Changes

Self-defense techniques have changed dramatically in recent years due to the prevalence of drugs, both licit and illicit. Traditional restraint techniques may be useless against assailants who are under the influence of drugs. These assailants do not react to pain since they are numbed to it. To stop this type of assailant, one must incapacitate them. An arm lock may convince a normal person to stop attacking, but it may not stop a person under the influence of drugs. The arm of a drug-influenced assailant must be broken so it is useless as a weapon.

In boxing, there are two types of pugilists: the boxer and the fighter. Although both strive to beat the opponent, they each approach the task differently. The boxer is a technician who uses perfect techniques applied in a traditional manner. The fighter is a warrior whose only concern is to hit as hard as possible as many times as possible. Fighters are not concerned with how perfect their techniques are, only that they win. Even though they fight differently, both boxers and fighters rely on only a few select techniques that have proven to work for them. 

Taekwondo also has technicians and fighters. Technicians spar with perfect form in preplanned combinations. Fighters are not concerned with their form; they are only concerned that they win. Both act and react according to the situation and both rely on a few select techniques that have proven to work for them. Which is better? Each is effective but fighters are not considered "correct" in their technique. The Taekwondo community must accept change and accept both types of combat. Taekwondo students used to learn and perform numerous techniques, some rather obscure and ineffective, in a technically perfect manner.