How to Do a Reverse Downward Kick in Taekwondo

The reverse downward kick in taekwondo is a spinning kick, which is a little harder to master. As such, the downward kick is an advanced move in taekwondo. Some schools refer to this as an axe kick because of the "chopping" motion of the straightened leg as it comes down on the opponent.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Begin in a taekwondo fighting stance. Your fists should be up guarding your face and upper body. One foot will be behind the other. For our purposes, put your left leg in front and your right leg behind.

2. Spin toward your back leg (to the right), which will be the kicking leg. When you are at 180 degrees into your spin, your right leg is now your front leg.

3. Look over your right shoulder at the target once you have spun 180 degrees.

4. Bend your knee and raise your right leg up to your chest, keeping it close to your body, after you have spun 180 degrees. Think of it as cocking your leg before kicking.

5. Kick your right leg out and straight up as you are coming around to finish the 360-degree spin.

6. Bring the leg straight down, striking the opponent on the top of the head, nose or shoulder with your heel or ball of your foot. The kick will be slightly diagonal because you are still finishing the spin when you execute it. Your right leg is your front leg when you have finished the reverse downward kick.

Tips & Warnings

• Execute this kick with speed and power after you have mastered the technique.

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