Originally Teakwondoo was developed to train warriors in the art of empty-handed self defense. As martial art, it is a very complete self-defense system which includes hand, elbow, foot, and knee techniques, as well as pressure-point strikes, groin and eye attacks, joint locks, and throws and sweeps. But as these techniques are very destructive, and can cause permanent damage to opponent - it is not possible to practice it in class on other students.

To alliviate the problem - patterns or katas - sets of prearranged moves - were developed. Katas give students ability to fight imaginary opponents with no chance of injuring an opponent. Katas enable students to practice techniques alone, and to practice them against simulated attacks, that are difficult to duplicate during class exercises. Its important to note that Katas are not just a dance figures that have to be performed out of tradition. Katas include very efficient self-defense combinations and moves, as well as teach basics of self-defence strategy agains several opponents. For example Palgwe 1 begins with the block against low kick from the left, and counterattacks with throat crashing moto-maki punch. Palgwe 2 begins with the block against bottom fist strike of a strike with a stick from above, and then counters it with the kick to solar plexus or a groin, and disabling punch to the face. These are very powerfull and efficient techniques that could be applied on the street, and are in fact employed by experienced street fighters.

Although Katas represent efficient techniques, its designed to counter an inexperienced fighter, which most attackers are. Katas are not very suitable to be used against equally skilled martial arts practitioner in the sparring, therefore requiring a different set of techniquest to be developed. Americanized Taekwondo addresses this deficiency, by complimenting traditional Taekwondo with the set of techniques that are suitable in sparring. Note that in sparring it is iportant to control your power, so that your opponent will not be injured. That does not make sparring meaningfull in prepearing to real life fight. Sparring teaches student psychological aspects of confrontation, something that cannot be achieved when practicing without an opponent. Being able to look at your opponent and keep your cool, is an important ability.

Both Taekwondoo Self -Defence moves and Sparring techniques are effective when opponents are standing at some distance from each other. But what to do if opponnent grabbed you, or throws you to the ground? Here we need additional set of skills commonly known as grappling. Grappling includes moves for releasing from different locks and grabs and combinations for disabling attacker from very close range.

Practicing all of Self-defense, Sparring and Grappling aspects of the Americanazed Taekwondo will allow students to adapt to any kind of opponent and environment, while not endangering self with permanent brain damage, and other injuries associated with other full-contact sparring sports.