I used to give this answer all the time too. Then I got married and had a kid. If running is an option it's the best one, but if it isn't it's better to already know plan B. So that said, my answer is side kick to the knee or shin while instructing my family to run fast and get help, and then after my kick is landed I follow running behind them.
Yeah, flow chart would be something along the lines of:
1. Can I diffuse the situation? At the expense of my own ego if needed.
2. Can I run from the situation?
3. Do what's needed to make #2 viable. First thought would be a swift round kick to a leg.
In my club we have 5 rules of self defense:
1. Don't be there
2. If you are there, leave
3. If you can't leave, talk
4. If you can't talk, call for help
5. If all else fails, be ready to fight
Always found them to be very easy for people to remember and a good process to avoid a bad situation
Yup. Front thrust kick is good both as an actual attack, and for simply keeping him away. If you know your distance, a roundhouse to the ribs/liver/kidney isn't a terrible way to end a fight without doing serious injury.
You also don't have to change the orientation of your hips to throw the front kick. If you're in a conversation (even a tense, hostile one) with someone, blading yourself will likely be seen as an escalation, and a particularly aggressive person might try to preempt you right then and there.
1000% THIS.
As an effective kick in a real world self defense situation, the percentages for a front kick are Much higher than any other kick, especially as an initial attack. Defensively, it leaves you in a great position and posture as well.
Front kick to the groin or kneecap straight on. Front kick to the solar plexus or chin.
Front kick, front kick, front kick. And remember the 'teeping' motion: Drive the hips. Remember, we are talking about self defense.
As u/Obvious_Ad_1111 said:
1. "Don't be there" (know your surroundings and don't put yourself or others in bad situations).
2. "If you are there, leave." When you are aware and sense danger, leave post haste.
3. "If you can't leave, talk." De-escalation does work, but it also takes training and practice. If you can't talk, call for help. I mean, it's 2024, everyone has a phone. Don't let your ego get in the way here.
5. "If all else fails, be ready to fight." This cannot be overstated and should be an integral part of your training. A component part is to know and train during the feeling of being threatened. This can be a challenge. Pressure testing it the most effective way for most people. Think premeditated readiness.
6. We also teach that if you have to hit, really have to hit, hit, then hit again, then again, then again until you know the attacker is subdued. Then clear out and call 911. This is especially true for women when being attacked. Very, very few people can pull off a one hit K.O.
The human body is tough as hell and no one hits nearly as hard as they think to do.
school fight, some guy started to pick on me and beat me up for being asian, so i couldnt handle the anger and back kicked his stomach after 5 months worth of beatings, but he kicked me in the area below my belly button and in between my legs. pissed at some middle school kids
I honestly feel like its just very dangrous advice to give to someone who isn't regularly sprinting. If someone catches up to you now you have to fight tired.
I follow the same logic as I use when I hear people talk about fighting who don't practice fighting, why do so many people think they can just run away when they haven't put effort into learning how to run fast?
They're tired, too. Fighting is more dangerous than running by an long shot.
But also, bear in mind, most people aren't trained martial artists. If they catch up, we can fight. I'm confident in my ability to do that tired, moreso than some random angry dude.
Also, bear. In mind that running away isn't a sprint. Usually just the act of leaving will end it. And running usually means "toward people" which isn't usually too hard.
Obviously the situation matters a lot, but most of the time that's safe.r.
There is the danger that if you sprint away, hamstrings can easily pop and make you lose balance (this is also why I'm not a fan of kicking in a street fight).
> most people aren't trained martial artists
I'd go one step further and say that most people aren't even all that athletic. If you don't have the cardio to run then you def don't have the cardio to fight
I am an older fart and cannot run very well any more. Not being in a bad situation is my first SD, then de-escalation, then trying to beat the hell out of them. Believe me when I say I do think about the ramifications of this.
True, but you are somewhat crossing a line that is outside what the OP asked. Remember, TKD is outfighting.
But if you train your punches well, I would agree with you.
