Does Taekwondo have punches? The short answer is yes. But what is Taekwondo? Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that is based on the principles of balance, coordination, and self-defense.
It is a popular sport that is often used to improve fitness and discipline. Taekwondo can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age or fitness level, and it is an excellent way to develop concentration, agility, and reflexes.
In this article I’ll go over the punches you can use in Taekwondo competitions, where you can strike, the different belt levels in Takwondo and how this type of martial arts can contribute to your health and fitness.
Does Taekwondo have punches?
Yes taekwondo uses punches. When you take taekwondo classes you will learn how to mainly kick, but you will also learn punch techniques.
People ask if taekwondo teaches punches because the barely see practitioners use it. Also because in competition fighters don’t really use punches because it doesn’t score them a lot of points. Kicks are awarded the most points.
In taekwondo competitions -such like in the Olympics – punches are allowed to be thrown but not to the face. Again, fighters don’t use punches much because landing one to the body only give you one point, where kicks can give you several.
Below is a chart on how many points a fighter in a taekwondo competition is awarded for each strike.
| Action | Points Rewarded |
| Punch to the body | 1 Point |
| Kick to the body | 2 Points |
| Kick to the head | 3 Points |
| Turning kick to the body | 4 Points |
| Turning kick to the head | 5 Points |
Does Taekwondo use weapons?
Yes some taekwondo schools do use weapons but most of its weapons are not unique to taekwondo. Meaning, these weapons are borrowed from other forms of martial arts and are not specific to taekwondo.
- Dan Bong (short wooden baton)
- Jahn Bong (Bo Staff)
- Sai (A sharp metal prong with two curved sideprongs)
- Dan gum (Dagger)
- Spear
- Gumdo swords
- Sahm Dan Bong (3-section staff)
- Bayonet
- Gungdo (Bow)
- Sahang Naht (Kama)
Does Taekwondo use grappling?
Taekwondo doesn’t really have grappling. There are some dojo’s that have minor grappling but takwondo is mainly kicking and punching.
If you would like to maintain your training in Taekwondo but would like to add some grappling to your game take additional classes in wrestling, judo, or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
These three arts are the best for grappling. For example, I have a friend who takes taekwondo twice during the week, and takes a wrestling class every Saturday morning.
He is a well rounded fighter and coach. It is always wise to add some sort of grappling to your skill, because most fights do end up on the ground, and you need to know how to defend yourself if it ever comes to that.
Doing A Front Kick In Muay Thai
Does taekwondo have belts?
Yes Taekwondo has a belt system, You start at white and progress to the final belt, which is black. The order of belt is as follow:
- White
- White and Yellow Stripe
- Yellow
- Yellow and Green Stripe
- Green
- Green and Blue Stripe
- Blue
- Blue and Red Stripe
- Red
- Red and black Stripe
- Black
Each belt comes with a Gup (also spelled Geup and Kup) meaning ranks. These ranks are separated by Junior and Senior, or Student and instructor.
The rank that correlates to each belt is listed below.
- White (10th Gup)
- White and Yellow Stripe (9th Gup)
- Yellow (8th Gup)
- Yellow and Green Stripe (7th Gup)
- Green (6th Gup)
- Green and Blue Stripe (5th Gup)
- Blue (4th Gup)
- Blue and Red Stripe (3rd Gup)
- Red (2nd Gup)
- Red and black Stripe (1st Gup)
- Black – The student is awarded the black belt after he/she completes 1st Gup.
Just like in Karate there are Dans. A Dan means degree and you achieve these degrees beyond black belt. In taekwondo there are 10 Dans.
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Does taekwondo help lose weight?
Taekwondo is a good martial arts to get into if you’re looking to lose weight. Like other forms of martial arts – taekwondo implements movement and cardio activities into its training.
Every class begins with a 20-45 minute cardio session before you get into practicing the actual techniques. Movement and exercise contribute greatly to losing weight because movement burns calories.
Along with exercise you should also eat well. Taking taekwondo without eating healthy simply won’t help you lose weight.
You have to live an overall healthy lifestyle if you want to lose weight.
Healthy eating, drinking the recommended daily amount of water, taking vitamin supplements, and going to taekwondo classes will definitely hep you lose weight.
With all things medical related be sure to consult you family doctor because only him/her can give you sound advice when it comes to your health.
Does taekwondo work in a real fight?
Can definitely help you in self-defense. Taekwondo is known for its kicks and punches, which are ideal for defending yourself against an attack.
Additionally, taekwondo teaches how to use your body as a weapon by using grips and throws to immobilize or even knockout your opponent.
Yes, taekwondo is mainly known for its kicks, but there are many karate styles that implement arm locks, throws, and take-downs.
In a real fight situation, these skills would come in handy if you were attacked from behind or face down on the ground.
By being able to defend yourself effectively with just hands and feet, you could potentially save your life!