How to Perform a Front Kick in Tae Kwon Do

The front kick (Ap Chaki) is used for targets directly in front of you and is one of the first kicking techniques learned in Tae Kwon Do. Performed correctly, it's among the most powerful.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

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• Martial Arts Uniforms
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1. Face forward with your feet about a shoulder's width apart to perform a back leg front kick. Step forward on one leg with your knee bent. Your back leg will be straight (front stance).

2. Shift your weight forward and lift the back leg high, bending the knee 90 degrees in front of you. The knee will point at the target.

3. Keep your kicking foot pointed forward while pulling your toes back.

4. Snap the leg forward and strike with the ball of the foot.

5. Retract your kicking leg immediately, following the same path you took to strike.

Tips & Warnings

• Retract your leg and foot as quickly as you threw the kick to return to a fighting position.
• Practicing the martial arts is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

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[natlog]

on 9/15/2009 I found the front kick to be one of the hardest to execute properly, possibly because I am short. I tended to pull my foot up as I kicked, more like a snap kick, which weakened it. When I learned to push my foot straight foreward, like it was on a rail, and throw my whole body straight into it, I was able to kick my instructor across the (relatively small) room.

on 7/20/2006 A front kick can be performed with the instep for kicking targets or attacking the groin, as well as the ball of the foot. Other variations include jumping off of the kicking leg before kicking and performing multiple kicks in the air.

on 11/22/2005 Make sure to snap your leg at the knee joint. This will not only provide you with more power, it increases speed to be able to attack again quicker.

on 11/22/2005 Once the basic front kick has been learned, perform it from a fighting stance. Your body's left or right side should be turned toward the opponent. Execute the kick per the instructions, squaring your hips and torso toward the target as you kick.