Yes sir, we begin every class training punches, there are punches in every form I know and in our one steps so I would def consider it to be within the desciption of a TKD technique for us. Also sparring we allow punches (punches to the head are resticted until blackbelt level).
I think this depends big time on knowing yourself. Iām pretty confident I could out sprint most people around me. Though Iām confident enough I could bring myself to safety in case of a fight with a random angry dude. Iām not *as* confident as my sprinting skills.
All of these options are pretty great but for me, a simple, fast, front kick would be, and has been, my go to for unfortunate self defence instances. Plenty of people can throw a guard up and protect their faces from a punch. Not so many people can avoid eating their elbows when a front kick comes knocking on the same door.
That said, it's always more of a shock than anything else. A great opportunity to begin de-escilating the situation now that being booted in the head is suddenly on the menu.
1. Low roundhouse to the knees.
Many former athletes and big guys have bad knees, and this could be the key to defeating a bigger opponent on the street. Plus, all kicks are pretty unexpected if done without telegraphing.
2. Powerful Lead Side Kick to the midsection
Perhaps accompanied by a step, this can be a fight-ending kick if it lands. Super quick and will make them terrified of another one.
3. Front Snap Kick to the Groin
The cliche and infamous groin shot is well-known for good reason. It can decimate an opponent and is hard to see it coming.
There are two steps before the flying two direction kick in Juche. I would use these two steps. Then two more. Then two more. Then two more. Maybe two more. In fact Iād continue until I was safe and then Iād call the police.
Avoiding a fight in the first place, but if there absolutely is no other option, I instinctively think to throw a roundhouse to their lower body as a deterrent and a warning shot. If they keep advancing, then front kick to the stomach / sternum followed by a cross to the face but I guess it would be situational.
Otherwise jab, cross, hook combo if I feel like kicks would be too risky. Mind you am still a beginner, so am not an expert at this kind of stuff but just going off what I'm taught. Ideally I feel it's best to get out of there / deescalate. Prison time and possible legal issues are just not worth it.
My instructor is 7th Dan (almost 8th) and she always says that the self defense technique that has gotten her out of the most fights is the kihap. A good loud kihap will wake some angry drunks right up. Also just for startling groundhogs in your garden.
TKD guys seem a little more timid than the Muay Thai pages I follow. I appreciate the question but not the answers lol. The question is what technique given the circumstance that you āhaveā to fightā¦. No running, or talking it out š something quick, I train Muay Thai but I love a lot of tkd kicks so I follow. A teep to the mid section so I can set up a left head kick
Footwork to avoid getting hit is the biggest thing I'd take from taekwon-do. If it's self-defense and unavoidable, I'd probably be using leg kicks, boxing, and grappling, all of which I've developed in other arts. But I'm old, I don't fight.
I train tkd because it's fun.
Any sort of kick above the waist is a risky move that is typically frowned upon in a "real" self defense situation. If you look at how a body is designed, even a novice can catch a leg being thrown above the waist. You are welcome to google this concept. It is one of the major drawbacks of sport TKD as a self defense art, and it is something that many instructors fail to verbalize.
This, in particular, is why TKD gets a bad wrap as not being good for self defense.
I would highly advice against any kick above the waist level unless you are absolutely 1000000% positive of what you are doing, and in a real self defense situation, that is not possible.
Best/favorite TKD technique for self defense?
Probably a kick to the knee, a backfist strike to the temple, or a cross to the sternum. But let's be realistic, a real self defense situation is fast and frantic, situational, and you don't get to choose.
---
Edit, because the internet geniuses decided to downvote this post, here is an excerpt from
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kick](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kick)
> Self-defense experts, such as author and teacher Marc Macyoung, claim that kicks should be aimed no higher than the waist/stomach. Thus, the fighter should not compromise their balance while delivering a kick and retract the leg properly to avoid grappling.Ā
In other words, don't do it, because most Dojangs do not train for this. Even a novice will yank your leg and pull you to the ground.
There are a few exceptions where a taekwondo kick above the waist could be used in self defense.
