Pu Gill Gwon

Counterattacking is often considered the 'master's attack' and, when executed efficiently and effectively, is without a doubt the sign of a very skilled and proficient fighter. In his book, 'Skill in Counterattacks,' Tae Kwon Do master Pu Gill Gwon demonstrates this concept to the reader in a very professional and skillful manner.

The three page preface, although way too brief, provides a great deal of useful information on the subject of counterattacking and strategy. In this section, the author compares the rules of warfare to the rules of self-defense, which for the most part are almost identical. These four rules as described by the author are as follows.

1. The strongest opponent usually wins
2. If both opponents are equally strong, the most determined usually wins.
3. If the strength and determination of both opponents are equal, the one who seizes the initiative usually wins.
4. The opponent who successfully utilizes the element of surprise usually wins.

The author brings up a very valid and often unknown point concerning self-defense that everyone should not only understand, but also study. And that point is as follows, 'In self-defense, the same laws and principles hold equally true for both opponents. What varies, and what makes the difference between winning and losing, is the way each opponent uses them to his ability and the particular situation.' Truer words have rarely been said.

As the author so clearly states, some of the key elements needed for a successful counterattack are as follows.

1. Openings that become exposed on your opponent when he attacks.
2. Timing.
3. Avoiding the attack by the shortest distance possible.
4. Counterattacking by the shortest distance possible.
5. Always keep your eyes on your opponent.
6. Keep a calm and clear mind.
7. Initiate your counterattack as your opponent attacks.
8. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, and PRACTICE.

The author then devotes basically the entire book to demonstrations of Tae Kwon Do counterattacks against the following types of attack. He does this with a number of photos for each counterattack along with a fairly good written description of each one. After reading this book I felt that it was intended more for the black belt student in Tae Kwon Do than a beginner or even an advanced student.

1. Front Snap Kick
2. Roundhouse Kick
3. Side Kick
4. Spinning Back Kick
5. Back Turning Kick
6. Back Fist Attack
7. Jumping Right Hand Punch
8. Knifehand Strike
9. Reverse Fist Punch

As far as the counterattacks actually demonstrated in this book, I wouldn't recommend trying to utilize the vast majority of them in an actual combat or self-defense situation. They themselves are not that practical to use even if you are a highly trained and proficient Tae Kwon Do stylist. However, having said that, the principles behind most of the counterattacks demonstrated are fairly sound. It's just that a lot of the techniques that are utilized in the counterattacks are not that practical.

In my opinion, you would be better off studying the examples presented in this book and then figuring out what counterattacks would be more efficient not only for the situation, but also for you to implement. I would like to add however, that a lot of the counterattacks shown in this book would possibly be effective if used in a tournament.-Shawn Kovacich

Contents

Dedication
About the author
Preface
Publisher's note
For defense against:
Front snap kick
Roundhouse kick
Side kick
Spinning back kick
Back turning kick
Back fist attack
Jumping righthand punch
Knifehand strike
Reverse fist punch… (más)

Summary

The serious practitioner of the martial arts will have learned from this book that weight, speed, focus, penetration and concentration are essential cornerstones to the mastery of breaking techniques. To use them effectively, they must be coordinated into a working unit. Your body thus becomes an efficient, deadly machine. To accomplish this goal, you must be in the best physical condition. You must have flexibility. Work on one element at a time. Start with focus, add concentration, then penetration. Put your weight into what you're doing. When your accuracy is carefully developed, add speed.

The key to success in breaking techniques is similar to any other of the arts-practice. To practice well requires dedication. With all of these elements going for you, you should have developed a well-coordinated technique. Use it to keep in shape. Use it.

Contents

Striking Areas
Practice Boards
Speed Breaking
Speed Practice
How to Hold a Board
Where to Strike a Target
Penetration
Breaking Techniques
Control Kicking
Sparring… (más)