Why do we perform the Knifehand Downward Strike in Hwa-Rang with the hands crossing on the outside rather than the inside? Kwang-Gae has a Downward Sidefist Strike and the hands cross on the inside surely these techniques are basically the same. The legacy 15 Volume Encyclopedia shows the technique crossed on the inside but the latest version of the condensed encyclopedia shows the crossing to the outside. Likewise the ITF Masters Class DVD shows the crossing to the outside. Why was this changed?
I was taught 'inside'.. I still teach 'inside', the manuals I have say 'inside'. From an application POV, inside makes much more sense. As does, like you have said, the reasoning that other circular techniques travel inside. I dont have the condensed book.. maybe its as simple as a photo error! Stuart
On closer inspection of the encyclopedia the text states that all downward strikes come from the outside. ( Vol3 page 103 of the 15 Vol Legacy version) Kwang Gae is the exception to the rule as opposed to Hwa Rang as i first thought. This would explain the updated photo in the newer versions of the encyclopedia.
Okay, I just read the page and it doesnt specifically state that from what I can see! - am I missing it? It just says to chamber the striking hand (of any downward strike) under the blocking hand, yet we don't really 'chamber' that technique like other techniques as it starts its motion from the previous punch anyway. Still, I guess you should do it how your org/instructor wants it. Stuart
Outside is how I'm taught it, which means no wrist twist at end. A reference book I use shows inside though.
An interesting point! TKD is very big on twisting strikes in after all.. esp. knifehands! Which book are you refering to? Cheers, Stuart
It's "Taekwon-do Patterns" by Master Jim Hogan. I had hoped to check it in another book I've just started into, but that one stops at Toi Gye sadly (Come on Vol II!)
Interesting, considering he's ITF-C Yet others go up to Tong-Ill Seriously, I am working on it! thanks, Stuart
If you're wondering which orgs do which by the way, I train in Spain & don't even know which branch of the ITF we're under - it may be one not so common in the UK though.
