How to Do a Taekwondo Front Kick

Developed in Korea, Taekwondo has become popular around the world. Kicking is essential in the practice of this dynamic martial art. The front kick is the most basic kick in Taekwondo.

Things You'll Need

• loose comfortable clothing

Instructions

1. Start out in a fighting stance. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Step forward on one leg. Bend the knee of your front leg slightly and hold your fists up to guard your face. This is your fighting stance.

2. You will kick with your back leg. Shift your weight onto your front foot and bring your back knee up to waist height or higher.

3. Straighten your knee extending your foot forward to kick in a quick snapping motion.

4. Bend your knee again retracting the kick.

5. Return your kicking leg to its original position behind you.

6. Resume your fighting stance.

Tips & Warnings

• You want to kick with the ball of your foot to avoid injury to your toes. Practice pointing your foot down while drawing the toes up. When you kick imagine the ball of your foot making contact with your target. At first, this foot position will seem unnatural but with practice it will become second nature.

• Stretch before your attempt a front kick to avoid muscle injury.