How to Execute a Front Kick in Taekwondo

How to Execute a Front Kick in Taekwondo

_ "The contestant shall wear the trunk protector, head protector,
groin guard, forearm guards, shin guards, hand protector and be
equipped with a mouthpiece before entering the contest area."_ -
The rule of the World Taekwondo Federation, (WTF).

In Korean, "Tae" means "the art of kicking, attacking a target by
kicking with the feet, a force derived from the systematic movement of
the body." Taekwondo is well known for its superiority in foot
techniques. Not only are the legs very powerful weapons, but they are
also used for blocking. While executing kicks, you also need to
maintain a solid, balanced stance with the stationary foot. Special
attention must be paid to the shifting of balance and withdrawal of
the kicking foot. Here is how to execute a front kick in Taekwondo.

!! Steps !!

Understand the types of kicking in Taekwondo. There are various types
of kicking (and note that "chagi" is the word for kicking):

* _Face kick_ – this refers to force on front face.

* _Kick to the trunk_ – the trunk refers to the solar plexus and
the flank.

* _Low kick_ – this refers to the lower abdomen.

Learn and understand the exact part of the foot which is applied
and used for the kick. Before starting any kick, knowing this the
first important important step. Examples of technique along with
the different kinds of kicks can be seen in the images throughout
the article.

* "Apchuk": Note that the ball of the foot is used for the front
kick. Pull the toes in line together and towards the direction of
the instep. Using the bottom of the toes for kicks. With Apchuk,
the ball of the foot and the toes impact the target.

* Bend the knee and draw close to the chest to execute the front
kick. Bend the knee and draw close to the chest.
Example of Ap ChagiPerform the front kick (Ap-Chagi). Execute
the front kick by straightening the leg with speed.

* Target the trunk and the face for attack.

* Execute the kick in various stances, as shown in the following
steps.

"Balnal", the outside edge of the foot, is used for the side
kick or backward kick. Put the toes in line together and pull
them to the direction of the instep. The part between starting
point of little toes and the heel (the foot blade) is for
kicks.Perform the side kick (Yeop Chagi). Using the outside edge
of the foot as side kick is called Yeop Chagi.

* Lift the knee of the kicking foot by bending in front.

* Deliver a kick stretching the foot straightly toward the target.

* The back parts of the sole and the outer edge of the foot are used
for impact. Example of side kick - "Yeop Chagi"

"Balnaldeung", the inner side of the foot, is used for the instep
front kick or roundhouse kick (below). Put the toes in line
together and pull them to the direction of the instep.Perform the
instep front kick or "slapping" kick (An-Chagi). Use the inner
side edge of the foot (known as the "balnaldeung").

* This kick is executed by making the kicking foot draw a circle
from outside to inside.

* The inner side of the foot blade is used for attack.

* Target the trunk and the face for attack. Example of the inner
side of the foot "slapping kick" ("An Chagi")

"Dwikkumchi", the heel, is used for drop kick, turning kick and
hook kicks.Perform the hooking kick (Nakka Chigi). Use the heel
("dwikkumchi").

* Lift the knee of the kicking foot by bending in front.

* The kicking leg will instantly fold the knee.

* Attack the back of the opponent by folding the stretched knee.

* Deliver a kick by the heel. Example of using the heel to kick;
this is called "Nakka Chigi" (hooking kick).

"Balbadak", the sole, is used for the slapping kick, pushing
kick, and is also effective for the back round kick.Perform the
back round kick ("Momdollyo Chagi"). Use the sole of the foot
("balbadak").

* First look at your opponent eye to eye.

* Turn the body 360 degrees to clockwise rotation.

* At the same time, turn the foot and raise forward as high as
possible.

* The sole of the foot is used for kicking after you have turned 360
degrees completely.

* Example of using the sole for back round kick called
"Momdollyo Chagi". The kicked foot is put at the beginning
position after complete turning.

"Baldeung", the upper foot, ranging from the ankle to the toes,
is used for the round house kick and front kick. Perform the
round house kick ("Dollyo Chagi"). This is one of the fundamental
kicks that is extremely effective on the target, leaving a
massive impact. Use the upper foot ("baldeung") ranging from the
ankle to the toes.

* Bend the knee of the back foot, pivot on the ball of the foot and
draw a circle around the supporting foot by connecting the back
foot on the target.

* Also execute instep foot strike on the side of the face over the
ribs. Example kick by the upper foot is called "Dollyo Chagi".

!! Video !!

!! Things You\'ll Need !!

* Suitable comfortable clothing

* Space to practice

* Opponent (try to get someone experienced to assist you)

!! Related WikiHows !!

* How to Perform a Taekwondo Front Kick

* How to Be a Good Taekwondo Student

* How to Do a Bullet Kick in Taekwondo

* How to Become an Olympic Fighter in Taekwondo

* How to Choose a Taekwondo School

!! Sources And Citations !!

* Original source of article from Grandmaster: Jimmy R. Jagtiani,
8th Dan

* Taekwondo Federation of India,
http://www.taekwondofederationofindia.com – research source

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