KenPo & Tae Kwan Do, which is more effective?

[5Magix]

Hey guys, Im new here and I really want to sign up for martial arts, it's something I have always wanted to do but never did. My question is which ones are good? I have read about KenPo & Tae Kwan Do,and what Im really interested in is kicks, and self defense. I'd like to know alot of different types of effective kicks, also some good hand strikes as well as blocking. Any suggestions? Thanks guys, any advice will be greatly appreciated.

[Smitty]

If kicking's your thing, it's Tae Kwon Do. Depending on the school, you'll learn alot of different kicks, some very basic, some flashy. In my experience, theres alot more focus on the feet than the hands. But if that's your thing, Tae Kwon Do all the way.

[bushido_man96]

I think that Kenpo may have better hand techniques, but TKD would be the way to go for kicking. If it an Olympic style of TKD that you learn, they will focus on speed and counter kicks, footwork, and timing. They will probably have some good target drills to keep your interest as well.

[5Magix]

I heard that these days alot of the Tae Kwan Do schools are crappy, and it's just for show, but I dunno I guess I'll try it. I thought about Jeet Kun Do but heard that it's not good for beginners.

[Smitty]

Well you said "Im really interested in is kicks". Kicking is Tae Kwon Do's specialty. There are some showy schools, but (at the risk of starting an argument) not alot of kicks are effective. I know they all have their uses, but chances are, it's not often you're gonna find a use for a butterfly kick. (which is my personal favorite, though).

For self defense, JKD would probably be a good thing. Assuming it's Jun Fan you're talking about, it's boxing, some kicks, clinching, wrestling. If you're talking about the philosophy Jeet Kune do, you need experience.

I don't know much about Kenpo, though. Maybe parkerlineage would be able to help you out with that.

[bushido_man96]

Even as a TKD guy, I think you might get more self-defense help from the Kenpo classes, unless you get hooked up with a nice traditional TKD school.

[CloudDragon]

Having experience with both, I would say that it comes down to the school itself. I worked out with a friend who was a 2nd dan in kenpo and I loved it, however, when I went to a school that taught it, I didn't care for it as much. (the strikes didn't seem to follow a logical reaction/response rhythm) The TKD schools I have been at all emphasize kicks, some more practical than others.

I would suggest that you explore all of your options and find what suits you best. If you aren't comfortable training there, then don't. It has never failed me yet, and I think it will be the same for you.

[glockmeister]

I heard that these days alot of the Tae Kwan Do schools are crappy, and it's just for show, but I dunno I guess I'll try it. I thought about Jeet Kun Do but heard that it's not good for beginners.

Not good for beginners? Why not?