How to Perform A Spinning Wheel Kick In Soo Bahk Do

Soo Bahk Do is a martial art combining Korean and Chinese combat styles. The defensive and close-quarters techniques are recognizable as being principally Chinese in fluid and circular movement of the hands and apparent economy of energy. Blocks and grapples are conducted using as little of the martial artist’s energy or stamina as possible. This gives him/her the opportunity to rest while defending him/herself until he/she is ready to go on the offensive. One point on Soo Bahk Do defense that varies from the traditional Chinese style is the origin of the blocks and grapples. In Chinese Kung Fu these moves often begin with a twist at the waist to build up strength. Soo Bahk Do takes this a step further by starting these techniques at the feet. A block will often begin with a twisting of the feet, which generates potential energy and accumulates as each muscles group in turn is used to then project all that stored power into the hands to block an incoming strike. Soo Bahk Do takes its offensive strikes from a style of combat that was the precursor to Korean Tae Kwon Do. These are easily identified because of the high number of flying and spinning kicks. While difficult to execute, these kicks are incredibly effective thanks to the build up of kinetic energy created by the martial artist when he/she spins. When the martial artist hits an opponent with such a kick, this kinetic energy is further amplified as the energy is forced to transfer via a very small area of contact, i.e. the martial artist’s heel or metatarsal. A great example of a direct and powerful strike is the Spinning Wheel Kick, the instructions for which are provided in this guide.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Practice Room
• Sparring Partner

Performing A Spinning Wheel Kick

1. Begin by facing your opponent squarely no more than three feet away, as if you were in a boxing match. Keep your fists up to cover your upper chest; your right foot should be in the rear and your left at the fore.
2. Take a hop in place, twisting clockwise. When you land your left shoulder should be facing your opponent. This is meant to get your feet in position to help you perform a full spin. As you come to the ground keep your feet no more than one foot apart and bend deeply at the knees.
3. Push off the floor as hard as you can while twisting clockwise. Swing at the waist and use your arms to help generate more momentum to pull yourself around.
4. Stick your right leg out forward and sweep it in an arc to your right as the spin brings you in range. Raise your toes to help stick out your heel and brace it, keep you knee locked straight too. This is the principal difference between a Wheel Kick and a Hook Kick, a Hook Kick would have your knee partially bent and be used to drag your opponent around and to the ground. Consequently you would also have to start the kick a little closer to your opponent as well. The purpose of a Wheel Kick is to simply hit the opponent as hard as possible, there’s not really any strategy involved.
5. Swing your leg past your opponent and to your right after impacting with his/her head or upper chest. You should land on your left foot immediately after landing the kick and swing your right leg down to take its place at the rear of your finishing stance, which should be no different than when you started.

Tips & Warnings

• These instructions are written for right hand/foot dominant persons, if you are left hand/foot dominant than reverse the left and right when attempting this technique.