I agree with all your points about kicking above the waist is risky in self defense.
But I think a front kick is harder to telegraph than the other taekwondo kicks.
I saw Anderson Silva front kick knock out Victor Belfort and lyoto machida front kick knockout Randy couture in the ufcĀ
For this reason I think a front kick should have some consideration.
I combined basic first degree level techniques with a can(s) of insect repellent. I've never used this on anyone and I would only use it to create space to escape.
To expand on the last bit, someone I know had asked what if someone was wearing a groin cup, but quite honestly, no cup is a 100% guarantee that you wonāt feel anythingā¦
Depends on the size of the āsituationā and if they are on drugs and/or drunk.
What might work for 175lbs may not be so successful for 240. If it becomes up in your face and diplomacy isnāt working then itās game on tbh. Palm heals, hammer fists and elbow strikes (anything and in any order). All multiples to the face/head. I wouldnāt try side kicks or back kicks. Possibly front groin kick and hope it lands flush. If they are pumped with drugs nothing will go to plan anyway and hitting them just fuels the fire already raging away. Also everything changes drastically if the āsituationā involves a weapon of any kind or if thereās multiple threats.
But very good question! š
If no option other than violence? Step through side kick to their lead knee. Knees are fairly easy to brake, can't fight or give chase with a broken knee.
Actual situation: Cornered by 3 guys. Nowhere to go, happened extremely unexpectedly. Left leg peech dropped the first one. I mean DROPPED him. The other 2 backed down instantly. Then I got the heck away.
Arc hand, knife hand, and groin kick.
My school also teaches Aikido est joint locks, throws and takedowns, so those would be my go to if the situation presents it self.
My natural go to is claw strikes though, not tkd, but it's always been my preferred
Side kick to the knee. Better than roundhouse because a small leg movement and you're roundhouse is checked or you hit the knee with your instep and then you can't run.
Or front kick
Course depends on how Good you are, better u are more u can get away with I guess.
The GTFO Manuever and if that fails i will assume the spinning 9mm-Kwondo technique.
Fight someone in the street? In 2024? You're asking to get slept. And when that happens, you expect them to stop hitting you? Taekwondo is a neat tool to have and all, but don't expect it to save you.
Discipline, fitness, and insurance. That's what your martial art should be. But in no way should you be walking around expecting people to go fisticuffs in a fair fight.
Itās all situational and identifying a single technique shows the need for more development on the fighting side. Spin kicks will rarely be effective in the street while a round kick if used appropriately may have a better chance of harming your opponent. In mist cases a single technique wonāt be enough.
Take every opportunity to get away from the situation.
If that doesn't work a good round kick to the knee or back of the thigh will likely put someone out of commission. Knee strikes at close range either straight or roundhouse can also be good. As for hands, you really run the risk of breaking your hand punching someone so I'd go for palm strikes, hammer strikes, elbow strikes. Plus having your hands in fists can escalate the situation or make you look like the aggressor to witnesses/video cameras. Open hands looks more passive.
Honestly I never want to be in this situation. Even if its self defense I don't want to worry about hitting someone who then falls on concreate or something and hits their head. I don't want someone's death/disability on my conscience all my life not to mention possible legal issues.
Iām a good sprinter so Iām pretty sure Iād be able to outrun most angry people so that would be the safest. If a fight is necessary though, in contrast to what people associate with taekwondo (kicking), I think a good punch would be a good first step. 90% of the people I know Iām sure theyāre going to throw a haymaker at me which is easy to block by using Olgul Makgi (upper block). After that an immediate Olgul Jirugi (upper punch) to the face would probably be great. You could follow that up with a Dollyeo Chagi (roundhouse kick) which already could be enough. If it isnāt, it depends on the opponent what to do next.
