a comprehensive guide to Taekwondo kicks, including their names (in Korean and English), common drills, practice guidelines, and reputable video resources.
Common Taekwondo Kicks (English & Korean)
English Name | Korean Name (Hangul) | Romanized Korean |
---|---|---|
Front Kick | 앞 차기 | Ap Chagi |
Roundhouse Kick | 돌려 차기 | Dollyeo Chagi |
Side Kick | 옆 차기 | Yeop Chagi |
Back Kick | 뒤 차기 | Dwi Chagi |
Hook Kick | 후려 차기 | Huryeo Chagi |
Axe Kick | 내려 차기 / 도끼 차기 | Naeryeo Chagi / Dokki Chagi |
Crescent Kick (Inside) | 안 차기 | An Chagi |
Crescent Kick (Outside) | 바깥 차기 | Bakkat Chagi |
Spinning Back Kick | 뒤 돌려 차기 | Dwi Dollyeo Chagi |
Jumping Front Kick | 뛰어 앞 차기 | Ttwieo Ap Chagi |
Jumping Roundhouse Kick | 뛰어 돌려 차기 | Ttwieo Dollyeo Chagi |
Jumping Side Kick | 뛰어 옆 차기 | Ttwieo Yeop Chagi |
Tornado Kick (360 Kick) | 돌개 차기 | Dolgae Chagi |
Reverse Roundhouse Kick | 반대 돌려 차기 | Bandae Dollyeo Chagi |
Note: Terminology may vary slightly between ITF (International Taekwon-Do Federation) and WT (World Taekwondo, formerly WTF) styles.
Essential Drills for Practicing Kicks
1. Shadow Kicking
- Practice kicks in front of a mirror without a target.
- Focus on form, balance, and chambering.
- Do 10–20 reps per leg per kick.
2. Pad Work (with Partner)
- Use focus mitts or kicking pads.
- Builds power, accuracy, and timing.
- Partner calls out combinations (e.g., “Roundhouse → Side Kick”).
3. Heavy Bag Drills
- Develop power and endurance.
- Combine kicks into combinations (e.g., front + roundhouse + back kick).
- Practice at varying speeds and intensities.
4. Balance & Control Drills
- Hold kicking position for 5–10 seconds after extension.
- Try a single-leg stance with eyes closed to improve proprioception.
5. Jumping & Spinning Kick Progressions
- Start with slow-motion spins to build coordination.
- Use wall support for balance during initial spinning practice.
- Gradually add height and speed.
6. Target Accuracy Drills
- Hang small targets (e.g., tennis balls on strings) at different heights.
- Kick specific zones (head, body, low) to improve precision.
Practice Guidelines
- Warm Up Thoroughly
- 10–15 minutes of dynamic stretching (leg swings, high knees, hip circles).
- Light cardio (jumping jacks, skipping rope).
- Focus on Technique Over Power
- Perfect form before adding speed or force.
- Record yourself to self-correct posture, chambering, and retraction.
- Chambering is Key
- Every kick should start and end with a proper chamber (knee raised, foot near opposite knee).
- Retract Kicks Quickly
- Minimize exposure after kicking—return to fighting stance immediately.
- Practice Both Legs
- Even if one side is dominant, train your weaker leg equally.
- Cool Down & Stretch
- Static stretching for hamstrings, quads, hip flexors, and calves.
- Prevents injury and improves flexibility.
- Consistency > Intensity
- Short, daily practice (15–30 mins) is better than infrequent long sessions.
Recommended Video Resources
Beginner-Friendly Tutorials
- Global Martial Arts University (GMAU) – Full Taekwondo curriculum
🔗 https://www.globalmartialartsuniversity.com
(Free and paid structured courses) - TKD Tutor – Basic Kicks Explained
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nq3V6J1sKQ
Advanced Kicks & Combinations
- Master Kim – Spinning & Jumping Kicks
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Y4jXZqKQe0 - Kukkiwon Official – WT Taekwondo Techniques
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/user/kukkiwon
Drills & Conditioning
- FightTips – Taekwondo Kick Combinations
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jk1V8V9Kj8w - Flexibility for High Kicks (Yoga for Martial Artists)
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CkSd4V6XrE
Safety Tips
- Never force flexibility—stretch gradually.
- Use proper mats when practicing spinning/jumping kicks.
- Stop if you feel sharp pain (distinguish from muscle fatigue).
- Train under a certified instructor when possible, especially for advanced techniques.