WTF Rules? I don't get it....

[celtic_crippler]

I had some students interested in doing some freestyle competition. We recieved a flyer at the school about a tournie that's coming up in November near Atlanta and thought it might be fun.....

I discovered that it's WTF rules and upon doing some research discovered that you can't punch to the head....but you can kick to the head.

We've decided not to compete, but I do have a gnawing question....

Could someome please explain to me why the rules allow kicks to the head but not punches? I don't understand this logic.

Thanks!

[zDom]

Could someome please explain to me why the rules allow kicks to the head but not punches? I don't understand this logic.


As I understand it, the logic is this:

Just about ANYBODY can step into the ring and start swinging at the head with their arms — doesn't take much skill or training at all.

To KICK to the head requires both skill and, in almost all cases, training to be able to do this.

Also, even among those who ARE trained in kicking, it is MUCH easier to punch to the head than kick to the head.

So the logic is: not allowing punches to the head should foster an environment in which folk will try to kick to the head, which should showcase what TKD is all about.

Conversely, look at kickboxing: they pretty much have to mandate a minimum number of kicks otherwise folk just get in there and slug things out.

Unfortunately, this rule set (along with some crazy interpretations of the rules) has resulted in fighting styles within the ring that are NOT what the designers intended. But that is a topic for another thread ;)

[terryl965]

Because those are the rule they adapted when making a mark with TKD, it was about kicking and flash. Beside it gaver the advantage to there players in the begining.

[celtic_crippler]

I guess that makes sense...if they want to see more kicks to the head and also give themselves an advantage.

I personally think it takes more skill to close the gap from kicking range to punching range; to get inside and effectively use one's hands against an accomplished kicker. Of course, doing so drastically reduces the advantage of the kicker, especially if they aren't well versed with their hands so that ties in to giving them the advantage I guess...lol

Oh well...the rules are a tad too restrictive for my tastes. Guess I'll have to try to find other tournie's more in line with what you'd see at Battle of Atlanta.

Thanks for shedding the light guys!

[exile]

Think 'martial spectacle' and you won't go far wrong, is my rule of thumb. And it's not just sparring, CC. I'm happy to agree to differ on this point—I know there are some TKDists on MT who have a different take—but the kinds of nouveau hyungs that are being introduced into TKD forms competitions illustrate the very same point. Chloe Bruce's stuff, the newly introduced KKW forms that we had a thread on earlier this year... again, it's the wushu phenomenon. More acrobatic, less martial, is how I read it, and it's been going on in tournament TKD for a long time now.

[MasterWright]

As I understand it, Since the TKD folks don't wear gloves it may be the reason. Moving the oponent or a loud noise from the contact results in a point.

They rarely score punches to the chest guard , though, it seems like the kicking is most important. Now there is a hand protector and foot protector that some wear, so maybe things are poised to change.

[ATC]

I had some students interested in doing some freestyle competition. We recieved a flyer at the school about a tournie that's coming up in November near Atlanta and thought it might be fun.....

I discovered that it's WTF rules and upon doing some research discovered that you can't punch to the head....but you can kick to the head.

We've decided not to compete, but I do have a gnawing question....

Could someome please explain to me why the rules allow kicks to the head but not punches? I don't understand this logic.

Thanks!
Hi CC. Too bad that you did not take the opportunity to experience something new or different. It was a great chance to learn and experience something different first hand. I won't get into the why's of the sport but I feel you past up the perfect chance to walk in others shoes and have fun doing it as well.

At the least it would have given you a new found appreciation for the use of hands.

Oh and when I say you, I mean your kids as an extention of.

Maybe next time.

[Tez3]

Damn! Damn! I got excited when I saw Exile had posted! then I saw the date and it's an old thread............ he spoke the truth though as always.

[K-man]

Damn! Damn! I got excited when I saw Exile had posted! then I saw the date and it's an old thread............ he spoke the truth though as always.
Thought the same thing! http://www.martialtalk.com/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif
By the way, a thought just crossed my small mind ... WTF rules. Are you sure they're not "What The F.... " rules?

[Tez3]

Thought the same thing! http://www.martialtalk.com/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif
By the way, a thought just crossed my small mind ... WTF rules. Are you sure they're not "What The F.... " rules?

I keep thinking thats what WTF is lol! Ah great minds eh!

[Hawke]

A Kenpoist going to a TKD tournament may be frustrating. Both play by different rules.

I can understand why CC and his group may wish not to attend.

Sounds like Battle of Atlanta (not the Civil War battle) is a freestyle event.

Hope you guys are able to play with some TKDs at an all style karate or a freestyle event. There are some incredible TKDs that can give you a run for your money.