How to Perform a Roundhouse Kick in Tae Kwon Do
If an attacker blocks your path, a roundhouse kick to the side will give you a chance to escape. Fast and deceptive, the roundhouse kick is an excellent self-defense technique.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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-
1
Face forward with one leg ahead of the other to perform a front-leg roundhouse kick. Bend the forward knee while keeping the back leg straight. Make sure both heels touch the floor. Keep your legs shoulder-width apart (front stance).
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2
Keep your fists in front of you to guard your midsection.
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3
Lift the front leg and bend the knee 90 degrees, shifting your weight to the rear, supporting leg. Keep your thigh parallel to the floor. Point the toes of your striking foot.
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4
Begin to pivot the supporting foot around to the rear as you bend the kicking leg.
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5
Twist your hips and snap the leg from the knee as if snapping a whip from the side to a target. Your supporting foot will pivot 180 degrees during the full extension of the kick.
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6
Strike the target with the top (instep) of the foot.
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7
Bend your striking leg at the knee 90 degrees and return to your original position, your supporting foot pivoting around 180 degrees.
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1
Tips & Warnings
As you turn, use the power of your hips to add force to your strike.
Use the top of your foot as a striking surface during practice or competition.
Use your toe as a striking surface if you are wearing hard shoes in a self-defense situation.
Practice all techniques from either side, but master one way first.
If you have any condition that would impair or limit your ability to engage in physical activity, please consult a physician before attempting this activity.
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Comments
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sisco88
Apr 24, 2010
I was taught Tae Kwon Do in the early 70s. Then you were instructed to use the ball of the foot,pulling back the toes, to strike. Now,most MMA fighters use the lower shin as the strike surface. I think this way generates much more power. -
Zarko
Oct 26, 2007
I spent 3 years in Michigan doing TKD and we learned the roundhouse with the top of our foot. I then moved to NY and continued my studies, but the class I was in did the roundhouse with the ball of the foot. From my experience you can generate WAY more energy with the first way (top of foot), and have a much less incidence of injury since it's not always easy to pull your toes back and hit with the ball when you're in a clutch situation. Plus when you use the top of your foot, you actually get a little more distance for your strike.
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Zarko
Oct 26, 2007
I spent 3 years in Michigan doing TKD and we learned the roundhouse with the top of our foot. I then moved to NY and continued my studies, but the class I was in did the roundhouse with the ball of the foot. From my experience you can generate WAY more energy with the first way (top of foot), and have a much less incidence of injury since it's not always easy to pull your toes back and hit with the ball when you're in a clutch situation. Plus when you use the top of your foot, you actually get a little more distance for your strike.
-
Jan 30, 2006
Use a low roundhouse kick in conjunction with aero step. Fake with a roundhouse kick to the left, then twist hips and throw a round house to low or middle with the right. But do not try to envelop your foe with strikes with both your legs. The interrupted momentum reduces power and drains energy quickly.
-
Jan 30, 2006
Use a low roundhouse kick in conjunction with aero step. Fake with a roundhouse kick to the left, then twist hips and throw a round house to low or middle with the right. But do not try to envelop your foe with strikes with both your legs. The interrupted momentum reduces power and drains energy quickly.
