Reclaiming the Art: The Power of Proximity—Elbow and Knee Strikes in Basic Taekwondo Poomsae

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There is a common, often uninformed, critique leveled against modern Taekwondo: that it is a purely sport-focused art, lacking the full-range combat techniques necessary for real-world self-defense. This claim suggests an over-reliance on dynamic, long-range kicking, neglecting the brutal efficiency of close-quarters fighting.

However, this critique fundamentally misses the point of the Poomsae (formal exercises).

The Poomsae are not just sequences for tournament scoring; they are a historical and comprehensive curriculum of combat principles. The fault lies not with the art of Taekwondo itself, but with the lack of focus on the close-range applications often found hidden within the forms.

The mere existence of the Elbow Strike and the Knee Strike  within the basic Taegeuk forms—designed for beginner students—serves as undeniable proof that Taekwondo is, and always has been, an all-round martial art prepared for any range of combat. These strikes demonstrate that Taekwondo contains a devastating arsenal for when the distance is closed.

Part I: The Versatile Elbow Strike 

The elbow strike (Palkoop Chigi) is not a single technique but a family of strikes, each designed for a different close-range scenario. In the Taegeuk Poomsae, we find three distinct variations that demonstrate Taekwondo's readiness for inner-range combat.

1. Rotational Power: The Swinging Elbow

The swinging elbow is a rotational strike focused on the side of the opponent's body or head, emphasizing hip rotation for maximum force.

A. In Taegeuk Oh Jang (5 Jang)

The Palggumchi dollyeochigi appears in a sequence requiring fast, successive movements and turning:

  • Sequence (Part 3): Oen sonal bakkanmakgi (Left Knife-Hand Outer Block) > Oreun Palggumchi dollyeochigi (Right Elbow Swinging Strike) > Oreun sonal bakkanmakgi (Right Knife-Hand Outer Block) > Oen Palggumchi dollyeochigi (Left Elbow Swinging Strike).

  • The Principle: This combination teaches the practitioner to use an opponent's momentum against them. The initial knife-hand block defends against a grab or strike, and the immediate swinging elbow provides a devastating counter as you pivot into the attacker's space.

B. In Taegeuk Pal Jang (8 Jang)

In the final Taegeuk form, the Palggumchi dollyeochigi is integrated into a high-level, multi-strike combination:

  • Sequence: Oen sonal bakkanmakgi (Left Knife-Hand Outer Block) > Oreun Palggumchi dollyeochigi > Oreun Deungjumeok Apchigi (Right Back Fist Front Strike) > Oen Jireugi (Left Punch).

  • The Principle: This is a true close-range offensive flurry. The simultaneous elbow and back fist strikes overwhelm the opponent, setting up the final body punch (Jireugi). It emphasizes continuous attack and transitional speed between very short-range (elbow) and mid-range (punch) techniques.

2. Pinpoint Accuracy: The Target Elbow

The target elbow strike (Palggumchi Pyojeokchig) is a linear strike where the non-striking hand acts as a "target," usually controlling the opponent's head or torso to ensure the strike lands.

A. In Taegeuk Oh Jang (5 Jang)

The elbow strike acts as an aggressive follow-up to a powerful kick:

  • Sequence (Part 4): Oen Ulgul (Ollyeo) Makgi (Left Face/Rising Block) > Oreun Yeopchagi (Right Side Kick) > Oen Palggumchi Pyojeokchigi (Left Elbow Target Strike).

  • The Principle: The power comes from the recoil and closing of distance. After the side kick retracts, the practitioner closes the gap. The target hand secures the opponent (perhaps grabbing the head or collar) and pulls them directly onto the elbow, maximizing impact.

B. In Taegeuk Chil Jang (7 Jang)

Here, the elbow is the finish to a rapid, body-to-body impact drill:

  • Sequence: Oen Deungjumeok Bakkanchigi (Left Back Fist Outer Strike) > Oreun Pyojeokchagi (Right Target Kick) > Oreun Palggumchi Pyojeokchigi (Right Elbow Target Strike).

  • The Principle: This combination combines multiple ranges. The target kick disrupts the opponent's base. Immediately upon landing, the elbow strike (which shares the same side as the kick) drives forward, concluding the combination with a decisive close-range hit.

Part II: The Explosive Knee Strike

While the elbow serves to break through upper defenses and close quarters, the knee strike (Mureup Chigi) is the ultimate weapon for dominating the clinch and attacking the opponent's core and lower vital areas. In the Taegeuk forms, it is a pivotal moment in Taegeuk Chil Jang (7 Jang).

3. Clinch and Impact: The Upward Knee Strike (Mureup Ollyeochigi)

The knee strike is rarely used in isolation; its true power is unlocked when the practitioner controls the opponent's posture, pulling them down onto the ascending knee.

In Taegeuk Chil Jang (7 Jang)

This section is a dense sequence that simulates breaking an opponent's grip, executing the strike, and immediately following up:

  • The Setup Sequence: The combination begins with Hecheomakgi (Spreading Block) > Utgeoreo Arae Makgi (Crossed-Arm Low Block), movements used to break a hold or push opponents away.

  • The Strike Sequence:

    • Oreun Mureup Ollyeochigi (Right Knee Rising Strike)

  • The Principle: This is a classic Clinch-to-Finish Combination.

    1. Grip Control: The hands performing the preceding block or the following uppercut represent the act of grabbing the opponent (e.g., around the neck or shoulders) and pulling them down.

    2. Hip Thrust: As the opponent is pulled, the knee (Mureup Ollyeochigi) is driven straight up into the exposed middle section (solar plexus, stomach).

    3. Immediate Follow-Up: The strike is immediately coupled with a Dujumeok Jeocheojireugi (Twin Uppercut Punch). This ensures that after the primary knee impact, a decisive follow-up blow is delivered, emphasizing aggressive, non-stop offense.

Conclusion: The Whole of Taekwondo

By examining the Elbow Strike and Knee Strike within the basic Taegeuk Poomsae, we find a clear contradiction to the argument that Taekwondo is an incomplete or limited martial art.

These close-range, high-impact techniques—the rotational Dollyeochigi, the precise Pyojeokchigi, and the powerful Mureup Chigi—are meticulously integrated into the foundation of the art. Their inclusion proves that the full Taekwondo curriculum encompasses long-range kicking, mid-range punching, and decisive proximal combat. The true depth of Taekwondo lies in the Poomsae; it is up to the practitioner and the instructor to explore and unleash the full potential of every movement.





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