Easiest and most intuitive would probably be Ap-Chagi, but I gotta say my favorite, which I actually practice to hit especially fast, hard and precise to use in a self defense situation is Yop-Chagi as spin+jump technique (I know it as Tymio-Dollmyo-Yop-Chagi). It may seem a bit flashy, but what I love about it is, that it's difficult to make up a counter on the spot. Any techniques you do while standing allow for an easy strike from your opponent, even if you manage to hit well. Any jumping kick will move your hip to their eye height and all they will see is a foot coming at them. And reason for the yop chagi as spin is just, because I can generate the most force with it. Just preference. I'm usually all for running and avoiding fights, but if I gotta fight it's life or death, so I'm trying to get a technique down, that may serve as enough of an initial blow to end it right there. I'm not here to fight, I'm here to live.
The jogging we do at the beginning of class.
I used to give this answer all the time too. Then I got married and had a kid. If running is an option it's the best one, but if it isn't it's better to already know plan B. So that said, my answer is side kick to the knee or shin while instructing my family to run fast and get help, and then after my kick is landed I follow running behind them.
Yeah, flow chart would be something along the lines of: 1. Can I diffuse the situation? At the expense of my own ego if needed. 2. Can I run from the situation? 3. Do what's needed to make #2 viable. First thought would be a swift round kick to a leg.
In my club we have 5 rules of self defense: 1. Don't be there 2. If you are there, leave 3. If you can't leave, talk 4. If you can't talk, call for help 5. If all else fails, be ready to fight Always found them to be very easy for people to remember and a good process to avoid a bad situation
Hahaha š
The most effective and underrated kick in all of martial arts is the front kick. So, the front kick.
Yup. Front thrust kick is good both as an actual attack, and for simply keeping him away. If you know your distance, a roundhouse to the ribs/liver/kidney isn't a terrible way to end a fight without doing serious injury.
You also don't have to change the orientation of your hips to throw the front kick. If you're in a conversation (even a tense, hostile one) with someone, blading yourself will likely be seen as an escalation, and a particularly aggressive person might try to preempt you right then and there.
1000% THIS. As an effective kick in a real world self defense situation, the percentages for a front kick are Much higher than any other kick, especially as an initial attack. Defensively, it leaves you in a great position and posture as well. Front kick to the groin or kneecap straight on. Front kick to the solar plexus or chin. Front kick, front kick, front kick. And remember the 'teeping' motion: Drive the hips. Remember, we are talking about self defense. As u/Obvious_Ad_1111 said: 1. "Don't be there" (know your surroundings and don't put yourself or others in bad situations). 2. "If you are there, leave." When you are aware and sense danger, leave post haste. 3. "If you can't leave, talk." De-escalation does work, but it also takes training and practice. If you can't talk, call for help. I mean, it's 2024, everyone has a phone. Don't let your ego get in the way here. 5. "If all else fails, be ready to fight." This cannot be overstated and should be an integral part of your training. A component part is to know and train during the feeling of being threatened. This can be a challenge. Pressure testing it the most effective way for most people. Think premeditated readiness. 6. We also teach that if you have to hit, really have to hit, hit, then hit again, then again, then again until you know the attacker is subdued. Then clear out and call 911. This is especially true for women when being attacked. Very, very few people can pull off a one hit K.O. The human body is tough as hell and no one hits nearly as hard as they think to do.
i was hit by a front snap kick. didnt end well
For...
school fight, some guy started to pick on me and beat me up for being asian, so i couldnt handle the anger and back kicked his stomach after 5 months worth of beatings, but he kicked me in the area below my belly button and in between my legs. pissed at some middle school kids
Happy cake day and ooooof
thanks, it's on independence day lol
Agreed
Just a reminder to folks who say run, make sure your sprint training supports your plan. Honestly I think a good punch to the body is underrated.
Depends how bad the other person wants to hurt you. The overwhelming majority of the time, they aren't that dedicated
I honestly feel like its just very dangrous advice to give to someone who isn't regularly sprinting. If someone catches up to you now you have to fight tired. I follow the same logic as I use when I hear people talk about fighting who don't practice fighting, why do so many people think they can just run away when they haven't put effort into learning how to run fast?
