31. Gae-Baek first nine-shape-block and flying side kick

Gae-Baek is the favorite pattern of many ITF students, and its unusual movements invite close analysis. Here is an application for the set including the first nine-shape-block and the flying side kick. The whole set is:

• 19: Right back stance knifehand guarding block
• 20: Shift left foot slightly right into riding stance nine-shape-block (left arm high)
• 21: Keeping left foot planted, turn counter-clockwise 270-degrees into front stance low knifehand block
• 22: Back leg roundhouse kick, aimed at 45-degrees
• 23: Flying side kick with the same (right) leg.

It's typical to teach the nine-shape-block as an elbow break, but that doesn't fit the context of the form. Instead, there are other arm locks the nine-shape-block could represent. After using the guarding block as an overhook and neck press, we can setup a hammerlock on the same arm.

Nine-shape-block as a hammerlock, two variations. Image source: Practical Kata Bunkai (top), Sidewinder JiuJitsu

 (bottom)

Shown above are two variations: one with the left arm pulling the triceps from underneath, the other with the left arm overhook the opponent's triceps (the "Kimura"). Either variation may be used to create a hammerlock.

Having set up the lock, we use the counter-clockwise turn to get behind the opponent. This lock will force them to bend forwards, so we use the knifehand low block as a strike to the back of their neck. It's possible to use this block to push down the opponent's shoulder instead. But having already created a shoulder lock, it seems more parsimonious to simply strike the opponent.

The two kicks

From behind the opponent, kick in the back of both legs with the roundhouse kick. Here you may see why the kick is aimed at 45-degrees (an odd instruction): that's where the opponent's legs are located! This kick will topple your opponent forwards. Finish with the flying side kick as a drop kick to the back of the head.

This double-kick strategy -- one kick to the legs and the second kick to the head -- may exist in other patterns. Koryo for example. The Kukkiwon poomsae Ilyeo features a flying side kick after a front kick, and may have a similar application.

30. Eui-Am 5 move set

It's my belief that the five move set from Eui-Am encodes two follow up techniques after using the wedging block against an attack. The set is:

• Front stance knifehand wedging block
• In place, open-handed circular block 
• Bring front foot back into cat stance twin palm downward block
• Shift front foot into back stance reverse punch
• Slide backwards into back stance low inward ridgehand block, bringing back arm into chest

The first technique will use an unconventional application of the circular block: an arm lock:

Source: Martial Gamer

Block a left handed attack with your right leg forward. Use the long arc of the circular block to wrap over the opponent's elbow while you pull their forearm down with your reaction hand. Doing this with enough pressure will injure the opponent's shoulder.

The finishing move the form provides is the cat stance twin palm downward block. Because this lock forces the opponent to lean left, the cat stance is probably meant to trap their left leg. You may then use your two palms to push the opponent's face to the floor.

For the next technique we will still utilize the wedging block with the right leg forward, but this time against a right handed attack. From this position, our right hand is pushing on the opponent's neck. Grab their head and pull it downwards (pulling hand) while you either grab or underhook their right arm (reverse punch). We finish with a puter kepala throw, also known as "the clock" takedown. This is performed by sliding backwards while pulling the opponent's arm and pushing their head in.

Source: Craig Gray

Eui-Am is noteworthy for being the first of the "new" forms, not one of the original 20. Some ITF-schools do not teach these forms, for fear that they were made to be challenging to perform and do not have the self-defense value the original 20 do. But I find the movements in these forms have both applications and a logical arrangement behind them.

29. Gae-Baek opening

In Gae-Baek we open by stepping backwards into an X-knifehand checking block. (Notably, this is the first form that opens with a step back). The "official" explanation for the checking block is that we are blocking a punch.

Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do, Vol 11

There are a couple problems with this application. Why block with two hands when one will do? The wrist twist presented is not in the form. What if we applied this a little differently?

Source: One Minute Bunkai

By deflecting with one arm (the right forearm), we can use the left forearm to chop down on the opponent's elbow, creating a figure-for lock. A straight punch may be too fast for you to apply this technique, but this will also work against a lapel grab.

This technique is a shoulder-lock and will force the opponent to bend towards their right. We follow with the low twisting kick to their right knee, unbalancing them. We finish with the landing into the front stance "punch" as a takedown: pull the opponent down over your right leg with your left hand as you push with your right hand.

Example of a twisting kick to the knee after a figure-four lock

Follow with the second punch to your downed opponent before retreating.