Kun Gek Do – also known as Gwon-gyokdo – is the martial art of Korean kickboxing. In some parts of Korea, Korean kickboxing is known as Kyuk Too Ki, but it’s more of a set of rules than martial arts style.
Two styles of martial arts that are common in Korea are Muay Thai and Taekwon-Do. Each art has its own set of rules in its respective sport, so competition directly between Muay Thai and Taekwon-Do fighters is impossible. Kyuk Too Ki is the rule that comes from the aspirations of these two arts to compete. So Korean kickboxing started and began to develop its own style.
The term “Kun Gek Do” means “The Art of Attacking and Hitting”, “Kun” (pronounced “Gwun”) means “Fist” or “Hit”, “Gek” (pronounced “GYUK”) means “Attack”, and “Do” means “Way” or Philosophy.
Korean kickboxing (Kun Gek Do/KGD) is a collaboration of Eastern and Western martial arts MA. He borrowed the best techniques with his feet (kicks) from the Korean MA – the ancient taekkyon and modern taekwondo/TKD, and the punches from Western boxing (which was present as a sport, as early as the ancient Olympic Games). The rules of the TKD as a sport prohibit low (below the waist) kicks, as well as knee strikes, but in the KGD they are allowed. In the world’s most popular TKD styles (ITF and WTF), punches are severely limited. They are present in patterns (tul/poomse) and in self-defense techniques (hosin sul) such as MA, but as a sport, the ITF regulations allow the use of only straight and arc punches, and with a limited number (i.e. after 2 punches, there must be a kick, if not – a sanction follows). In the rules of the WTF (“Olympic” version), all punches to the head are absolutely prohibited. Only straight and in the body, which is secured with a breastplate (hogo), are allowed. For this reason, in the KGD, hand techniques (punches and blocks) are adopted from Western boxing, but have been further enriched and improved. To the “classic” straight, crochet and uppercut, are added the backfist (punch with the back of the fist), spinning backfist (with body rotation for greater strength) and elbow strike (elbow blow), which is prohibited in boxing, but much used in Thai boxing (better known as Muay Thai), with which Korean kickboxing is strongly compared and competes. Punches and blocks with open arms (palms, outer/inner edge of the palm) are not used. Blocks to protect against attack on the three zones (head, body and legs) are performed with the forearms of the arms and lower legs of the legs. As a form of protection, the boxing integrated body and head deflections, dives (esquivaji), as well as escaping from the line of attack by moving the position of the feet (side step) are also used. Prohibited techniques in the KGD are: blows with head, blows to the throat, back of the head, back and groin, grips, grips, wrestling, eye rubbing, blows with an open glove. Sweeps are allowed, but only in the ankle area (outside/inside).
Korean kickboxing is increasingly establishing itself as a relevant combat-applied sport. It is equally suitable for men and women, there are no age restrictions, it can be trained by both children and adults. Many of the trainees practice it in an organized way in clubs for the purpose of sports realization (participation and participation in competitions). Others, appreciating its importance for the development and improvement of their physical qualities (strength, speed, endurance, flexibility and agility), as well as practical skills, use it for self-training and conditioning. Some use kickboxing training for recreation (entertainment, fun, relaxation and recovery), as well as for social contacts (new acquaintances, partnerships, friendships). Special equipment: helmets, serrations, gloves, leg protectors, shin covers and groin bandages, ensures his relatively safe (for combat sports) practice. The largest number is of those who, attracted by its practical and applied orientation, use it to increase self-esteem and confidence in their own capabilities to use the acquired technical skills in self-defense in a critical situation.
Punches: straight (jab) when front-handed; (cross) when it is rear; arcuate/crochet/hook; bottom-up/uppercut; blow with the upper part of the fist (back fist); there is also a variant with 360° rotation of the body (spinning back fist); elbow strike.
Kicks: knee strike; front kick; side kick; roundhouse kick, depending on the area attacked, it can be low kick, middle kick/body kick or high kick; reverse hook kick; back kick; there is also a 360° spinning back kick; top-down axe kick/hammer kick; reverse arc with 360° rotation of the body (wheel kick) spinning back heel kick); arcuate with 360° rotation of the body (tornado kick); jump kick; All of the above kicks can be performed with a jump and with a 360°, 540° or 720° rotation of the body.