They're tired, too. Fighting is more dangerous than running by an long shot. But also, bear in mind, most people aren't trained martial artists. If they catch up, we can fight. I'm confident in my ability to do that tired, moreso than some random angry dude. Also, bear. In mind that running away isn't a sprint. Usually just the act of leaving will end it. And running usually means "toward people" which isn't usually too hard. Obviously the situation matters a lot, but most of the time that's safe.r.
There is the danger that if you sprint away, hamstrings can easily pop and make you lose balance (this is also why I'm not a fan of kicking in a street fight).
"Jeez, how do you have so much energy?!" Even the high school kids say it... TRAIN! I loved the "if they can catch up, we can fight."
> most people aren't trained martial artists I'd go one step further and say that most people aren't even all that athletic. If you don't have the cardio to run then you def don't have the cardio to fight
I am an older fart and cannot run very well any more. Not being in a bad situation is my first SD, then de-escalation, then trying to beat the hell out of them. Believe me when I say I do think about the ramifications of this.
True, but you are somewhat crossing a line that is outside what the OP asked. Remember, TKD is outfighting. But if you train your punches well, I would agree with you.
Yes sir, we begin every class training punches, there are punches in every form I know and in our one steps so I would def consider it to be within the desciption of a TKD technique for us. Also sparring we allow punches (punches to the head are resticted until blackbelt level).
I think this depends big time on knowing yourself. Iām pretty confident I could out sprint most people around me. Though Iām confident enough I could bring myself to safety in case of a fight with a random angry dude. Iām not *as* confident as my sprinting skills.
Sidekick hands down. Gut check them, destroy a knee, destroy a barrier. Universal application
I was going to say sidekick or back kick
But keep your hands up.
Haha true. +2 points
All of these options are pretty great but for me, a simple, fast, front kick would be, and has been, my go to for unfortunate self defence instances. Plenty of people can throw a guard up and protect their faces from a punch. Not so many people can avoid eating their elbows when a front kick comes knocking on the same door. That said, it's always more of a shock than anything else. A great opportunity to begin de-escilating the situation now that being booted in the head is suddenly on the menu.
True! It's such a phenomenally effective technique for its speed, unexpectedness and ability for so few novices to experience so much of Taekwondo!
1. Low roundhouse to the knees. Many former athletes and big guys have bad knees, and this could be the key to defeating a bigger opponent on the street. Plus, all kicks are pretty unexpected if done without telegraphing. 2. Powerful Lead Side Kick to the midsection Perhaps accompanied by a step, this can be a fight-ending kick if it lands. Super quick and will make them terrified of another one. 3. Front Snap Kick to the Groin The cliche and infamous groin shot is well-known for good reason. It can decimate an opponent and is hard to see it coming.
This is the way!
A little known technique called Balli Dalligi. Most dojangs donāt do this very often. ė¹Øė¦¬ ė¬ė¦¬źø°. Worth googling or translatingā¦
run away? š
Not just running. Running fast.
There are two steps before the flying two direction kick in Juche. I would use these two steps. Then two more. Then two more. Then two more. Maybe two more. In fact Iād continue until I was safe and then Iād call the police.
What if they can run faster?
Then I do the flying bit of the flying two direction kick and wave at them as I cruise the clouds.
Not getting myself into the situation to begin with. Situational awareness goes a long way.
i'd say run but since this is kinda hypothetical you cant beat a swift front kick to the face
Avoiding a fight in the first place, but if there absolutely is no other option, I instinctively think to throw a roundhouse to their lower body as a deterrent and a warning shot. If they keep advancing, then front kick to the stomach / sternum followed by a cross to the face but I guess it would be situational. Otherwise jab, cross, hook combo if I feel like kicks would be too risky. Mind you am still a beginner, so am not an expert at this kind of stuff but just going off what I'm taught. Ideally I feel it's best to get out of there / deescalate. Prison time and possible legal issues are just not worth it.
