The tornado kick, aka the 540 kick, is used in taekondo and MMA to confuse and distract an opponent. When you perform this effective and powerful kick, you jump, kick, and land with the same foot. This spinning kick is divided into three parts: the defensive stance, the spinning kick, and the crescent kick. Mastering this kick takes a lot of practice and patience.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Implementing a Defensive Attitude
Step 1. Prepare to enter a defensive stance
Stand up and spread your feet shoulder width apart. Transfer your weight to the base of your toes. Bend your knees slightly.
This defensive attitude is very versatile. This stance allows you to make defensive and offensive moves without your opponent suspecting you
Step 2. Raise your defenses
Bend your elbows and raise your forearms toward your chest. Bring both hands under the chin. Try to keep both hands open and relaxed.
Step 3. Move forward with the kicking foot
When you step forward with your kicking foot, turn your pelvis away from your opponent. Continue to stand on the base of your toes. Keep both shoulders facing forward.
Your kicking foot initiates and completes the movement. Your support foot executes a spinning kick (details in steps 2 and 3)
Part 2 of 3: Doing the Spin Kick
Step 1. Turn around and step with your kicking foot
The first step of a tornado kick is done with the kicker's foot. Rotate your pelvis so that you can move your kicking foot toward the support foot. Let your shoulders follow your hips and face 180° away from your opponent. Place the base of your toes next to the arch of the inner edge of your supporting foot so that your feet form a "T."
Instead of stepping in with the kicker's foot, you can pivot or turn on the base of the kicker's toes so that your body is facing away from your opponent
Step 2. Look behind your shoulders
In order to land a kick, you must be able to see your opponent. Turn your head so that you can see behind your shoulder (the side of the supporting leg). Use your peripheral (edge) vision to spot your opponent.
Step 3. Raise the knee of the support leg and turn
Raise the knee of the support leg to a 45° angle while placing the kicking foot on the floor. Keep your knees elevated as you pivot 90° with the base of your toes. Turn around and bend your knees at a 45°. angle
Keep turning in the same direction
Part 3 of 3: Performing the Crescent Kick
Step 1. Lower your arms and bend your kicking leg
Rotate your torso and shoulders away from the raised leg. Lower both arms at the same time and pull them diagonally in front of your body. Bend, or pump up your kicking foot (stepped foot).
This movement will provide momentum for the body
Step 2. Jump and kick with the kicking foot
As you jump your kicking leg, start turning your body to face your opponent. As you lower the support leg, kick the kicking foot up in a half-crescent motion. Immediately lower your legs until your thighs are parallel to the floor to complete the last half of the crescent of your kick.
Step 3. Complete the rotation, put your kicker's foot on it, and turn to face your opponent
Pivot on the base of your toes until you are once again facing your opponent. Trace the base of the kicker's toes into the floor next to the support foot. Step back with your supporting foot, pivoting on the base of your toes, and turning your body towards your opponent at the same time.
This step completes the crescent kick and tornado kick processes
Tips
- Before kicking, do a few stretches to warm up. Stretching reduces the risk of injury and increases kick accuracy.
- Before trying to master a three-part tornado kick, learn and master each component of a kick combination.
Warning
- Don't try to move too fast when you're just starting out. You could injure yourself.
- Don't kick too much at once as you can get dizzy.
- If you are hit or feel injured, call emergency services immediately.
