The Importance of Taekwondo Kicks

Every form of martial arts has certain techniques (or perhaps a certain style of techniques, to be more accurate) that set it apart from the other branches of the martial arts. For example most of us will readily recognize the fluid animal movements associated with Kung Fu. In the case of Taekwondo, it is the dynamic kicking that sets it apart. Taekwondo kicks are widely renowned for their power, the dynamic execution of the kicking technique, and the sheer spectacular quality of the more advanced taekwondo kicks and kicking combinations.

Taekwondo places particular emphasis on kicking technique, and when you think about it there is a very solid logic behind this. The leg is obviously not only the strongest, but also the longest offensive weapon that a martial artist has at his or her disposal. The potential for power and reach is greatest when using our legs to kick with, and also affords some level of safe distance from an opponent when they retaliate. It is also thought that in terms of the historical development of Taekwondo, the Koreans thought their hands were too valuable to be used in a combat situation.

As Taekwondo developed and evolved, the importance of taekwondo kicks remained fundamental to the art, right through to the modern age of Taekwondo. Now, not only do the basic kicks play a vital role in taekwondo training, but they have further evolved in their speed, power, and reach to be able to strategically increase a competitors chance of scoring points in a sport taekwondo environment, as is seen in Olympic and WTF competition.

Taekwondo kicks have at their core a fundamental technique that has been practiced by Taekwondo practitioners as long as the art has existed. A beginner will learn these fundamentals and as they advance with their training they will learn more advanced techniques and taekwondo kicks. Practicing and perfecting the basic kicking techniques will be the foundation to their future taekwondo training and endeavors.

The Striking Weapon of the Foot When Performing Taekwondo Kicks

There are various parts of the foot that will be used to make contact with the opponent or target.

These areas can be considered the weapon at the point of contact and will depend on the type of taekwondo kick or kicking combination being performed. These “weapon” areas of the foot include the heel, the instep, the ball of the foot, the edge or blade of the foot, and the sole.

Basic Taekwondo Kicks

• Taekwondo Side Kick
• Roundhouse or Turning Kick
• Back Kick
• Axe Kick
• Instep Kick
• Front Kick
• Spinning Kick or Spinning Heel Kick
• Push Kick

Advanced Taekwondo Kicks and Jumping Kicks

• Hook Kick
• Reverse Turning Kick
• Reverse Instep
• Spinning Hook Kick
• Jump Reverse Turning Kick
• Jumping Back Kick
• Step Up Back Kick
• Tornado Kick
• Jumping Spinning Kick
• Jumping Front Kick
• Flying Side Kick

In a dynamic taekwondo sparring or competition environment, taekwondo kicks will be performed in a variety of combinations, and might include false kicks, feinting, half kicks, kicks off the front leg, sliding kicks, a flurry of kicks, and offensive and counter attacks. In such a dynamic environment, taekwondo kicks can be used to confuse, overwhelm, knockout, weaken, point score, or to strategically “set up” your opponent.

Becoming Better at Taekwondo Kicking

• Learn and perfect the basics of taewondo kicking.
• Understand that the power of a taekwondo kick is generated through the hips and the speed of the rotation of the hips, and the reach through the extension of the hips.
• Remember that the fundamental technique will be the cornerstone to more advanced taekwondo kicks and combination kicking.