Master Taekwondo Kicks: A Guide to Techniques and Variations
As Taekwondo practitioners and fans, we know that the heart of our discipline lies not just in strikes and forms, but in mastering the kicks that define our style. Whether you are a beginner stepping onto the mat for the first time or an experienced black belt, perfecting Taekwondo kicks is a lifelong journey of growth and improvement.
In the Taekwondo journey, all kicks of taekwondo have a story—a story of discipline, balance, and hard work. From the straightforward power of the front kick (Ap Chagi) to the impressive beauty of the flying side kick (Twi Myo Yeop Chagi), each kick has its own purpose and use. kicks in Taekwondo are not just techniques; they are expressions of martial art spirit, developed through many hours of practice and refinement.
Techniques and Taekwondo Kicks Names With Pictures
Here is an extensive introduction to all Taekwondo kicks, presenting a comprehensive guide that includes detailed descriptions, Korean terminology, and practical applications for each technique. Also, you can explore the Taekwondo belt levels at BeltsInTaekwondo for a deeper understanding of the ranking system.
1. The Front Kick (앞 차기, “Ap Chagi”)
Description: A Taekwondo basic kick executed by lifting the knee and snapping the foot forward.
Effectiveness: Versatile for both self-defense and Taekwondo Kicking competition.
Belt Level: White Belt
The front kick, or “Ap Chagi,” is often the first Taekwondo kick for beginners taught to students. Known for its speed and power, this kick involves raising the knee to waist level and snapping the foot forward to strike the target with the ball of the foot. The toes should be pulled back to avoid injury, and the hips should remain parallel to ensure maximum force.
The front kick is versatile and capable of targeting the opponent’s abdomen or, with a higher knee lift, the chin. Instructors emphasize this kick to teach the importance of proper knee lifting and body alignment. Variations of the front kick include:
- Front foot front kick
- Pushing front kick
- Jumping front kick
- Repeating front kick
- Skipping front kick
- The jump two-foot front kick
2. The Side Kick (옆 차기, “Yeop Chagi”)
Description: Delivered from the side using the heel to strike the target.
Effectiveness: Highly effective for creating distance and delivering powerful blows.
Belt Level: Yellow Belt
The sidekick is a powerful and versatile kick that Taekwondo students learn early in their training. To execute this kick, the practitioner raises their knee, rotates their body 90 degrees, and extends the leg forcefully, using the momentum of the waist and torso for added power. The sidekick can target various body parts, such as the torso or lower body, making it effective in both offensive and defensive scenarios.
Its linear motion and the use of strong leg muscles make the sidekick precise and difficult for opponents to defend, solidifying its place as one of the most potent kicks in Taekwondo. The impact point is typically the heel or the outside edge of the foot, with the heel delivering a solid, powerful strike. Variations of the sidekick include:
- Jumping side kick
- Front foot sidekick
- Skipping side kick
- Repeating side kick
- Pushing side kick
- Holding side kick
3. The Roundhouse Kick (돌려 차기, “Dollyeo Chagi”)
Description: Involves rotating the body and striking with the top of the foot.
Effectiveness: Powerful and commonly used in sparring.
Belt Level: Yellow Belt
The roundhouse kick, or “Dollyeo Chagi,” is one of the most popular and powerful kicks in Taekwondo, often seen in martial arts films. To perform this kick, the practitioner pivots on the non-kicking leg while turning the hips, then extends the kicking leg to strike the target.
The roundhouse kick’s speed, power, and cinematic flair make it a staple in both training and competition. This kick usually targets the abdomen, chest, or head, with the impact delivered by the ball or instep of the foot. Variations add versatility to this move, such as
- Jumping turn kick
- Skipping roundhouse kick
- Repeating turn kick
4. The Back Kick (뒷 차기, “Dwit Chagi”)
Description: A backward thrust kick using the heel.
Effectiveness: Extremely powerful, often used as a counter-attack.
Belt Level: Green Belt (Intermediate Level)
The back kick is a powerful technique known for its precision and counterattacking capability. Often referred to as the donkey kick or turning back kick, it is taught at an intermediate level to practitioners with solid foundational skills.
To execute this kick, the practitioner turns away from the target and then thrusts the back leg straight toward the opponent while looking over the shoulder. The heel is the primary impact point, aiming for vital areas like the solar plexus or liver. When performed correctly, the back kick can deliver devastating blows. However, improper execution can lead to loss of balance or even falling, highlighting the importance of balance and timing in this technique.
5. The Reverse Side Kick (반대 옆 차기, “Bandae Yeop Chagi”)
Description: This side kick is executed with a spin for added power.
Effectiveness: Effective for surprising the opponent.
Belt Level: Blue Belt
The reverse side kick is an advanced and powerful variation of the back kick. It involves turning the body further to generate extra momentum, striking with the foot blade. This kick requires excellent balance and control, achieved by looking over the shoulder during execution. Its increased force and surprise element make it a potent move for delivering powerful blows.
6 & 7. The Inner/Outer Crescent Kick (“An Chagi / Bakkat Chagi”)
Description: Arc kicks that swing inward or outward in a crescent motion
Effectiveness: Useful for attacking the head and upper body.
