In my opinion open hand strikes are more effective than closed fists and there is also less chance of injury to the hand.

Having more techniques doesn't make a system better. If you can master 10 techniques in your life. In which you can perform in front of a mirror without being able to see yourself do the technique how will your opponent see it coming? They won't!!! You will hit them everytime with it. However timing is just as important as speed. I have seen fighters who actually looked slow easily defeat the faster opponent with great timing. Controlling the situation is in my opinion the most important thing. There are specific counters to every technique learning what counters work will greatly help you in your pursuit of excellence

Just my 2 cents

During the time I practiced TKD (a branch of the International Taekwondo Association) I swear I learnt just as many hand strikes as legs strikes. I personally prefer them (jab-reverse, hook/uppercut and backfist being my favorites).
I don't know where everyone gets this idea that TKD people can't punch, a TKD punch is as at least as effective as a karate punch (as they're mostly the same) or for that matter any other art. I saw my old TKD instrutor in an open kickboxing tournament, his hand stikes seemed to work fine, almost KOed a couple of Mauy Thai guys. Where do all these myths about TKD come from?

[This message has been edited by JayJay (edited 02-28-2005).]

The myths come from McDoujangs all around the world. They give TKD a bad name.

I hope we can make up for it by remembering that TKD is supposed to be a well rounded MA (not just kicking for the sake of kicking) when we teach our students.

Yeah, this "no punching in TKD" thing is rediculous. The other day our master class did nothing but open hand strikes for an hour and a half. Slaps to the ear, palms to the nose and ribs, eye gouges, stuff like that. And another class we focused on low kicks to the goin and knee. People just seem to ignor all the heritage TKD has from the Korean arts it was developed from, as well as it's heavy Karate influence and Chinese influence in it's more traditional forms.