Are there locks or throws in Tae Kwon Do?

Answer 1

Yes. Many of the early Kwan founders and pioneers of Taekwondo were students and instructors of, or influenced by Korean Hapkido and Yudo which consisted of a curriculum focused primarily on joint locks, pressure points, and throws. It was clear to the developers of Taekwondo that an expert of self defense must be able to incorporate throws and grappling as a supplement to the primary use of feet and hands as striking weapons. This has always been a part of authentic Taekwondo from its developmental stages between 1944 and 1955 when the Korean National Martial Art was named. However, many modern day schools have dropped much of the close quarters combat, throwing and grappling in favor of an increased focus on kicking, sports, or children's "Karate for Kids" classes that do not actually represent the true Korean Martial Art of Taekwondo.