Belt Level: Green Belt
The crescent kick has two variations: the inner crescent kick (“An Chagi”) and the outer crescent kick (“Bakkat Chagi”). Both kicks start by raising the kicking leg high and extending it across the body’s centerline. For the inner crescent kick, the leg sweeps inward from the outside, while the outer crescent kick sweeps outward from the centerline.
These kicks are quick and effective for close-range combat, making them ideal for point-scoring in Taekwondo tournaments. Their speed and deceptive nature, especially when combined with other techniques, create opportunities to catch opponents off guard.
8. The Hook Kick (후려 차기, “Huryeo Chagi”)
Description: A kick that swings in a hooking motion to strike with the heel.
Effectiveness: Surprising angle of attack, often used in sparring.
Belt Level: Blue Belt
The hook kick has emerged as a notable technique in modern Taekwondo kick competitions, distinguishing itself with a unique path and impact. While not as traditional as other kicks, mastering the hook kick is essential for every Taekwondo practitioner. Similar to the roundhouse and side kick forms, it involves fully extending the kicking leg, bending the knee, and snapping the foot sideways to strike with the heel.
The target is typically the opponent’s jaw or temple, making it effective for point-scoring and strategic feints in competitive settings. Its versatility and surprising trajectory make it a valuable addition to any martial artist’s repertoire.
9. Reverse Turning Kick (반대 돌려 차기, “Bandae Dollyeo Chagi”)
Description: A spinning kick that combines power and surprise.
Effectiveness: Requires good balance and coordination.
Belt Level: Red Belt
The reverse turning kick combines elements of spinning and turning kicks to deliver precise and powerful strikes. This kick involves extending the leg straight toward the opponent’s body or head with a sweeping motion, similar to the hook kick but with a straighter trajectory.
The impact is focused on the heel of the kicking foot, aimed at targets like the jaw or temple for maximum effectiveness. Its versatility is showcased through variations that emphasize speed and agility, making it a formidable technique in both training and competition settings.
10. The Axe Kick (내려 차기, “Naeryeo Chagi”)
Description: Executed by raising the leg high and then bringing it down forcefully.
Effectiveness: Targets the opponent’s head or shoulder with a powerful downward force.
Belt Level: Red Belt
Among the kicks of taekwondo, the Axe kick is a dynamic technique popular in competitive Taekwondo and other martial arts. Named for its resemblance to swinging an axe, this kick begins by lifting the leg high above the body, similar to preparing to strike wood with an axe. The practitioner then drives the leg downward with force, keeping the heel pointed downwards throughout the motion.
This kick targets areas above the opponent’s torso, such as the head, shoulders, and collarbone, making it effective for delivering knockout blows in competition. Beyond its combative applications, the axe kick enhances flexibility, range of motion, and muscle control, making it valuable for both training and demonstrations.
Variations like the front foot axe kick and skipping axe kick further demonstrate its versatility and effectiveness in various martial arts contexts.
11. The Knee Strike (“Mureup Chigi”)
Description: A close-range strike using the knee.
Effectiveness: Devastating in clinch situations.
Belt Level: Black Belt
The knee strike kick in Taekwondo is a formidable technique that harnesses the power of the knee. While not classified as a kick, it remains a crucial element in close combat scenarios. This strike involves raising the knee and delivering impact by either drawing the opponent into the knee or thrusting the knee toward the target.
These variations make the knee strike versatile, and effective for inflicting damage and creating openings in combat. Widely utilized in mixed martial arts (MMA) and disciplines like Muay Thai, the knee strike exemplifies the integration of different martial arts techniques to maximize fighting efficiency.
12. The Scissor Kick (“Kawi Chagi”)
Description: A kick that mimics the motion of scissors, often targeting multiple levels.
Effectiveness: Dynamic and surprising, useful in competitions.
Belt Level: Black Belt
The scissor kick is a highly advanced kicking technique in Taekwondo that is primarily showcased in demonstrations rather than practical combat. This visually impressive maneuver involves jumping and kicking, where each leg targets a separate opponent simultaneously.
While it dazzles with its spectacle, the scissor kick’s complexity and inherent vulnerability limit its applicability in competitive arenas or self-defense scenarios. Mastering this skill requires exceptional agility and timing, making it a feat that showcases the practitioner’s mastery and precision in Taekwondo techniques.
13 & 14. The Flying Side Kick & Flying Back Kick (“Twi Myo Yeop Chagi / Twi Myo Dwi Chagi”)
Description: Side and back kicks executed with a jump for added height and power.
Effectiveness: Spectacular and powerful, ideal for demonstrations and competitions.
Belt Level: Black Belt
The flying side kick and flying back kick in Taekwondo, epitomize the artistry and athleticism of advanced kicks. These types of kicking techniques in taekwondo require a running start before launching into mid-air attacks. While primarily used for demonstration purposes, they are also employed strategically in sparring to surprise opponents and gain tactical advantage.
The flying back kick, in particular, stands out for its ability to deliver powerful counterattacks against aggressive adversaries, making it a formidable tool. Mastering these kicks requires precision timing, agility, and a mastery of aerial techniques, highlighting the practitioner’s skill and athleticism in Taekwondo.
Flying Side Kick (Twi Myo Yeop Chagi)
Flying Back Kick (Twi Myo Dwi Chagi)
