This page teaches you how to do a Taekwondo axe kick. An axe kick is an effective
Taekwondo kick because it can knock out an opponent or break
their shoulder. To learn other kicking techniques, please visit
our Taekwondo kicks
page.
from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
The axe kick is one of the signature techniques of Taekwondo and can be spectacular when executed properly. This kick is also a great stretching exercise.
Steps
Start in a comfortable guarding stance or walking stance.
Find your target. In reality youre aiming for your opponents face primarily the nose. You can also aim for the neck-shoulder area.
Bring your knee up to your chest level. Bringing your knee up will make this kick get up to the desired height faster. If you keep your leg straight the whole time it makes this kick a lot harder to do when your opponent is close. Seeing how this kick is more of a close-range kick, you wouldn't want to be too far away from your opponent.
When you reach the top of your kick pull it down upon the target as hard as you can. Move the whole leg, keeping the knee slightly bent.
Keep your foot slightly pointed and make contact with the heel. You can also use the ball of the foot for a faster but less powerful strike.
Step down into a Guarding stance.
Tips
Always stretch before doing any kicks. This will lower the risk of injuring yourself.
Dont lift the heel of your standing foot when you kick.
When you kick, kick through your guard. Move your arms out to the sides so your leg can come between them, this will keep you from turning side on.
Always aim through the target dont just stop when you hit it.
If youre trying to break with this kick use the heel of the foot not the ball
If you will be striking an object with this kick be sure to keep your knee slightly bent. Not doing so can result in severe injury.
This kick may also be performed with a straight leg, but while sparring, it is easier to flick your leg up.
Imagine your leg is really light. This helps when sparring with any kick.
Warnings
Only perform this kick if you have been shown it by qualified instructor.
Don't over stretch when you kick, you'll pull your hamstring.
Don't try to break wood or anything else with this kick without having an instructor to guide you.
Don't attempt to hit anyone with this kick unless it is in a controlled sparring environment, as it is slower and less powerful than other techniques.
Don't come down too hard and hit your heel on the floor.
