Gosuku

Also you should consider the idea that once impact is made the force applied travels back through the body to the ground. My instructor's instructor, a sixth dan explained to me that within that fraction of a second the force goes back to the ground and travels back to point of contact again, like a double hit. That is why we are taught to keep the heels down. I always wonder the effectiveness compared to lifting the heel for the extra travel. It is necessary however to use the whole body especially the hips when gathering power.

As everyone has stated, I think it really depends on the teaching. While almost all of the Tae Kwon Do practioners I've know were learning the "sport" version, I'm sure some are taught for combat type situations. I used to really wonder about it because when I started going to karate tournaments TKD practioners came too, and I always saw them fight with their arms down at their sides. While they could perform cool looking kicks, I found it strange. The rules were different for them so I think that made it harder. From what I understand, in TKD tournaments you can't grab at all. I would always just grab their leg and punch them in the face repeatedly. Most wouldn't bother trying to block. For some of you here, do you practice punches and holding a guard? It's a shame that sport TKD is all alot of us see, I'd like to see the original art.

Is this for real? Lets see, Jackie Chan is an actor and Bruce Lee was a street fighter. Who do you think?

Couldn't Seagal and Van Damme be considered overrated? Neither one have ever competed. I've always heard that Van Damme had very little training, he just looked quite impressive. Seagal certainly seems to have credentials, but who knows. I'd say people like Benny the Jet, Wall, and Wallace. Also Bruce Lee, because despite his well known name, most people don't understand the dedication and real ability he had.

It depends on what type of brick and how thick it is. I wouldn't advise using your knuckles unless they are well conditioned. I used to just use the 1" concrete bricks for punching. I've broken a 2 1/4" concrete patio brick with the side (knife hand). Breaking can be good for strengthening your hands and improving concentration but most of the stuff seen on t.v. is for show, ie worthless. For instance guys that literally run at boards or bricks with thier shoulders, or people that use their body weight to fall on the object.