.
Kyuk too ki, however, presents an altogether different case. Founded in relatively recent times, this modern amalgam combines
modified taekwondo-style kicks with the low leg attacks that have come to be associated with muay Thai kickboxing. Also
included are the four boxing punches (jab, cross, hook and uppercut), taekwondo hand strikes such as the ridge hand and spinning
back fist, and Thai-style elbow smashes and knee thrusts. It makes for a very effective hybrid art, one that probably functions
equally well in the ring and on the street.
Kyuk too ki training focuses on drills in which the basic strikes and blocks are perfected, modernized forms which include low
kicks and elbow and knee strikes, and some of the most realistic self-defense routines directed against a knife-wielding attacker
that Westerners have ever seen. Most begin with a block, followed by a few strikes to soften up the attacker, then a throw to the
ground and a finishing blow. It makes for a very impressive art with none of the negative connotations of boxing or kickboxing.
It's an art that has to be seen to be believed.
*; =qq(