The Korean martial art of tae kwon do trains the mind and body, enhancing the spirit through disciplined training. Tae kwon do features dynamic movements involving both fist and foot strikes, with competitors honing their skills through intensive sparring sessions. The exact techniques tae kwon do practitioners use during sparring will change according to the specific competition’s rules, but all fist strikes must use the front part of the index and middle fingers, while all foot strikes can use any portion of the foot below the ankle bone.
Roundhouse Kick
The roundhouse is the most-frequently used kick in tae kwon do and requires quickness and accuracy. From a stand-up fighting position, swing your rear leg forward, leading with the knee. As the leg extends, you want to pivot on your plant foot and generate power with your hip, snapping the kick into your opponent. A proper roundhouse technique ends by stepping back into a defensive position.
Ax Kick
Tae kwon do fighters can use an ax kick technique to not only deliver a blow, but also create space and strengthen defensive positioning. To perform an ax kick, take a balanced fighting stance with one leg positioned in front of the other. Swing the back leg forward and up with a bent knee. Once the knee gets to its highest point, fully extend the leg and drive the foot downward so the leg resembles a swinging ax.
Back Kick
Particularly effective as a counterattacking technique, the back kick involves a quick-spinning maneuver into a straight leg extension. From a side stance, pivot on your front foot so you turn your back to your opponent. Load your rear leg as you spin, looking over your shoulder to track your opponent’s movements. Finish your body turn and snap the kicking leg forward into the target. If used to counter, the back kick needs to be short and compact. If used as an attacking strike, the back kick should be long and penetrate through the target.
Block Punch
Punching can be both an aggressive offensive strike and a defensive block at the same time. To execute a block punch from a stand-up fighting stance, you need to perform three separate motions. Slide your front foot forward to create punching distance. Extend your front arm downward to protect your lead leg from any kicks. Fire a straight punch with your power hand. You must perform all three moves simultaneously. Don’t take a major windup. Punch from the chest with a snap of the shoulder.
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