Top 10 Tae Kwon Do Kicking Techniques Every Beginner Must Master

• 1. Basic Kicks Every Beginner Should Learn
• 2. Front Kick (Ap Chagi)
• 3. Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi)
• 4. Side Kick (Yop Chagi)
• 5. Back Kick (Dwi Chagi)
• 6. Hook Kick (Huryeo Chagi)
• 7. Axe Kick (Naeryo Chagi)
• 8. Spinning Kick (Dwi Huryeo Chagi)
• 9. Jumping Kick
• 10. Jumping Roundhouse Kick
• Training Tips for Perfecting Your Kicks
• Where to Learn Tae Kwon Do Kicks

1. Basic Kicks Every Beginner Should Learn

For those new to Tae Kwon Do, the first step is mastering the basic kicks that form the foundation of all other advanced techniques. These kicks help build balance, flexibility, and muscle memory, making it easier to progress to more complicated movements later on. Beginners should focus on kicking with control, precision, and the right technique before increasing speed or power.

The basic kicks include the front kick, roundhouse kick, and side kick. Mastering these first will give you a strong start in your Tae Kwon Do journey, and they’ll become the building blocks for all the other, more advanced kicks.

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2. Front Kick (Ap Chagi)

The front kick is one of the most fundamental kicks in Tae Kwon Do, often used for self-defense and attacking your opponent's midsection. It’s a straight kick that targets the opponent’s torso, especially the stomach or chest. When performed correctly, it can also serve as a quick way to stop an opponent's advance.

To execute a front kick (Ap Chagi), stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, chamber the kicking leg by lifting the knee towards your chest, and quickly extend your foot forward. Aim to strike with the ball of your foot, then retract your leg back to the starting position. This kick helps develop strength in your hips and legs and is great for improving your overall balance.

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3. Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi)

The roundhouse kick (Dollyo Chagi) is one of the most iconic and versatile kicks in Tae Kwon Do. It’s often used to target an opponent’s head or torso. This kick requires a rotation of the body and legs, using the shin or foot as the striking surface.

To perform the roundhouse kick, pivot on your supporting foot, rotate your body, and extend your kicking leg in a circular motion. The power of this kick comes from the rotation and speed, so practice with focus on technique and fluidity. The roundhouse kick is ideal for both offense and defense, as it can be used to strike or block quickly.

4. Side Kick (Yop Chagi)

The side kick (Yop Chagi) is a powerful and effective kick in Tae Kwon Do, primarily used for targeting the midsection or knee of your opponent. This kick involves extending your leg to the side, creating a horizontal strike with the edge of the foot.

To execute a side kick, first turn your body sideways to your target, lifting the knee of your kicking leg towards your chest. Then, extend the leg forcefully, striking with the heel of the foot. Focus on pushing your leg with power while maintaining balance. The side kick is great for defensive maneuvers and closing distance with an opponent.

5. Back Kick (Dwi Chagi)

The back kick (Dwi Chagi) is a defensive kick commonly used when an opponent approaches from behind or to counter a close-range attack. This kick uses the heel to strike and can be highly effective when executed correctly.

To perform the back kick, pivot on your supporting foot, turn your body away from your target, and quickly extend your kicking leg backward. The key to this kick is speed and precision, so practice turning quickly without losing your balance. It’s an excellent technique for protecting yourself from attacks and surprising your opponent with a sudden counter-strike.

6. Hook Kick (Huryeo Chagi)

The hook kick (Huryeo Chagi) is a powerful kick used to strike at an opponent’s head or upper body. It involves a sweeping motion that hooks around the target, making it difficult to predict and counter.

To perform a hook kick, chamber your leg as if preparing for a roundhouse kick, but instead of extending the leg in a circular motion, you bring it around in a hooking arc. Strike with the heel or the bottom of your foot, making contact with your target. The hook kick is great for striking the head or attacking an opponent who is defending their midsection.

7. Axe Kick (Naeryo Chagi)

The axe kick (Naeryo Chagi) is a high-impact strike that involves lifting the leg vertically and then bringing it down onto the target, similar to an axe chopping wood. It’s particularly effective against an opponent’s head, shoulders, or collarbone.

To execute the axe kick, lift your leg straight up and then forcefully bring it down in a straight line. Make sure to strike with the heel or ball of your foot for maximum power. The key to this kick is control and precision, as a miscalculation in timing can cause injury to your own leg.

8. Spinning Kick (Dwi Huryeo Chagi)

The spinning kick is an advanced technique that adds speed and power to your kicks. This dynamic move involves rotating your body before delivering a powerful roundhouse kick to your target. It’s commonly used in both self-defense and competition settings.

To perform a spinning kick, spin your body 360 degrees before delivering the roundhouse kick. The rotation of the body generates more power, making this kick a potent offensive move. Practice your footwork, balance, and timing to execute this technique effectively.

9. Jumping Kick

Jumping kicks add an element of surprise and power to your arsenal. These techniques involve jumping into the air before executing any of the basic kicks, making them harder for opponents to block or predict.

To perform a jumping kick, first, push off with your supporting foot to get airborne, then execute any of the fundamental kicks (like front or roundhouse) mid-air. The key is to combine speed, power, and precision while maintaining control during the jump.

10. Jumping Roundhouse Kick

The jumping roundhouse kick combines the power of a roundhouse kick with the unpredictability of a jump. This technique is especially useful for attacking an opponent who is far away or for breaking through defenses.

To execute a jumping roundhouse kick, start by jumping off the ground with your support leg, bringing the knee of your kicking leg up, and then performing a roundhouse kick mid-air. This kick requires great timing, control, and flexibility. With practice, it becomes a powerful weapon in both self-defense and competitive scenarios.

Training Tips for Perfecting Your Kicks

Mastering Tae Kwon Do kicks takes time, dedication, and consistent practice. Here are a few training tips to help you improve:

• Start with basic kicks and focus on technique before adding speed or power.
• Practice your kicks in front of a mirror to ensure proper form and alignment.
• Incorporate flexibility exercises to increase your kicking range and prevent injury.
• Work on your balance and core strength to improve stability during kicks.
• Seek feedback from an instructor to refine your technique and correct mistakes.

Where to Learn Tae Kwon Do Kicks

If you want to master these kicking techniques, consider joining a local Tae Kwon Do school. At Jeuns TKD Hub, we offer specialized training programs for beginners, focusing on essential Tae Kwon Do techniques and providing hands-on instruction to help you improve. Whether you're a beginner or aiming to perfect your skills, our experienced instructors will guide you every step of the way.