In Korean, " tae " means "to kick" or "to crush with the foot". Therefore, if you want to become good at Taekwondo, you need to master the kick. There are five basic kicks in Taekwondo: front kicks, side kicks, hook kicks, back kicks, and twisting kicks. If you can master these five kicks, you will have a solid foundation to explore other complex kicks. Although the choice of kick to use will depend on the target position, each kick in Taekwondo requires a certain level of precision and flexibility of movement. only obtained through regular practice and attention to your whole body.
Step
Method 1 of 5: Taking Forward Kicks
Step 1. Position your body correctly for a front kick (Ap-Chagi)
The target of the front kick is – of course – in front of you. The target must be “feet away” from your body for the kick to be effective. In some cases, you can jump slightly forward or backward to make sure your kick is on target. If so, make sure there is enough space around you to complete the front kick.
Step 2. Lift your knees toward the target
The foot you choose to kick will depend on several factors. If the opponent's weakness is on the left side, shoot with the left foot. If you take several kicks in a row, you can vary the legs you use so you don't get caught by the enemy. However, make sure your thighs are pointing straight at the target for a straight kick.
Step 3. Rotate the support leg
One of the keys to a strong front kick is having a strong stance. If you don't rotate your supporting leg, you'll fall or sway, making your attacks less accurate. Rotate your feet to compensate.
Step 4. Use your hips
The taekwondo front kick depends on the momentum of your hips as well as the strength of your legs. When rotating the support leg, make sure you are also pushing forward using the side of your hip that is in line with the kicking leg. For example, when taking a front kick with your right foot, when adjusting your left foot, push the right side of your pelvis forward. This added momentum will help your entire foot, making the kick much more powerful.
Step 5. Extend legs
Now that you've got a good stance in place, it's time to make contact. Extend your legs straight. Make contact with the target. The front kick can be used to target the lower, middle and upper body. This means you need flexibility to kick higher in the air.
Step 6. Kick the target using the heart of the foot
This is the key. Since your heart or heel is the hardest part of your foot, that's where you need to make contact. If you kick with your toes, you're more likely to break them.
Method 2 of 5: Taking Side Kicks
Step 1. Position your body correctly to perform a side kick (Yop Chagi)
As the name implies, you need to position yourself in such a way that the target is next to you. Side kicks are not appropriate when the target is in another position. Before doing this kick, put your body in the correct position.
Step 2. Strengthen the foot that is the support
When you draw an imaginary line from your opponent to yourself, your feet should move perpendicularly. The key to this kick is a sturdy stance. You must be able to balance the body when doing Yop Chagi. Most Taekwondo masters rotate their legs into this position while kicking. Doing so will allow you to finish your kicks quickly.
Step 3. Lift the knee of the kicking leg first
Bend your knees so that they are lifted toward your torso. This move gives you the ability to stretch your legs further out more quickly. This will add the power your kick needs.
Step 4. Perform the kick by extending your leg straight toward the target
As you spread your legs apart, your hips should also be open, which will add momentum to the kick.
Step 5. Kick the target with your heel and the outside of your foot
Unlike front kicks, you use more of your foot to perform side kicks. As with a front kick, avoid making contact with your toes to avoid injury.
Method 3 of 5: Finishing the Hooking Kick
Step 1. Get your body in the right position for a hook kick (Huryeo)
This kick starts like a side kick. Make sure the target is next to your body. It is important to ensure the target position of this kick even though it requires a more circular motion than a side kick.
Step 2. Lift the knee of the kicking leg by bending it forward
This move is the same as a side kick. By lifting your knees up and toward your torso, you gather more power behind your kick. Same with side kicks.
Step 3. Extend your legs as you move them forward
Make sure to keep your balance at this stage or you will fall and the kick will fail. The side kick goes straight to the target at this point, while the hook kick moves forward (towards the tip of your foot). You need to do this to pull the leg back in the next step, resulting in a hooking motion.
Step 4. Pull your legs back
Complete the hooking motion. This is a good time to re-examine your goals. If the enemy has moved since you started your kick, you can lower, raise, or shift your kick.
Step 5. Kick with the heel or the sole of the foot
Depending on where your opponent is at this stage, kick with the safe part of your foot. The heel is the best part, but the sole of your foot can be used as well. Don't kick with the tip of your foot or the top of your foot.
Method 4 of 5: Performing Back Kicks
Step 1. Position your body properly to perform a back kick (Dwi or Dwi chagi)
To get to the right position, you have to have your back to your opponent. If your training partner is already behind you, this is the ideal move or if you want to surprise him, you can turn his back on him. Don't let the target be right behind you. You need to spread your legs as far as possible for this kick. Therefore, make sure you can do this kick with both feet.
Step 2. Lift your knees toward your chest
As with every kick, this is to give you more room to spread your legs, thereby adding momentum to your kick. This must be done quickly so that the target cannot guess what your plans are.
Step 3. Extend your legs backwards
Point your heels forward toward the target. Back kicks will not work for targets that are higher in the air. Our bodies can't bend like that, so spread your legs towards the middle or bottom of your opponent.
Step 4. Use your toes to balance your body
When done correctly, the weight of the body will shift naturally to the tips of your feet. Thus, make sure you are prepared to do so so as not to fall.
Step 5. Kick using the heel of your foot
After all, the heel will be the first part of your foot to make contact as you kick back. As always, avoid kicking the target with the other half of your foot.
Method 5 of 5: Achieving the Perfect Twisting Kick
Step 1. Adjust your body position for a circular kick (Dollyo Chagi)
This kick is one of the most effective basic kicks. This kick is sometimes called a turn kick or corner kick. Make sure the target is straight with your side.
Step 2. Rotate with your feet resting on the heart of your feet
Most coaches will tell you to rotate your supporting foot inward toward your midsection when initiating a circular kick. The power of the twisting kick comes from the twisting motion. This power arises from the heart of the foot. This movement requires excellent balance. Practice the spin a few times before trying your first twist.
Step 3. Bend the knee of the kicking leg when it starts to rotate
This move will be very fast and will give your kick a little extra power. Immediately after pulling the leg, you need to release it.
Step 4. Extend legs straight
The angle at which you spread your legs will be determined by the height of the target. This will be done in the middle of your round.
Step 5. Make contact with the instep or heart of the foot
Make sure not to make contact with your toes, as this will injure you more than your opponent.
Don't use your heels to make contact
Tips
- Understand the basic target zone for kicks in Taekwondo (“chagi” - a word meaning kick). There are three basic goals. "Face kick" refers to the area near a person's face. This term is also used for kicks up the torso or torso. The 'kick to the body' refers to the solar plexus and ribs. The 'low kick' refers to the lower abdomen.
- Always try to work slowly at first and then work your way up to faster kicks. Rotate your hips as fast as you can and extend the kick at the same torque to increase kick power.