My instructor is 7th Dan (almost 8th) and she always says that the self defense technique that has gotten her out of the most fights is the kihap. A good loud kihap will wake some angry drunks right up. Also just for startling groundhogs in your garden.
running away
Mine is a combo. The deescalation and walk away.
Back kick will drop most anyone.
TKD guys seem a little more timid than the Muay Thai pages I follow. I appreciate the question but not the answers lol. The question is what technique given the circumstance that you āhaveā to fightā¦. No running, or talking it out š something quick, I train Muay Thai but I love a lot of tkd kicks so I follow. A teep to the mid section so I can set up a left head kick
Yes so true š
Footwork to avoid getting hit is the biggest thing I'd take from taekwon-do. If it's self-defense and unavoidable, I'd probably be using leg kicks, boxing, and grappling, all of which I've developed in other arts. But I'm old, I don't fight. I train tkd because it's fun.
Any sort of kick above the waist is a risky move that is typically frowned upon in a "real" self defense situation. If you look at how a body is designed, even a novice can catch a leg being thrown above the waist. You are welcome to google this concept. It is one of the major drawbacks of sport TKD as a self defense art, and it is something that many instructors fail to verbalize. This, in particular, is why TKD gets a bad wrap as not being good for self defense. I would highly advice against any kick above the waist level unless you are absolutely 1000000% positive of what you are doing, and in a real self defense situation, that is not possible. Best/favorite TKD technique for self defense? Probably a kick to the knee, a backfist strike to the temple, or a cross to the sternum. But let's be realistic, a real self defense situation is fast and frantic, situational, and you don't get to choose. --- Edit, because the internet geniuses decided to downvote this post, here is an excerpt from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kick](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kick) > Self-defense experts, such as author and teacher Marc Macyoung, claim that kicks should be aimed no higher than the waist/stomach. Thus, the fighter should not compromise their balance while delivering a kick and retract the leg properly to avoid grappling.Ā In other words, don't do it, because most Dojangs do not train for this. Even a novice will yank your leg and pull you to the ground.
There are a few exceptions where a taekwondo kick above the waist could be used in self defense. I agree with all your points about kicking above the waist is risky in self defense. But I think a front kick is harder to telegraph than the other taekwondo kicks. I saw Anderson Silva front kick knock out Victor Belfort and lyoto machida front kick knockout Randy couture in the ufcĀ For this reason I think a front kick should have some consideration.
Probably side kick to keep them back.. something I need to work on.
Blitz
Iāve had my wrist grabbed before and I never thought one-step techniques would be as useful as they were.
I combined basic first degree level techniques with a can(s) of insect repellent. I've never used this on anyone and I would only use it to create space to escape.
Front kick to the groin. Finish with knees and elbows.
1. Diffuse the situation 2. Leave the situation 3. If no other choice, I know my front snap kicks and round kicks are fast.
A front kick to the groin (of men, women, etc.) usually does the trick in most situationsāregardless of whether they wear a groin protection or not.
To expand on the last bit, someone I know had asked what if someone was wearing a groin cup, but quite honestly, no cup is a 100% guarantee that you wonāt feel anythingā¦
Depends on the size of the āsituationā and if they are on drugs and/or drunk. What might work for 175lbs may not be so successful for 240. If it becomes up in your face and diplomacy isnāt working then itās game on tbh. Palm heals, hammer fists and elbow strikes (anything and in any order). All multiples to the face/head. I wouldnāt try side kicks or back kicks. Possibly front groin kick and hope it lands flush. If they are pumped with drugs nothing will go to plan anyway and hitting them just fuels the fire already raging away. Also everything changes drastically if the āsituationā involves a weapon of any kind or if thereās multiple threats. But very good question! š
If no option other than violence? Step through side kick to their lead knee. Knees are fairly easy to brake, can't fight or give chase with a broken knee.
Actual situation: Cornered by 3 guys. Nowhere to go, happened extremely unexpectedly. Left leg peech dropped the first one. I mean DROPPED him. The other 2 backed down instantly. Then I got the heck away.
