How to Perfect Your Round Kick

An effective round kick, also called a roundhouse kick, is an important and powerful martial arts tool. It is the most frequently used kick in Taekwondo, as well as other martial arts styles, and is very versatile. Whether you are a beginning martial artist or you have several years of experience under your belt, this article will show you how to practice and perfect your round kick.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Martial arts uniform or loose fitting clothing
• Non-slip floor to practice on
• Chair or other object to help with balance, if needed

1. Stand with your left foot about 2 feet in front of the right, knees slightly bent.
2. To place your hands in the fighting position, hold both fists up at about chin height. Your left arm should be over your left leg, and your right arm should be in front of your chest.
3. As you bring your right leg (back leg) forward with the knee bent and heel against the back of the thigh, pivot 180 degrees counterclockwise on the ball of your left foot (standing foot) so that your toes are facing the direction opposite your kick. This pivoting allows you to rotate your hips more, therefore producing a more powerful and effective kick.
4. Make sure the toes of your right foot (kicking foot) are either flexed or pointed, depending on the purpose or target of your kick.
5. Swing your lower leg from the knee to hit your target. The top of your foot should be perpendicular with the floor as you throw the kick, and you should hit the target either with the top of your foot or the ball of your foot.
6. Once you have fully extended the kick, do not just drop your leg. Pull your foot back by bending the knee so your heel is against the back of your thigh. Your body should still be pivoted at 180 degrees from the starting position.
7. Pivot 180 degrees clockwise on the ball of your left foot, placing the right foot on the ground in the same place it started from. You should be back in the starting position described in steps 1 and 2.

Tips & Warnings

• Before you start your kick, choose a target or point on the wall in front of you and keep your eyes on that point throughout the kick. Beginners or those less flexible should start out aiming at a target above the knees and below the chest. Once your skill or flexibility improves, you can start aiming at targets that are face-level.
• As you practice, focus on keeping your hands up to protect your face.
• If you need to use a chair or other object to help you keep your balance while practicing this technique, feel free to do so.
• This article should only be used to help you practice a technique already learned from a certified instructor. Please do not try to do martial arts or use this technique unless under the guidance of a certified martial arts instructor.
• Always warm up and stretch before attempting to perform any martial arts technique in order to prevent injury.