Technique incorporation

As stated in other topics, it is better for an instructor to incorporate useful techniques from other martial arts into taekwondo, than it is for him or her to create another style that uses the techniques, give it a new name, and then make him or herself the grand masters of the new art. While most taekwondo organizations frown on teaching not traditional techniques in taekwondo classes, when it comes to self-defense drills or classes, most any technique is permitted. Also, when free-sparring, most any technique is permitted as long as it conforms to the organization's sparring rules that are in effect. However, instructors must be careful which techniques they incorporate. They must make sure the techniques are not contradictory to basic Taekwondo principles. For example, soft, sticky hands techniques from Kung-fu are contrary to taekwondo's hard, linear style.Before adopting a technique from another style, consider the rules and conditions under which the technique is used in the other style.

Some techniques from other styles do not conform to Taekwondo's mostly kicking style of fighting. For example, many martial arts, classic Karate or Kickboxing for instance, fight with their shoulders square with the opponent. In addition, boxers, since they do not have to deal with kicks, point the outside of their front knee almost directly at the opponent. Both of these techniques make it difficult for opponents to land punches to the head or torso. However, the squared shoulders expose the fighter to body and head punches, while taekwondo fighters, point the forward shoulder toward the opponent to present fewer targets. Also, pointing the front knee point inward makes the front leg and knee vulnerable to injury from a kick. The shin and front of the knee offer much more protection to a kick so a taekwondo fighter will keep the shin facing the opponent. When boxers step in to fire a combination, they often duck as they finish the last punch. When facing a kicker, this exposes the head to kicks or to being grabbed and kneed so this is not a suitable technique to use in taekwondo. Since kick boxers and Olympic style taekwondo fighters do little punching, they use very little slipping with their heads and almost no ducking to avoid punches or kicks.