Peech?
If the attacker is male, a snap kick to testicles
Miryio Tchagui and run
Hypothetically, front kick or side kick. Given that itās not mma, Iād rather surprise someone with power.
Push kick and then a well placed round house.
4x Roundhouse, 1 tornado and a back kick (or back hook)
Arc hand, knife hand, and groin kick. My school also teaches Aikido est joint locks, throws and takedowns, so those would be my go to if the situation presents it self. My natural go to is claw strikes though, not tkd, but it's always been my preferred
Side kick to the knee. Better than roundhouse because a small leg movement and you're roundhouse is checked or you hit the knee with your instep and then you can't run. Or front kick Course depends on how Good you are, better u are more u can get away with I guess.
Tui chagui
The GTFO Manuever and if that fails i will assume the spinning 9mm-Kwondo technique. Fight someone in the street? In 2024? You're asking to get slept. And when that happens, you expect them to stop hitting you? Taekwondo is a neat tool to have and all, but don't expect it to save you. Discipline, fitness, and insurance. That's what your martial art should be. But in no way should you be walking around expecting people to go fisticuffs in a fair fight.
Itās all situational and identifying a single technique shows the need for more development on the fighting side. Spin kicks will rarely be effective in the street while a round kick if used appropriately may have a better chance of harming your opponent. In mist cases a single technique wonāt be enough.
Thankfully Iāve never had to use anything in real life, but my favorite Iāve been taught is the old foot stomp/double clap over their ears loool
If you have to front kick. But always try disfuse the situation and get away.
Take every opportunity to get away from the situation. If that doesn't work a good round kick to the knee or back of the thigh will likely put someone out of commission. Knee strikes at close range either straight or roundhouse can also be good. As for hands, you really run the risk of breaking your hand punching someone so I'd go for palm strikes, hammer strikes, elbow strikes. Plus having your hands in fists can escalate the situation or make you look like the aggressor to witnesses/video cameras. Open hands looks more passive. Honestly I never want to be in this situation. Even if its self defense I don't want to worry about hitting someone who then falls on concreate or something and hits their head. I don't want someone's death/disability on my conscience all my life not to mention possible legal issues.
Iām a good sprinter so Iām pretty sure Iād be able to outrun most angry people so that would be the safest. If a fight is necessary though, in contrast to what people associate with taekwondo (kicking), I think a good punch would be a good first step. 90% of the people I know Iām sure theyāre going to throw a haymaker at me which is easy to block by using Olgul Makgi (upper block). After that an immediate Olgul Jirugi (upper punch) to the face would probably be great. You could follow that up with a Dollyeo Chagi (roundhouse kick) which already could be enough. If it isnāt, it depends on the opponent what to do next.
Front kick
Easiest and most intuitive would probably be Ap-Chagi, but I gotta say my favorite, which I actually practice to hit especially fast, hard and precise to use in a self defense situation is Yop-Chagi as spin+jump technique (I know it as Tymio-Dollmyo-Yop-Chagi). It may seem a bit flashy, but what I love about it is, that it's difficult to make up a counter on the spot. Any techniques you do while standing allow for an easy strike from your opponent, even if you manage to hit well. Any jumping kick will move your hip to their eye height and all they will see is a foot coming at them. And reason for the yop chagi as spin is just, because I can generate the most force with it. Just preference. I'm usually all for running and avoiding fights, but if I gotta fight it's life or death, so I'm trying to get a technique down, that may serve as enough of an initial blow to end it right there. I'm not here to fight, I'm here to live.
Back Kick. Itās a one time use thing though, if you miss the first the guys just gonna be alert.
Pivot rear leg side kick!
Courtesy
Common sense before self defense.
Yeah.. absolutely. This question is more of a playful theoretical question to discuss the application of different techniques lol
In that case, front snap kick to the knee cap or groin would be my first move. Then walk away as they writhe on the ground.
Hardest front kick I can do to the nuts lol. If that fails, I'll use my own patented American Taekwondo Technique: Gun