DOES TAEKWONDO WORK IN MMA!? 🥋

What's up, guys? Today, I want to dive into a topic that’s close to my heart: why I absolutely love Taekwondo. Now, I know that traditional martial arts, including Taekwondo, often get a mixed reputation, especially when it comes to UFC and MMA. But I'm here to tell you, there are a lot of misconceptions out there.

The Stigma Around Traditional Martial Arts

A Misunderstood Art 

Traditional martial arts, like Taekwondo and Karate, often receive unfair criticism. These arts are packed with phenomenal techniques, and I emphasize, phenomenal. Yet, many people involved in these martial arts don't necessarily grow up wanting to be fighters. Oftentimes, they're perceived as rich kids who are in it for the sport rather than the fight.

The "Rich Kid" Stereotype

It’s a common observation that many Taekwondo practitioners are financially well-off. They've not experienced the hardships that could turn them into tougher fighters. Many don't aim to transition into MMA, which contributes to the art's mixed reputation.

Comparing Taekwondo to Other Martial Arts

Similarities and Differences

In many ways, Taekwondo is similar to other martial arts like Jiujitsu. Many Jiujitsu practitioners also have no interest in actual fighting, and the turnover rate is quite low. In contrast, MMA attracts individuals generally around 18-20 years old, who are seriously interested in fighting.

Early Starters

Most people who practice Taekwondo start at a very young age. And what these young practitioners can achieve with their feet—often comparable to what others can do with their hands—is truly impressive. This high level of skill comes from thousands of repetitions and starting young, but it’s never too late to learn!

Training Relentlessly: The Tale of DeShawn

The Making of a Fighter

One of my students, DeShawn, epitomizes why Taekwondo is so effective. Known as "The Dog" for his tenacity, DeShawn is incredibly fast and athletic. Over the last two years, he has mastered 8-10 basic kicks, practicing them consistently every week on Taekwondo paddles.

The Power of Repetition

Taekwondo training is like shadow boxing. Even when you're kicking at a pad, you have to quickly return to your stance, akin to throwing a punch in the air. This fluidity and constant movement make the techniques highly effective.

The Case for Simplicity

DeShawn's strength isn’t in a large repertoire of moves. Instead, it's in his mastery of a few key techniques—front kicks, side kicks, spinning hook kicks, and back kicks. By focusing on these over and over, he's developed precision and power. His achievements, including multiple viral head-kick knockouts, speak for themselves.

Learn ten, eight to ten moves and do these over and over and over. Do them for three to five years and see how good you get at these moves, and you're gonna be like, holy shit. These actually do work.

Addressing Criticisms

Muay Thai vs. Taekwondo

Many argue that Muay Thai is superior to traditional martial arts, mainly because of its low kicks. While I agree that Muay Thai is fantastic—I’ve trained in Thailand five times myself—the notion that it's vastly superior is misleading. Remove low kicks from the equation, and you'd see a much different comparison.

Injuries and Adaptability

One advantage of Taekwondo is its adaptability, especially when dealing with injuries. For instance, a shoulder injury might limit punching, but you can still work on your kicks. One of my students has done this post-surgery and experienced significant improvements in his kicking techniques.

The Real Secret: It's the Individual

The Right Mindset

Ultimately, the effectiveness of any martial art depends more on the individual than the art itself. Wrestling and boxing are essential, but if you teach an athletic and determined individual Taekwondo, they'll shine just as brightly.

Control and Fluidity

Taekwondo enhances body control in ways other martial arts often don't. The ability to kick, miss, and immediately return to stance requires fluidity and precision that's unique to the art. It can be tough on the lower back, but the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

Conclusion

So, don’t let anyone convince you that Taekwondo isn't effective. It's often the people who practice it, rather than the art itself, that get it a bad reputation. Train hard, stay focused, and remember, it's always more about the person than the discipline.

Further Reading and Resources

Looking for a gym or instructor? Check out my book, The Ultimate Guide to Martial Arts Schools and Instructor.
Watch a video of DeShawn executing some of his incredible kicks here.

Leave any questions or topics you want to see covered in the comments below. Thanks for reading and keep kicking!