Kicks
Tae Kwon Do is well known for its wide range of kicking techniques, some which are decidedly more useful in practical situations than others. Below we describe the most useful kicks by beginner, intermediate and Advanced.
Beginner Ranks
This section covers how to properly
execute foundation kicks in taekwondo. These kicks are the basis for more complicated techniques.
The focus at this stage is learning how to execute each kick with correct chambers, and striking surface.
Chambering, is a prepratory position that must occur before the striking action of a kick is possible. The striking surface is the surface area of your body that makes contact with the target.
Intermediate Ranks
Now that you understand and are able to execute the kicks, we will add turning and stepping footwork to the kicks. Turning and stepping footwork with kicks can be challenging at first, term of distance, timing and balance.
The goal at this stage is twofold:
1.) learning how to turn/step and properly execute all of the kicks at any angle.
2.) Gain a higher level of proficiency in performing the kicks.
While turning and stepping footwork adds difficulty it will open up new opprotunities for movement, and improve your target accuracy.
Advanced Ranks
The advanced ranks focus on jumping footwork in additon to turning. Jumping can add height or distance to your kicks.
The focus at this stage is to master jumping, and to gain a mastery of the kicks in any execution.
To prepare for jumping, jump up and down on the balls of your feet- landing lightly each time. Next try jumping into and out of the chambers for each kick.