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Step 1
Notice how your opponent is standing. The Hapkido low knee kick attacks the opponent's front leg. The main reason for this is because it is closer to you. The kick works best when the opponent has his weight primarily on his front leg. Observe how your opponent fights. If he fights off his back leg, wait for him to shift his weight forward. This is often done when he is about to throw a roundhouse kick from his back leg. The instant he shifts his weight to his front leg, spring the Hapkido low knee kick.
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Step 2
Gauge your distance from you opponent's front leg. The Hapkido low knee kick has a relatively short range. You need to be somewhat close for it to be effective. Decrease the distance with a slide forward just as the opponent shifts his weight to his front leg. Be within range before throwing the Hapkido low knee kick.
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Step 3
Stand in a fighting stance. Your feet should be shoulder width apart with one foot a step ahead of the other. Push off your rear leg and slide forward. As you are sliding, raise your rear knee into the air at a 45-degree angle to the knee you are attacking. Land your front foot just to the outside of the knee you are attacking. This feels like a hopping motion.
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Step 4
Shift your weight to your forward leg and cock your kicking leg up for the attack. Lean backward slightly and position your toes so that they are at about a 90-degree angle to the knee you are attacking. This forces your kicking leg to remain slightly sideways to the target.
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Step 5
Stomp down on your opponent's knee. This is a stepping motion like you are squashing a bug. Use the full force of your leg, back lean and momentum. Since your opponent has his weight on his front knee, he will be planted to the ground. His knee absorbs the entire impact. Aim directly for the knee cap and strike with the bottom of your instep. Since your foot is sideways to the knee, it provides the widest possible surface area for your kick. This reduces the chances of missing.
