[ladyfighter]

chambering is a basic training drill that is used to help "remind" you to twist the hips when punching (basic drill example: when punching from a sitting/horse stance), also prepare you for proper punching format (how to keep your wrist straight,arm tight, elbow slightly bent), etc!! As a person progresses from out of the beginner phase you learn that most of the techniques you were taught, were "broken down" for a beginner and only start to make sense as you gain more experience/higher rank!

Side Note: Question: Your instructor actually said, "do not twist/use your hips" when punching?? If so, look for another school right NOW!!!! JMO!

Back to subject: things like chambering and/or folding for blocking and/or strikes:

You chamber/fold as a beginner so that you learn a simple format, then as you progress so do your skills and you will learn (or your instructor will reveal) that it wasn't about chambering/folding but instead it was to teach you twisting/rotating to maximize your power by drawing from your core (hips) body strength along with your upper/lower body!


Yet another side Note: As a TKD instructor I do Not teach my students to Not use their hands, and we DO teach hand/feet strikes to the head and encourage it!