Hwa rang do, a Korean martial art that includes striking and grappling, features powerful kicking techniques, which allow you to strike an opponent from a distance with speed and accuracy. Like all techniques, you must practice them extensively and consistently to obtain maximum effectiveness. Consult a health care professional before beginning any martial arts instruction.
Front
One of the most basic, yet effective techniques of hwa rang do is the front kick. This can be executed from nearly any stance, with either the front or rear foot. By raising the knee of the striking leg, you determine the height of your kick. You then snap out your lower leg, striking with either your instep or the ball of your foot. Your instep works as a striking surface when targeting soft areas such as the groin, and the ball of your foot is used to deliver punishing blows to the legs, torso or head.
Roundhouse
The roundhouse kick is also performed by elevating the knee of your striking leg, but you must pivot on your supporting foot. The twisting motion of your waist as you turn your hips provides power. The kick is delivered horizontally or at a slightly upward angle. You can target any area of the body, from the ankle to the head with this technique, making it a versatile weapon in the arsenal of the hwa rang do practitioner. Like the front kick, you may strike with either your instep or the ball of your foot.
Side
The side kick is delivered with tremendous power, as you concentrate all your force into the outermost edge of your striking foot. Pivoting on your bottom foot like the roundhouse kick, raise the knee of your striking leg, then pull your knee into your chest, and as your hips turn, angle your foot so the edge of your striking foot, not the sole, is pointed at your opponent. Unleash the technique by explosively driving your leg at your opponent. This technique may effectively target any area of the body.
Spinning Heel
The spinning heel kick requires considerable speed and precision from any hwa rang do practitioner. This technique requires you to pivot on your bottom foot, briefly presenting your back to your opponent. As you continue your turn, the foot you are not pivoting on whips up, out and around. The movement of your spin gives power to this technique, but it is often used as a counter to other techniques. This kick is often used to target the head, but works well in focusing on the ankle in a sweeping motion.
References
- "The Ancient Martial Art of Hwarang Do - Volume 1"; Joo Bang Lee; 1978
- "The Ancient Martial Art of Hwarang Do - Volume 2"; Joo Bang Lee; 1978
- "The Ancient Martial Art of Hwarang Do - Volume 3"; Joo Bang Lee; 1978
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